Pekiti-Tirsia Kali sport in the country of the Philippines is a very unique and fun sport. The Philippines is a country rich in culture, including their food, clothing, and sports. There is a unique traditional sport known worldwide as “Pekiti-Tirsia Kali.” Pekiti-Tirsia Kali is a Filipino martial art that has the characteristics of ancient fighting methods but has been refurbished by the Filipino people. Pekiti-Tirsia Kali combines elements of martial arts from the east and the west. It was started in 1987 by the Tortal family in Panay province.

Pekiti-Tirsia Kali was passed down from generation to generation in the Tortal family to the Grand Tuhon Tortal Leo T Gaje Jr., who was the grandson of the Great Grand Tuhon Conrado B. Tortal (the heir of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali system). The Great Grand Tuhon developed the martial art by way of testing, strategy research, and practicing the duel technique with other systems, resulting in a deadly way of fighting.

Pekiti-Tirsia Kali is a fighting style that focuses on the movement of a knife or sword, which is the primary weapon, but ordinary equipment could also be used as a deadly weapon. It is used by the military elite of the Philippines. Every movement of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali symbolizes the moon’s orbit and the planets, with 3 philosophical role models, namely:

1. Life, not death

Everyone’s life is precious. So we must not kill others, except for in self-defense.

2. Health, not pain

If a person wants to protect his family, tribe or even nation he must first maintain his health. Good physical, intellectual and spiritual health makes a soldier survive and win in      combat.

3.  Success, not failure

It is important to have a “never give up” mindset when trying to achieve a goal. This not only makes a person a winner in battle, but also gives that person authority.

The movement principles in Pekiti-Tirsia Kali of the feet and body are balanced with weapons. Several techniques are taught in Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, including Single Stick (sword); Double Stick (two swords); Single Knife; Double Knives; Espada y Daga (long knife and a regular knife); Sibat (lance); Dumpag and Dumog (grappling and empty-handed techniques)

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