Memoirs of a Warrior

2012 Pekiti-Tirsia Beyond Borders

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:20:00 +0000

The year 2011 has a lot of breakthroughs and fun memories for PTK Sandatahan. Closing the year with the Street Survival Seminar held in Dubai, UAE last 4th to 5th November, we still have a lot more to look forward to for the year of the dragon, 2012.

Pekiti-Tirsia Kali Street Survival Seminar Day 1 - 04 Nov 2011

7 January - Training with Tuhon Uli Weidle
14 January - Beyond Borders seminar with Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr.
4th February - Training with Mandala Jasper De Ocampo
4th to 8th February - Bacolod Training Camp
18th February - Kerambit training with Agalon Ritch Soriano
25th February and 3rd March - Duelist Workshop II
15th to 18th March - 2nd PTK Asia Pacific Convention

These are just among the first line up of events for this year.

For the first half, we would like to develop fit and able fighters with no reservations for the PTKS Stickfighters Olympiads. Recruitment is ongoing and to be part of this group means to devote oneself in training every hour of everyday. The rewards are great and plenty for everyone provided we sweat in training now so that we would not bleed in battle later.

PTK Beyond Borders seminar with Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr. - 14 January 2012

Pekiti-Tirsia Kali seminar with Tuhon Rommel Tortal

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:20:00 +0000

Strike, parry, twist, break. This was the gist of the 3 hour seminar we had with Tuhon Rommel Tortal last Saturday which focused on PTK's signature empty hands Dumpag and knife drills.

The seminar started out with some light stretching, followed by some simple empty hands drills which is a staple for all empty handed entries. We went immediately to limb destruction incorporating knuckle and elbow breaks with holds and parries. Outside and inside entries followed next with standup to ground applications and techniques. There was some concentration on ground movement which rivals those found in ground based arts like Brazilian Jiujitsu. Counters to different entries were also discussed.

Even with the participants quite weary from rolling, breaking and twisting like pretzels, it did not end there. We only had a few minutes to grab some water and take a breather until it was back again to business. The seminar was not complete without devoting the final hour to knife drills for hammer grip. It was a little bit to take for the newbie participants since it was the first time they experienced the ground work of Pekiti-Tirsia from Tuhon Mel. Fun, pleasure and pain all at the same time. This month has truly been a busy month for Pekiti-Tirsia Kali worldwide. Expect more in the coming days. More events, all action. Come to where the flavor is!

Contemplations from the Duelist Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:39:00 +0000

Moro duel dance

The Duelist Workshop whose aim was to celebrate our brave Filipino ancestors who engaged in duels to settle disputes has just concluded last night. The 8 hour workshop which was split into 4 days final session concentrated on several footwork drills for mobility in bladed weapon combat. This also aimed to enhance one's ability in edged or impact weapon applications in preparation for one on one duelling. At least 8 2 minute rounds of sparring was completed throughout the entire workshop.

Conditioning

We believe that without a properly conditioned body, one may be effective in skill but may not last long enough under constant pressure. Longevity against multiple opponents or duels that last for several minutes were taken into consideration in conditioning.

Maneuvering and Mobility

The exercises and drills were not only limited to the trademark Pekiti-Tirsia triangular footwork but also touched on the conventional way of linear and circular movement.

Beats, Tempo, Timing

Whole, half, 1/3, and quarter beats were practised in strike and entry applications. Hand movements were combined with different footwork expressions to be familiar with variations in execution. The idea was for one to get comfortable with expressing oneself with multiple combination striking and not be so dependent with delivering only one powerful shot.

Speed and Accuracy

Principles of speed and accuracy were stressed all throughout the workshop. Skill building in terms of execution and finishing the fight as soon as possible (First Fatal Strike) were the main focus as opposed to power strikes which can only be advantageous to larger opponents.

Strategy and Tactics

Engaging, disengaging, cornering and baiting one's opponent were explored and practised throughout the workshop and greatly applied in all the drills and sparring sessions. The idea was to practise the strategies during the drills first and then applied later on in sparring under real-time pressure. One needed to understand that one needs to have variations by not being too predictable in a fight otherwise one's own strategies may be turned against him. One was also expected to read the opponent like a book.

Range, Entering, Evading

Principles of range were kept in check through various trademark Pekiti-Tirsia footworks. One is advised to get in and get out while constantly moving the weapon so as not to be caught by the opponent.

Stick Grappling

Combat is not limited to only weapon fighting. If two starts out with weapons, none, either one or both may end up without having a weapon. Upon entry, takedowns and grappling may come in. These realities were also touched during the workshop. One cannot rule out the possibility of grappling and striking in medium to close range since the empty hand is also considered a very dangerous weapon.

Sparring from day 2 of the Duelist Workshop

More to come

Pekiti-Tirsia Kali Sandatahan will continue to conduct Duelist Workshops in the future which will serve as a regular training fight regimen for members of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali Sandatahan to promote and propagate the true nature of fighting for regular civilians as the need arises. Stay glued for further updates.

One of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali Sandatahan's goal is to be the premiere group to produce the best fighters in Kali/Combat sports in the world. Soon, we will be inviting like minded individuals from all martial arts disciplines from all walks of life to test their skills. No egos, no prizes, no trophies. Just pure camaraderie and learning done in good light for the love of Kali.

Aside from this, expect more future training sessions to include scenario based sparring with exposure to different elements, low light, off-hand, different terrains and volume (one against many, many against one, team tactics). Scenario based sparring sessions will also incorporate various impact weapons for testing. If you have it, we'll test it here.

Duelist Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:37:00 +0000

Every Wednesday evening starting September 21 until October 12 at 6 to 8 PM, we will be conducting a 4 day Duelist workshop. This is to celebrate our brave Filipino ancestors who have engaged in duels to settle disputes for personal, familial or with a national purpose. We have just purchased new sparring gear and would like to try them out. The workshop would concentrate on technical duelling with development on speed, timing, accuracy and precision. The practitioner is encouraged to apply strategy and tactics as opposed to strength and power to develop quick mindedness in fights.

Training will cover but not be limited to:

Conditioning
Drills
- Speed Development
- Maneuvering and Mobility
Strategy and Tactics
- Stick adaptation
- Blade adaptation
Sparring

RECOMMENDED GEAR LIST:
2 light rattan sticks
2 heavy sticks or pipe
2 padded sticks
2 training knives
headgear (wekaf or fencing mask)
gloves (hockey or any padded gloves)

LOCATION:
Philippine Gymnastics & Athletics Academy - Bldg #8b, La Fuerza Compound, Alabang-Zapote Road, Las Piñas, Philippines

History Repeats Itself

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:48:00 +0000

The first Filipino badass, Datu Lapu-Lapu

Everyone wants to be a badass. I just watched a video wherein one instructor was criticizing some Filipino Martial Art saying not to worry about techniques that worked 400 years ago in the Philippines and worry about what works today in the railroad station. They were even making fun about students making a fuss on the continuity and flow of movements. And what are the "better" techniques they would like to show? I watched more. I saw pushing, slapping and more pushing. I say go to any place in the Philippines and apply that and you will find yourself at the receiving end of the blade. After reading this, to some, the Philippines appears to be such a deranged country, but in reality it is quite the opposite. It just so happened that people here are a bit more passionate in everything they do especially when it comes to love and war.

It is easy to say to not worry about techniques that worked before. How many ways is there to inflict damage on another? Even on the physical sense, just like a triangle, there are three: strikes, submissions and weapons. Little do they know, that history repeats itself. People are programmable beings and rarely diverse from tradition and comfort zones. Just take a look at music, fashion trends, and news. What do they want us to forget, how someone could chop your head off in a single swing? Or how your hand can fly if you try to block a machete? Or maybe how your belly can be punctured like a pig's if you constantly push and shove your attacker to a corner? Okay, I won't worry about my next move but just stand and wait for what my opponent gives me. What does that spell? Defense. In a sport fight, you can apply defense why not. Attack and defend and wait what your opponent gives you. But in street survival, once a threat is seen, you should already be able to assess and execute freely your available options. Hitting your assailant only provokes him from doing you more harm. No need to reinvent the wheel for it has already been invented. Simply improve and make it better. Those that do reinvent or try to may just discover a square wheel and end up right where they started.

The Manila Pitbulls circa 2003 teaching at the Balikatan Exercises together with
Kuya Doug Marcaida, Guro Jun De Leon, Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje and Tuhon Rommel Tortal

People should learn history. As the saying goes, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Be very careful about what martial arts or systems you learn for the purpose of survival. Some people may be teaching you to die faster without you knowing it.

Getting back on the horse

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:12:00 +0000

Everyone of us experience downtime, time of inactivity, a loss or defeat, sickness, injury. Though we believe in good health and not in sickness, there are times when we do not control the elements. In training, when you push yourself too much, you reach a point where you eventually breakdown. How do you get back from a slump? How do you get back that drive and be motivated enough to get back on the same stupid horse from which you just fell from?

Here are some simple tips for the everyday Joe:

1) Get proper nutrition
Doing this doesn't require eating gourmet meals with expensive ingredients all the time. Your food may be simple, may not taste great, but very good for your body. Our forefathers just picked fruits and vegetables from trees and on the ground, washed them and shoved them in their mouths to survive. They sometimes even ate animals which were not fully cooked. Just like fighting, you need to get down and dirty sometimes.

2) Get enough sleep
Your body should be able to recuperate well in order for it to be loaded with heavy work again. Without the proper rest, even if you are that skilled, you would not be able to reach your full potential. Rest builds strength more than working out. It is when you rest that you get stronger.

3) Meditate
Think about how you got into your slump in the first place. What events triggered this. Reflect on it, set it aside, and put it away. It is day 1 again and you will be building a new you. The sun is up, the birds are chirping, time for some action!

4) Leave your ego at the door
You maybe good before, but what good is having a full cup and still wanting to be served more? You might not be as good as you once were. There will always be someone better, stronger, faster, more good looking and who has a better personality than you. Accept it. You are doing these things for a higher purpose.

5) Find your motivation
It can be a bully in school, a rumor monger, an annoying coworker, the government, a thorn on your side, or just simply food stuck between your teeth. Find a way to get mad and channel your energy towards training.

6) Train slowly but surely
During your first few days of getting back, your movements should not be executed fast at once. Your body is still recovering from being sedentary and may not respond like it used to. Start slow, get the proper form into movement. Execute it once then repeat it. Keep repeating until the movement is memorized by your body. Once you nail the form down, add a little speed. Execute it with proper precision and accuracy. Repeat til you get tired. Add a little power. Power follows speed. A bullet maybe small but with speed, it is powerful. Repeat until tired.

7) Get a training partner
Training by yourself can be boring at times. You have to be extra crazy to be training by yourself for a long time without having a third eye checking your movements. Training with a partner enhances your sensitivity and trains your timing in execution. You can get a lot of useful feedback from a knowledgeable training partner.

8) Train with intent
Going through the motions may be fun, but if it is not purposeful, you are just wasting time. Visualize. You need a very vivid imagination especially if you are training by yourself. What good is a movement or routine if you keep going at it at 50% all the time. Come crunch time, you might still deliver it at 50%. Train like you fight and fight like you train. Enough of the fancy work, kill the enemy already!

We all forget about the basics all the time: we need to have them repeated to us our entire lives. These are just a few sure fire tips that I have and still put into practice. I hope these have helped you too. If you’ve been away for a while and are intimidated about coming back in, do it anyway. Do it today even if you get frustrated at yourself for not doing it correctly. Do it anyway. Get yourself back in the game. Think about the saying, “The slowest person in class is still lapping everyone who’s home on the couch.” Now get out and hit that tire!

Where Were You?

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:49:00 +0000

After over a year long hiatus, the writing bug has bit me again. So let me bore you with my thoughts while you sip a cup of coffee.

It has been ages since I've posted on this blog and at times it seems that life has taken over. The last 20 months since I've moved back to Philippines has been truly colorful and interesting bustling with numerous events and challenges. People come and go, some remain, but everyone fights the good fight. This year of 2011, we were able to successfully host several events under PTK Sandatahan which is the group I have formed since moving back in January 2010.

January - Kali Clinic: Baptism of Fire

This 3-day clinic focused on the following activities:

Body conditioning
Mental conditioning
Maneuvering and Mobility
Strategising
Drills
Sparring

This occurred every Sunday of January 2011 which served as a supplementary training to the regular Tuesday and Thursday group classes.

Trainer: Agalon Ritch Soriano

Psalms 144:1 [Of David] Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle

January - Kasangga Mo Ang Langit TV feature

Aired on January 22, 2011 @ IBC TV 13 5:30 PM. Kasangga Mo Ang Langit featured the "Baptism of Fire" training event conducted by Pekiti-Tirsia Kali Sandatahan at the Sunken Garden, New Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa City, Philippines.

The weekly TV documentary is hosted by father and son tandem Rey and JR Langit.

April - A Close-Quarter Affair To Remember with Tuhon Rommel Tortal

A Pekiti-Tirsia Kali Sandatahan seminar with Tuhon Rommel Tortal

Coverage was: Knife counters, Stick grappling and Dumpag

With this seminar, one expected to:

Develop skills and instinctive reaction to close quarter combat
Learn to how to grapple with or without a weapon in a combative mindset
Confidently maneuver in and out of edged and impact weapons

Trainer: Tuhon Rommel Tortal

July - Wood and Steel 7/11: Pekiti-Tirsia Kali Philippines Cross Training event

The long awaited second part of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali Philippines Cross Training.

A cross training between PTK clubs in Metro Manila which was hosted by the Pekiti-Tirsia Sandatahan group under Agalon Ritch Soriano.

Trainers: Mandala Jasper De Ocampo, Mandala Mikey Alcaraz, Mandala Eric Laulagnet, Agalon Ritch Soriano, Agalon Buddy Acenas

October - Pekiti-Tirsia Kali Street Survival Seminar in Dubai, UAE

To be hosted by Pekiti-Tirsia Kali UAE Dubai Sicas Famosus. The event which is long overdue is finally here! The seminar objective is to equip regular civilians and young professionals self-preservation skills to use during crisis situations.

I was maybe out of this blog, but I was surely there during these events. Where were you?

Warrior's Camp July 2010: Essentials of the Urban Warrior

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 07:15:00 +0000

Over the course of our daily lives, we have been constant witnesses to various street crimes. Men, women and children have been robbed, raped or even murdered on a daily basis due to lack of street awareness.

On July 24-25, 2010, Pekiti-Tirsia Kali Sandatahan will offer a dynamic, two day street survival training camp in Earth Heaven, San Mateo, Rizal entitled, "Warrior's Camp: Essentials of the Urban Warrior" which aims to equip the everyday civilian and young professional the necessary skills they could use when presented a crisis situation.

With this training camp, one should expect to:
- Develop the values, inner strength & winning mind-set you need to keep yourself motivated, effective and safe on the street.
- Gain valuable insight into new less-lethal options available to you.
- Learn to use crisis rehearsal and mental preparation strategies to prepare yourself for virtually any situation you may face
- Prepare yourself and your family to take immediate, potentially life-saving action during an unexpected encounter.
- Gain the mental edge you need to survive and WIN.

The True Nature of Fighting

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:01:00 +0000

The true nature of fighting involves weapons. From time immemorial, wars were fought and won by men with the use of weapons. Kingdoms fell, countries torn, and nations emerged through the use of these tools for war. From pre-historic times, medieval times up until modern times, everything that man fought for involved some sort of an archetypal contraption for which would make his work easier tenfold.

Filipino indigenous warriors of the northern tribes

Why use weapons when hands and feet will do? Will a human use his bare hands against a 7-foot bear with sharp claws? Doesn't a hunter use a spear and a blade when he wanted to slay a lion roaming around his small town? Hands and feet just takes forever to finish the job especially when hundreds of armies fought in a great open battlefield. And up against someone who has a blade, depending only on your hands and feet already puts you at a disadvantage.

In times of peace, hand-to-hand competitions were organized to keep soldiers and men of battle to sharpen their skills and keep them on their toes. Thus, many sportive events even up to this day mirror these martial competitions. The sad thing is through time, many are disillusioned that these events are the end-all and be-all of fighting. To the public eye, these tests of pugilism and wrestling produce the ultimate fighters who cannot be conquered. Empty handed arts are only one aspect. Many have forgotten the true meaning of fighting.

Modern martial arts competitions may give you a false sense of security

In modern civilian times, people have waged war against the criminal elements prowling the streets in search for their next victim or source of sustenance. People have resorted to tazer guns and pepper sprays because bringing a knife is illegal in many parts of the globe. These thugs and gangs are aware of these tools as well. And they would do everything it takes to avoid falling victims when they supposedly are the aggressors.

Filipino prison gangs, a menace to society

In Pekiti-Tirsia, we believe in life not in death. If someone endangers someone’s life, it is our duty to protect that life. Endangering someone’s life breeds disrespect. If someone harms your life, he already disrespects you as a person and as a living individual. Desperate times call for desperate measures. In a situation where your life is threatened, it is only normal to get desperate and fight for your life. You cannot always ensure to protect your attackers' life if this happens. Your primary objective is to survive no matter what the cost. In an instance where weapons are concerned there are only three outcomes: (1) you die, (2) he dies, (3) either of you dies or survives.

Pekiti-Tirsia Kali is not a martial art, it is a complete fighting system. We don't teach you martial arts, we save lives.

The Rules of Engagement

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 06:19:00 +0000

The Philippine marines are definitely familiar with the rules of engagement.

Whenever people ask me how one should approach someone who is trying to rob you in the street, my answer is always the same. There are no rules. Unlike any legally sanctioned fight, a street attack should be approached open-mindedly with no mental reservations. No matter how hard you train in the gym or in your martial arts class, you will never apply the skills that you've learned if you do not have the proper mental attitude. There were some incidents in the past wherein some notable personalities in the martial arts world was not able to apply the techniques they have acquired from years of practice given a street situation. A muay thai fighter got stabbed after doing some shopping in a dodgy place of town. An incident involving a famed Filipino Martial Arts instructor getting slashed in the arm when he was out with his girlfriend one time even after giving away his money. All of these are professional fighters and teachers. But why have they froze during an altercation with a street element who had no martial arts training whatsoever? Why did the muay thai fighter not apply his ill-famed roundhouse kick? Why did the FMA instructor not apply his numerous disarming techniques and stick skills that he demonstrates over and over again? Have you ever asked what the difference was between the street thug and these professional fighters? It is clear and evident that it is the will to survive! Street thugs always have the proper mental attitude when they're out to rob you. They are out there starving and/or living a difficult life. The minute they try to rob an innocent civilian, they would be always convicted in whatever sort of action they resort doing. When someone threatens you with an icepick to your neck, you know they would really plunge the blade to your skin (if they haven't yet) if they do not get what they want. To a junkie's line of reasoning, he would do anything and everything to get that next fix. He has no morals. All the people that he knows, family and friends go out the window once he gets the urge to get high.

Just like in a cage match, when someone asks for your money with a knife, do you tell him wait, hold on, let me take out my knife as well so the fight would be fair, or wait, let me change to my gi first or let me take off my shirt and change to my board shorts before I fight you. In some technique oriented schools probably they even think of the different angles that his attacker may possibly make. So out of the 5 angles of attack that he already knows, once the angle does not fall in one of those 5, he is already dead. Ironic isn't it? Funny even how some people, after being presented with blood, sweat and tears training, still go back to their comfort zone form number 75 and forego any skill he has learned from you. They would rather spend hours and hours of useless movement and exercises when all they have to do is train wisely. You can learn all the techniques you like, but when someone makes an attempt at your life, will you make it look as simple as if you were just coming out of ballet class?

I would rather watch her than do a horse stance for 2 hours.

After all those years of studying different katas, becoming a black belt, shouting "kiai" or "aye" once you strike the final blow and yet you still cannot apply any of these given a real life situation, in my opinion you should stab your instructor for giving you a false sense of security or maybe just to see if his blood is red. Or maybe your instructor will do the same and freeze when presented with a blade. You maybe able to run a marathon without breaking a sweat, do a full side split and still smile or properly do all these magnificent chokes and holds with your eyes closed, but if you do not have the proper mental attitude and discipline, all of these are useless.

So what are the rules of engagement again?

None.

Would you be the next victim?

The Illusion of Disarming

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:33:00 +0000

From my experience, bladed weapon disarming is something like wishful thinking. One could only disarm a bladed weapon from an opponent given three situations: (1) you posses good skill while your opponent is a beginner in fighting with bladed weapons
not familiar with handling bladed weapons; (2) the attack is telegraphed and travelling at a tremendously slow velocity; (3) you already got hit before you have performed a disarming move on your opponent. If one of these three things is not true, then I'm sorry to say that either you would lose a limb, get severely wounded, or die in battle.

People who say that as civilians, you should fight to disarm, is I think disillusioned from watching too many martial arts flicks or has either already signed your death warrant. Out in the street, against a crazed lunatic who is out to kill you and take everything you have with him, you need not be overly concerned with your assailants' welfare. The important thing is first and foremost, to survive the encounter.

If one is only concerned with disarming a bladed weapon from an assailant when attacked, he would be only fighting at half his maximum potential. An individual would be aiming to control two things here: (1) to get out unscathed and (2) not to severely harm his opponent. As a victim, you have every right to protect your life and the life of those you are protecting.

If someone successfully disarmed an opponent from his weapon, then well and good. But if the opponent is not knocked out yet, you cannot be complacent that he wouldn't still have a go at you. There are many factors to consider in weapon disarming and if one still has not honed his skills to its full potential, he shouldn't be concerned too much about disarming. As a beginner, one is stupid to spend hours and hours of fancy disarming drills and techniques in a martial arts class where the feeder is travelling in slow motion while you, the receiver, on the other hand is barely moving at blinding speed using your best effort. You are wasting your time for something that won't work. Always remember that like any other normal empty-handed attack, a bladed weapon can change direction, strike, lock/trap, and take you down if need be. The myth of bladed weapon disarming seems to be a reality with most Arnis and Eskrima classes all over the world today. If this is your cup of tea, then expect your fingers do the walking when the blade sings its tune.

What is Pekiti-Tirsia Kali?

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:19:00 +0000

Pekiti-Tirsia Kali is a close-quarter, in-fighting combat system from the Philippines against multiple opponents based on the use of the Blade. Pekiti-Tirsia is a system of complete strategies and tactics utilizing all close quarters weaponry, at all ranges, which provide protection from strikes and attacks, destruction of opponent’s weapons, and domination of any combat or self defense situation.

The Pekiti-Tirsia Kali system is an authentic Filipino fighting art formulated and perfected by generations of the Tortal family of Negros and Panay islands. The family patriarch, Grand Tuhon Conrado B. Tortal, passed this system and its attributes onto his only grandson and sole heir, Grand Tuhon Leo Tortal Gaje, Jr.

Today, Pekiti-Tirsia is trained and executed in combat and survival by military operators, law enforcement officers, and citizens across the free world. The strategy, tactics, and techniques of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali are ancient in origin, yet ultra advanced that its fighting values always remain new. Weapon ranges vary from but are not limited to single and double stick/blade, single and double knife, stick and dagger, empty hands, Dumog (combat wrestling), malayu sibat (spear).

Training Mentality

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:13:00 +0000

Why do you train? People train for various reasons. What a few know is that your intention to train dictates your approach to your personal training. There are technique driven individuals, there are fitness driven individuals, there are machismo driven individuals, and there are even money driven individuals, showy types, passionate types, and so on... a combination of all or some.

There is also a big difference between training with a sports mentality and a combative mentality. It's all in the intent. Training with a sports mentality should only be a start and not the end. Winning should not hinder your growth but serve as a challenge to oneself. Conquering the arena of life is what everyone should strive for. Obtaining trophies, medals and awards does not give you a bulletproof vest out in the real world. These merits are even sometimes seen as a bullseye by your competitors. It pays to be top dog yes, but it also comes with responsibility. Winning at competitions or tournaments should only enhance your ability and not a limiting factor. Complacency is a mortal sin. Anyone can brag about obtaining certificates and belts from different arts but it does not automatically make you a good fighter. It only shows you are a good businessman since you've invested in knowledge where you may earn money from in the future.

In the end, no matter how much martial arts training you have done, it does not mean your life is already insured. But it's always better to be equipped in case the need arises.

Train with a good purpose. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

PTK Dubai Sicas Famosus Class Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:37:00 +0000

Venue: The World Black Belts Center
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road (behind the House of Cars showroom), Dubai, UAE
Timings: Monday 8:30 PM to 10 PM, Saturday 8:30 PM to 10 PM

Venue: Al Safa Park (inside Gate 2)
Address: Al Wasl Road, Jumeira 2, Dubai, UAE
Timings: Sunday 6 PM to 10 PM, Wednesday 8 PM to 10 PM

In The Midst Of Adversity

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:18:00 +0000

The opening of the year 2009 welcomes us with new challenges.

Possible threats linger in every corner, dark or light. The need for haste and vigilance is upon us. In the midst of the global crisis, people will be more aggressive. More people will be killed, more situations will be taken advantaged of, and more families will be torn apart due to this catastrophy. No one will be spared, not the old, not the women, not the children. The vultures will come down from its perch, the chameleon will shed its true colors.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Too late to worry about yesterday, too soon to worry about tomorrow, no better time to act than now. As protectors of the weak and guardians of the peace, we will act in defiance of the current trends. We will state our own terms and dictate the course of action. Throughout history, it is not these over zealous politicians or scholarly statesmen that dictate the pace of the world, but it is the man with the weapon. If steel has gone through fire and brimstone to perform in its utmost ability, shouldn't its wielder do the same?

Pekiti-Tirsia Kali evolves through time and adapts itself to its environment while still staying true to its core discipline and underlying principles.

Expect more hard training, blood, sweat and tears all together.

This is our mission. This is our destiny.

Counter-Offensive Moves, Strategy and Tactics

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:54:00 +0000

Many ask about the difference between Defense and Counter Attack. In Pekiti-Tirsia, we practice counter attacking procedures rather than defense. In the war game, attacking is the only way of having a good surviving chance to come out unscathed. Having the mentality of defense or self-defense already puts the person in a disadvantageous position. If that person is attacked, there is no objective whatsoever in fighting back within a defensive mentality. Controlling the aggressor is more of the primary objective. However, most of the time, the aggressor cannot be controlled. If the attack is well-planned, the defensive party would have a hard time controlling the attacker. Your training dictates to you the kind of mentality and attitude one practices when faced with conflict. The way you train is the way you fight and vice versa. If someone trains purely defense, then you will be expending a lot of energy nullifying the attacks if it can be nullified in the first place. In my opinion, running is the best defense although most of the time, running cannot be the best solution either. When placed in an isolated area, it doesn't matter whether you run or not. Your attacker/s can still catch up to you. In our system, we do not practice defense. We practice offense and counter-offense. With these procedures laid out, there is a good chance that you will survive not only an attack but an onslaught.

Our training regimen is no different from an athlete training for a fight. The more you bleed in training, the less you bleed in battle. We believe that if you train this way, you put yourself in a warrior's mentality that you have to win and survive at all costs. If you were a serious martial artist, you shouldn't be wasting your time on defense, making flashy moves or looking good to a public viewer. One should not overly concern himself about looking good in martial arts since the fight game is an ugly business. Blade disarming and stick disarming is simply just wishful thinking. If someone was attacking in slow motion, then a disarm maybe possible. But in reality, if someone was going to whack you with a lead pipe at full force, going for a disarm may only result with you having a destroyed hand or a fractured skull. Disarming techniques are only for movies. It may only work with a child or someone who was completely out of his game. But with a person who even has beginner skill level in impact weapon manipulations, it would be near to impossible to do a disarm. One should not shy away from sparring either. In the civilian world, only through sparring can one test the knowledge they have learned in the arts.

Strategy and Tactics are well-planned maneuvers wherein you are not compromised in battle. In the Filipino Fighting Arts, the way you hold a weapon, the way you chamber the stick, the way your body moves after delivering an attack are simple examples of how tactics are employed. Strategy and tactics are essential most importantly when faced with multiple opponents. Without tactics, one would just be a sitting duck up for target practice. You should always be at an advantageous position to your attacker. Having leverage and first strike always is a healthy practice. If your tactics doesn’t work, it doesn’t mean that it is inefficient. Your strategy and tactics should be flexible enough for it to adapt to the current situation. Strategy and Tactics are studied at an intermediate to advanced level of Pekiti-Tirsia once the basics have been mastered.

Blood, Sweat and Tears

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:44:00 +0000

As civilians, we will never truly know how it is to fight side by side with our fellow comrades for the sake of our country’s freedom for ours is a different battle. Although it is not our solemn duty to take lives of enemy insurgents and terrorists, we should not limit ourselves to passiveness. Civil vigilance should be exercised at all times. In this dire time of global crisis, in the civilian world, we have yet another war to face. Chaos and disorder is in our midst and it is just a matter of time before it personally happens to us. Families are torn apart, lives are destroyed due to drugs and violence, and people have lost touch with their spiritual side. All of us one way or another has dreamed of luxury like our little piece of heaven on earth. Complacency has taken over where vigilance should have been present. Alertness and total concern have been side-tracked because everyone had been busy by either earning an extra buck or spending time thinking of how to spend it. The person’s core values have been lost due to several distractions in this lifetime. Traditionally in the Philippines, each member of the family sits down together to eat dinner and talk about pleasant things. Now, everyone sits in front of the TV or computer while talking on the phone as if no one knew each other. There is even a vast disparity between rich and poor. The rich, treated as kings gets away with everything while treating their poor brethren as slaves. This even happens between family members. Survival has a different meaning in this world we call TODAY. It is still dog eat dog world, but in modern times. Those who are wicked can get away with everything, while the righteous are the ones who are blamed and therefore suffer the consequences. Survival of the fittest doesn’t mean the fittest are righteous.

Discovery Channel's Fight Quest with Doug Anderson training Pekiti-Tirsia

Despite everything that is going on around us, through training, we re-live these traditions that we have forgotten. In Pekiti-Tirsia, although we are not born from the same bloodline, we become family and brothers through hard work, training and dedication. There is enough motivation for us to excel because there is nowhere to go but up. We right the wrong and we throw away the rubbish. Fighting is inherent to Kali warriors because it is the only thing we know. Through war, we achieve victory. We don’t shy away from being aggressive and determined if we know we are righteous. We are humble and proud at the same time. If we are down and beaten, we stand up and spit right back at that person’s face and tell them that they cannot keep a good man down. We cross the bridge and burn everything to the ground and come out victorious. The blood, sweat and tears that we experience, we enjoy, because only by this we know we are truly alive. After hardships, there is success. We don’t take no shortcuts. If someone doesn’t go through hardships, he will not enjoy triumph. For in the end, the righteous will be rewarded and the foolish damned. Only when you take it upon yourself and truly say that you are a warrior who does not give up the fight, you emerge the winner.

Save My Life Before I Die

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:30:00 +0000

I found this while rummaging through some past blogs by Grand Tuhon. It's a prayer composed by Mr. Dino Martinez of the Florida PTK Pitbulls after taking inspiration from a quote from Grand Tuhon.

"Save My Life Before I Die" by Dino Martinez.

Save my life before I die... that I might not perish from this earth a small and meaningless thing, without having touched greatness, without the siren call of destiny to guide me to something greater than myself; that my searching was not in vain but that I, in the end, walked with Titans.

Principles of Range part 2

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:43:00 +0000

Throwing knives

Determining the correct range for one to be safe or to inflict the maximum amount of damage varies for every individual. A person's height is also relative to someone's range. For a short person, the range of 4 feet is already considered long range, but for a tall person, that may be just his medium range. If someone was wielding a weapon, then the range dramatically changes. The length of the weapon is now considered. This doesn't mean that short weapons cannot be limited to short range while long weapons are only limited to long range. Take note that long weapons although effective at a distance, can also inflict maximum damage at close quarters. Imagine a rapier being thrust through your body. In contrast, short weapons may be used as projectiles such as throwing knives and hatchets. These short weapons can penetrate skin and bone depending on the force behind the throw. There are also instances where a long range weapon becomes a projectile weapon if thrown. This even extends the long range weapon to very long range. Just picture the site of a machete, although not being balanced at the center, flying through 20 feet in the air and penetrating a wooden plywood. Even if you slightly miss, it has to do some amount of damage to the target.

A hand-held hatchet

In the field of combat, we do not limit ourselves to blades or empty hands alone. Considering the fact that your enemy is equipped with various weapons should only heighten one's awareness in knowing to operate these weapons. One should also be aware in modern warfare. In the advanced levels of Pekiti-Tirsia, Gunology or knowledge of the gun is introduced.

Various blades being forged

Principles of Range

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:53:00 +0000

When talking about distance in fighting, during close quarters, you are up toe-to-toe against your opponent in close distance. Most of the attacks may be done in flurries through short distances where you may not see exactly what the other person is doing. The attacks are not see entirely because of limited vision. This is more deadly.

Close quarter fighting in Pekiti-Tirsia

Fighting close quarters also exposes the body through a number of bodily weapons. The more you fight closely, the more you are susceptible to your opponent’s weapons.

Whereas, distance fighting enables you to see from a distance what the other person is doing therefore, one can plan his/her attack and/or defense more. What someone should be aware of when fighting at a distance, is that the body is exposed from long range weapons. Examples of these are long swords, spears and staves, projectiles weapons and guns. Although this is true, one can still clear away from these weapons types since you are at a range meaning you have the option to engage or flee the situation at hand.

In Pekiti-Tirsia, it is advised that if you go close quarters, you finish off the opponent in the shortest amount of time. Only 3 seconds is allowed for you to get in, deliver your goods, and then get out. This is with the assumption that you are not only fighting with one armed opponent.

Inch by Inch

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 23:35:00 +0000

The road to be a successful kali man is never easy. You need to invest the time to perfect every move to be at your best. Perfect repetition is one of the key ingredients in training. It is just easy watching videos on the internet and copying them, but without the core foundations and proper guidance from a reputable source, you are just setting yourself up for failure.

Like a child, we are first taught to stand up, then walk, and then run. The first few inches are the most difficult. Even when you are recuperating from injury, the most painful part is getting up, ignoring the pain and putting your mind and do what needs to be done. It is the same thing with Pekiti-Tirsia. There are times when we are lazy to attend training because it is more tempting to indulge and bask in the luxuries that life is offering us. What we do not realize is that the discipline of training puts us in a mindset that our life is not ours and that any time it can be taken away from us. We do our training to prevent this from happening. Prevention is always better than a cure.

PTK Camp Karingal group

It has been apparent to us that the world has given a new meaning to terrorism. The global economy has been affected by these terrorist attacks. Mass carnage and human sacrifice has been the weapons these personalities are using in order to get back at common civilians. If you look at it, it seems like we have gone back to barbaric times when warlords decapitates his victims’ head and places them on stakes to scare off would-be attackers. Most of them have no value for their life as long as they get to do what they believe in. They insist on what they want by creating cults and insurgency among men. They brainwash everyone to think a certain way which they believe is for the greater good, but in the end would only benefit them. Hundreds and thousands of innocent lives have been and are continuing to be claimed each day because the general public are not vigilant.

PTK Dubai Sicas Famosus

We have come in peace with what popular media has been feeding us which is a big mistake. In our belief, it is a sin to be complacent. Only a dead man can say that he cannot do anything with his life because he is 6 feet below the ground. But for most of us, we should be saying otherwise. We do not demand time from those who see us as a burden. But to those who really would want to experience what true Filipino fighting culture is all about, we encourage them to train with us because they love to. When we are tired, we just keep on going. When we cannot grasp what is being taught, we ask questions and practice with utter obedience and faith, knowing the the stick is round and the blade is flat. Inch by inch, slowly but surely, we will be able to achieve our goals. We have lots of heart and determination. We train to perfection with unending determination and a no surrender attitude, because in the end, our lives are our trophies.

The Moments that Take your Breath Away

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:18:00 +0000

Training in Pekiti-Tirsia the traditional way has neven been easy. Show me a Pekiti-Tirsia class who has relaxed training and I tell you now that it is not authentic. The first day alone gives the un-initiated blistered hands, heavy feet, sore muscles and shortness of breath among many others. I've even seen people use the stick for support like a walking cane. And there are even a few who never made it to the second day. With the art being available worldwide, it's sad to know that there are some posers out there who claim to be masters, but in reality, they re just masters of marketing... making the art a business. One should be very wary into entering a new class. Ask around if the instructor is indeed teaching the right stuff to his students. Most newbies usually gets blinded by flashy disarming moves, locks, and high flying acrobatics. But the truth is far from this. For all you know it, out there, you'd be dead in a blink of an eye before you can even begin your turning roundhouse kick. Given an encounter with 3 knife-wielding thugs while you do not have any available weapons, would you even have time to pull-off to disarm all 3 of them? This can be only seen in Hollywood.

Training should be taken seriously. One should not be only training during class but even during sleeping. You may not know that someone would attack you in your sleep. An attack usually comes when you least expect it. So always be alert and anticipate that someone will attack you. How you would react to this type of situation is part of the mental aspect of training. After picturing the attack going on in your head, practice the scenario and possible options by your lonesome or with a partner. This would get your prepared for the actual encounter.

Techniques are a dime a dozen in Pekiti-Tirsia. There is no set technique for a specific situation because there are no 2 exact same situations. This is the wonder of Pekiti-Tirsia because we are always evolving... adjusting ourselves to fit the situation, or rather, make the situation fit you. Make them fight your fight and not you fight theirs and you have won half the battle. Coming out alive is the other half. Hide, fight or flee are the most common options in a self-defense scenario, but when you are trained in Pekiti-Tirsia, it just becomes a part of your life. You won't panic when faced with these type of situations. The moments that take your breath away will awaken the sleeping warrior within and spark the fire within you and accomplish what should be done, Do or Die!

Sicas Famosus Combat Instruments

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:57:00 +0000

Aluminum training knives

Ceramic training knives
Rattan sticks - light training sticks

Bahi sticks - heavy training sticks

Kamagong sticks - heavy training sticks

Dubai Sicas Famosus black training t-shirt

Dubai Sicas Famosus orange training t-shirt

The Complete Warrior

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:28:00 +0000

With age and experience comes the venerability of the soul. A wise person becomes wiser with age and a challenged person only becomes more challenged. For one to survive in difficult times, one needs to be complete or one should try to be. In every aspect of mental, physical, emotional and spiritual, the complete warrior should be well-equipped.

- Nourishment
If someone wants to live long enough, be strong and healthy for you to see your grandchildren, you should supply your body with the proper nutrients and stay away from bad vices. Treat the food as fuel to power your body. What goes in also comes out.

- Academic Study
By powering the body, one has to also power the brain. Without proper knowledge or enrolling yourself in an institution that can bring out the best in you, you are short changing yourself from proper education and academic know-how. As one progresses in life, research and continuous study in essential fields is required. As the great Sun Tzu said, know yourself, know your enemy, and the battle is won.

- Prayers & Proper Guidance
What the body needs is also needed by the spirit and heart. A spirit at peace gives you a sense of well-being and peace of mind. This is priceless. Knowing that you are getting the proper guidance and prayers gives the person an extra edge in any ordeal. You will be needing enough prayers to make it through the tough times and get an insurance for your soul. Family and loved ones contribute a great deal to a warrior's development.

- Physical Training
All of the above mentioned will be put to waste when someone takes the life away from you. It is known that death is the ultimate destroyer of happiness. A person who believes in life not death, abhors the evil doers and takes it upon himself to protect his safety and those that surround him. The discipline of the blade entitles you to partake of proper physical training needed for all adversities.

Why study Pekiti-Tirsia Kali?

noreply@blogger.com (The Warrior) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:16:00 +0000

Pekiti-Tirsia's training, drills and exercise routine promotes total body health and mental toughness. The rigorous training methods also develops coordination and proper body mechanics needed for one to possess in order to have a fit and healthy mind and body.

Interested individuals are curious whether or not Kali will work in reality-based situations where you have multiple attackers, some or all wielding weapons. Situations like assault, theft/robbery, or hostage are also mentioned. Often times, questions like "Why would I study holding a stick if I wouldn't have a stick when I am attacked?", come up. Only by immersing yourself in the program will you understand the answers to these questions. More often than not, we are mocked by training with weapons when in reality you are not holding one in your daily waking life. These people do not realize that we should be always carrying a weapon or more apparently, we are always carrying weapons with us. You will be prepared for action-oriented situations, self-defense, and have an acute sense of self-awareness.

By training Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, one will develop proper speed, power, accuracy, timing and precision for C.O.M.B.A.T. (Counter On Motion Before Attack Time). Before an attack is even initiated, the prepared combatant is already prepared for a counter attack.

Classes are done in groups or in private all over the world so as brotherhood and camaraderie is greatly practised. Students get to experience the true beauty of Filipino fighting culture in its finest, truest form through dedicated practice, loyalty and perseverance.

Pekiti-Tirsia is the benchmark when it comes to edged-impact weapon based fighting and tactical combat and is still evolving and transcending depending on different battle situations using core principles mastered by the diligent practitioner.