Grand Tuhon Supremo Leo Tortal Gaje Jr.
The Legacy of Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr. and Pekiti-Tirsia Kali
Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr., born in 1938 in Legaspi, Albay, Philippines, is the grandson of the legendary Conrado Tortal, the patriarch of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali. Raised by his grandfather after the early passing of his mother and twin sister, Tuhon Gaje began his training in Pekiti-Tirsia at the age of six. His early training focused intensely on footwork, spending hours mastering strategic maneuvers—a hallmark of the Pekiti-Tirsia system. By the time he reached his teenage years, Leo was deeply versed in advanced combat techniques, having trained diligently throughout his youth.
Upon the death of his grandfather, Tuhon Gaje inherited the entire Pekiti-Tirsia system, which had been a closely guarded family secret for generations. In the decades that followed, he continued to uphold the system’s values while expanding its reach beyond the borders of the Philippines.
Bringing Filipino Martial Arts to the World
In 1972, Tuhon Gaje moved to New York City, where he saw an opportunity to introduce Filipino martial arts to the Western world. At a time when martial arts were gaining popularity in the U.S., he recognized the potential of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali to gain recognition for the Filipino people’s cultural and martial heritage.
Tuhon Gaje quickly became a leading figure in the martial arts community, promoting the art at major venues like Lincoln Center and showcasing the first-ever public demonstration of full-contact Filipino stick fighting. He also established the first Filipino Martial Arts school at the Philippine Consulate in New York City and collaborated with other martial arts leaders, such as Guro Dan Inosanto and Grandmaster Robert Trias.
Revolutionizing Law Enforcement and Military Training
One of Grand Tuhon Gaje’s most significant contributions was the development of the **Safety Baton** and **Edged Weapon Awareness/Strategic Knife Defense programs**. These programs, designed to reduce liability and protect law enforcement officers, were the first of their kind to focus on non-lethal control tactics. His groundbreaking work with the New York Police Department (NYPD) and other law enforcement agencies earned him recognition as the leading authority on defensive tactics against edged weapons.
In the 1980s, Tuhon Gaje’s influence extended beyond the martial arts community and into military circles. Today, **Pekiti-Tirsia Kali** is the official close-quarters combat system of the **Philippine Marine Corps**, specifically the Force Reconnaissance Battalion. The system has been integrated into the training of U.S. special operations forces, as well as law enforcement agencies worldwide.
A Global Impact
Throughout his career, Grand Tuhon Gaje has promoted Filipino martial arts on a global scale, from organizing the first National Arnis Tournament in the Philippines to training elite military units. He continues to serve as a senior advisor to the **Armed Forces of the Philippines** and the **Philippine National Police**, ensuring the continued growth and recognition of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali.
Tuhon Gaje has mentored numerous martial artists, many of whom have gone on to establish their own systems, such as the late Edgar Sulite (Lameco Eskrima) and Chris Sayoc (Sayoc Kali). Today, he remains the supreme Grandmaster of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, a name synonymous with the blade and one of the world’s foremost authorities on Filipino martial arts.
Continuing the Tradition
Under Tuhon Gaje’s leadership, Pekiti-Tirsia Kali has become more than just a martial art—it is a system of survival, rooted in the philosophy of **Life, Health, and Success**. His tireless efforts have ensured that the rich legacy of Filipino martial arts will continue to thrive for generations to come.