Pekiti-Tirsia Kali
Pekiti-Tirsia kali is the core martial art taught in most classes at maelstrom Martial Arts. Instruction is offered by guros Loki Jörgenson, Edwin Tam and Nathalie Prevost.
Kali in general includes twelve different areas of application:
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solo baston (single stick)
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double baston (double stick)
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daga (knife)
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espada y daga (knife and stick)
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mano a mano (empty hand)
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sikaran (kicking)
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sibat (staff)
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dumog (grappling)
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panyo (and other flexible weapons)
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projectile weapons
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meditation
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hilot (healing)
Instructional emphasis is on the first five weapons applications with some dumog, sikaran and panyo as time permits. As Pekiti-Tirsia is a close range combat system, corto (short) range is emphasized, with medio and largo ranges and transitions between all three included.
The Pekiti-Tirsia system of kali is an infighting combat system. Its name is roughly translated as to cut into small pieces, up close. It is primarily concerned with close quarters combat and employs the traditional full-length stick, typically 30 inches in length or more. It was founded by Conrado B. Tortal from the Negros Occidental of the Visayan region. Today its tradition survives in the many students of the system, headed by grand tuhon Leo T. Gaje, jr. of Bacolod City. President of the Pekiti-Tirsia International system is tuhon William McGrath of New York. The senior Canadian representative is Mandala Tuhon Philip Gelinas of Montreal.
The Pekiti-Tirsia system is based on the the Doce Methodos. These
are the 12 methods or subsystems of the Pekiti-Tirsia system. Each
is a distinct grouping of techniques and related application methods
which represent the core principle of that subsytem.
A condensed form of 64 movements called the 64 Attacks illustrates many of those subsystems. They include abcederio, quartos cantos, dakup y punyo, etc. Most stick styles possess an 8 or 12 attack form but none other has such an extended form. Grand tuhon Gaje developed this form as a learning aid, allowing beginners to access some measure of the otherwise overwhelming body of knowledge.
In addition, the footwork of Pekiti-Tirsia distinguishes it from other styles. At close range (or corto), the posture is similar to a cat stance with most movements executed from a coiled position, the body loaded to generate power from the abdomen instead of purely from the arms or shoulders. In corto, there is neither the time nor the space to wind up for strikes so the body delivers the critical reaction and power advantage.
The system itself can be described in terms of its structure and the relationships between the components.
See the Pekiti-Tirsia Global site for more details.