In Pekiti Tirsia, every range of fighting matters, but close-quarter combat is key.  Students learn coiled stances for evasion, explosive strikes and destructive counter-offense that controls space at short distances.  Our Pekiti Tirsia Classes in Libertyivlle emphasize quartering the opponent, neutralizing threats with precision before they land a blow.  Training prepares students for real encounters by building reflexes, timing, and a mindset grounded in survival, not sport.  This focus transforms challenges into self preservation & controlled victories.

Supreme Grandmaster Leo T. Gaje Jr., sole heir of the Tortal family system, has preserved and advanced Pekiti Tirsia Kali since its founding in 1897.  A direct descendant of the art’s creators, he introduced Pekiti Tirsia to the United States in the 1970s, sparking its worldwide growth.  For over five decades, he has trained elite military and law enforcement units across multiple continents while guiding generations of martial artists and instructors.  Recognized globally as a living treasure of Filipino culture, his leadership ensures Pekiti Tirsia endures as a combat-proven system rooted in tradition, strategy, innovation and warrior spirit.

A family-based style from the Pambuan lineage, rooted in stick, blade & empty-hand fighting. Passed down through generations, it preserves both heritage & combat effectiveness.

Meaning “hand weaponry,” Arnis de Mano existed for centuries across the Philippines. Formalized in the 1900s, it became part of the broader Arnis, Escrima, and Kali traditions.

An indigenous Filipino grappling art predating written history, Dumog focuses on balance disruption & joint manipulation. Traditionally used in close combat & essential to FMA.

Our curriculum instills how to shape space, angle of attack, foot-work and positioning to favor offense.  Strategy in Pekiti Tirsia isn’t passive; it’s about anticipating motion, controlling distance and engaging proactively instead of waiting to defend.

Strength alone isn’t enough – power must be delivered with control.  We condition body mechanics, core stability, joint integrity and balance to ensure striking is both forceful and sustainable.

Solo Baston, Double Baston, Knife & Dagger, Sword & Spear: our Pekiti Tirsia Kali Classes in Libertyville covers it all.  Master tools and weapons standards, then learn to adapt those skills to improvised arms for real-world readiness.

In Pekiti Tirsia, defense is woven into offense.  We teach how to turn an opponent’s aggression into your advantage, employing counters, re-counters and relentless pressure so you dictate terms of engagement.

Developing timing, rhythm and efficient response are central.  We train you to sense openings, use speed / economy of motion and apply precision strikes that neutralize threats effectively before they escalate.

Self-defense is as much mental as physical.  Our Pekiti Tirsia Kali Classes in Libertyville cultivate focus, composure under stress, disciplined practice, humility, courage and perseverance; traits that are at the core of the Pekiti Tirsia lifestyle.

From long-weapon range to empty hands, we train you to adapt strikers and footwork to multiple scenarios.  You will learn to shift between ranges, manage angles and use environmental advantage in our Libertyville Pekiti Tirsia Classes.

After building a strong foundation, students may advance through structured ranks that mark skill and dedication. With higher rank comes the opportunity to assist & eventually teach, gaining leadership experience while refining technique. 

Our Archery Classes in Libertyville will improve accuracy, discipline, and patience under the guidance of Instructor Tuhon Jesse.  Students train in house and at local ranges as well as Wisconsin indoor and outdoor facilities, refining technique in diverse settings.  Archery Class sessions strengthen focus and coordination while reinforcing the warrior mindset. Each arrow becomes a test of balance, concentration and growth, blending tradition with practical training experiences across multiple environments.

Camps are held at “Chiefs Landing” – Combat Warrior Academy Headquarters in Ogema, Wisconsin.  Tuhon Jesse combines martial arts with survival skills in an environment designed to challenge body and mind.  Students learn Pekiti Tirsia applications, outdoor essentials like fire-building, rope work and emergency first-aid.  Camps also emphasize teamwork, leadership and warrior mindset, ensuring participants leave with sharpened skills, stronger resilience and lasting bonds forged through shared challenges.