Pekiti-Tirsia Kali - Fighting Methods

Fighting Methods

All fighting ranges are integral parts of the Pekiti-Tirsia system, but special attention is given to closing in to kill in close-quarter combat. Integral to this is a coiled close quarter stance that allows evasion and generation of a powerful strike even in close range. Pekiti-Tirsia is about quartering the opponent, or 'cutting up into little pieces', emphasizing destruction with counter offence while not getting hit. The Pekiti-Tirsia methodology originates from offensive and counter offensive principles against attacks from all ranges, angles and threat levels. There is less emphasis on purely defensive techniques per se, as this is not seen as an effective survival strategy.

Pekiti-Tirsia Kali incorporates 5 main weapon categories (including the human body):

• Solo - Single stick, sword or spear.
• Doble - Double stick or sword.
• Espada y Daga - Sword and Dagger.
• Daga y Daga - Knife to Knife
• Mano y Mano - Hand to Hand.

There are various subsystems of training that have evolved over the years, including:

• 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 subsystem. A condensed form of 64 movements called the 64 Attacks illustrates many of those subsystems.)

• Seguidas (bridging techniques between different ranges: sometimes included as part of Doces Methodos)

• Contradas (countering techniques with emphasis on following the attack as opposed to meeting the attack)

• Recontras (re-countering techniques)

• Recontradas (recountering against the recounter techniques)

• Offensa-Defensa—Defensa-Offensa (evasion drills for weapon arm)

• Contra Tirsia Dubla Doz

• Tri-V Formula

• Capsula Methodica

• As well, other training aids have developed, including Alphabeto and Numerado, which pattern strikes based on the alphabet and numbers respectively...

Grand Tuhon Gaje has described the following areas of specialization, highlighting the particular strengths of different Pekiti Tirsia instructors:

• Specialization A:

All of the basic of 64 attacks including the breakdown of Thrust and Tapping, Break In/Break out, Five attacks, Seven attacks, and Clock system. It includes advanced techniques of Sequidas, Contradas, and Recontras. There are inserts along the way of unarmed knife tapping, bladework, locks and technical throws, unarmed combat and armed combat. The footwork strategy and handiwork with the weapon are also most important.

• Specialization B:

Doce Methodos, a unique structure compatible to any mode of attacks using the Diagonal V and Reverse V.

• Specialization: C

Contra Tirsia Dubla Doz, a unique methodology now advanced into the Tri-V Formula and the Edged Impact Weapon Tactical Combat, Edged Impact Weapon Control Dynamics, and Edged Impact Weapon Survival Tactics.

• Specialization D

Advanced mastery with combination of the TRi-V Formula and the Capsula Methodica, and the Mastery of the Dagaso Tirsia for Single knife and the Qol Demama Daga. The combined structures are applicable to full contact stick fighting.

• Specialization E

Combining the Contra Tirsia Dubla Doz and Tri-V Formula that will lead to Capsula Methodica.