About us: Pekiti Tirsia Kali Elite
In 2011, Tuhon Rommel Tortal appointed and authorized Francis Estrada and Nate Chin to start a PTK training group in its American birthplace: New York City. Having previously trained with both Grandtuhon Leo T. Gaje and Tuhon Rommel, the group began reviewing and practicing the principles of PTK in Brooklyn. Since its inception, the group has graciously invited and hosted seminars for Grandtuhon Gaje and various Tuhons in the system. Through the past few years, we have had the fortune of gaining a number of skilled and dedicated students and instructors- allowing us to expand and start other groups in New York City.
BROOKLYN: The Original Group
Led by Agalon Francis Estrada, who began his practice in Filipino martial arts through the Wing Chun Kali System in New York in 2006. He began to focus solely on Pekiti Tirsia Kali in 2010, beginning by training in India with Tuhon Kanishka Sharma, and subsequently with Grandtuhon Leo Gaje and Tuhon Rommel Tortal in the Philippines. He continues to train with Tuhon Rommel as his primary instructor, visiting him in the Philippines and hosting him in New York.
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Co-founder of Pekiti Tirsia Kali Elite, carrying on the traditions of vigorous training, complete tactical awareness, and values of life, success and good health in programs throughout New York City, New Jersey, and Oakland.
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Organized and assisted in seminars for Grandtuhon Leo Gaje, Tuhon Rommel Tortal, Tuhon "Nonoy" Garrucho, Tuhon Jared Wihongi, Tuhon Philip Gelinas, and Agalon Mickael Dolou.
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Authorized Team Leader and Board of Directors / Co-Director for Northeast: Pekiti Tirsia Tactical Association.
QUEENS
​Led by Mandala Arvee Garde and based in Woodside, Queens, the PTKE Queens teaches Pekiti Tirsia Kali which is a combative martial art that focuses on edge & impact weapons as well as empty hand skills. Students will learn the cultural aspect of the art as well as practical applications to help protect themselves.
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Mandala Mandatus Instructor in Pekiti Tirsia Kali.
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Training began in the late 90’s in Texas under the tutelage of Tuhon Erwin Ballarta and then progressed to his current instructor, Tuhon Leslie Buck.
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Assistant Instructor at numerous Law Enforcement conferences held at the DPS Academy and Texas Tactical Police Officers Association in Austin, TX.
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Authorized Team Leader for the Pekiti Tirsia Tactical Association.
NEW JERSEY- KALIPUNAN
Led by Guro Mike Sun, PTK NJ Elite Kalipunan is part of the Pekiti Tirsia Tactical Association, PTK Elite, and PTK NJ Family. Named and authorized by Tuhon Rommel Tortal, Pekiti Tirsia NJ Elite Kalipunan will carry on the Pekiti Tirsia tradition of vigorous training, complete tactical awareness, and values of life, success and good health. Our curriculum is based on the Tri-V formula of Pekiti Tirsia Kali, and allows students to learn the entire system, including all weapon categories and methods. The class environment is light-natured and safety in training is emphasized. Students progress at their own pace.
"Kalipunan" was the term given to a village or tribe of strong warriors, Here at PTK NJ Elite we are building our Elite Family or "Kalipunan".
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Authorized Team Leader for the Pekiti Tirsia Tactical Association
OAKLAND- ELITE WEST
Led by Agalon Nate Chin, Under Tuhon Rommel's direct guidance, Pekiti Tirsia Elite West will carry on the Pekiti Tirsia tradition of vigorous training, complete tactical awareness, and values of life, success and good health. We are the West Coast outpost of the Pekiti Tirsia Elite Family that was founded in 2011 in Brooklyn, NY.
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Co-founder of Pekiti Tirsia Kali Elite.
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Organized and assisted in seminars for Grandtuhon Leo Gaje, Tuhon Rommel Tortal, Tuhon "Nonoy" Garrucho,and Tuhon Leslie Buck, Jr.
PTK ELITE Maginoo- Las Vegas
In July 2018, Tuhon Rommel Tortal and Agalon Francis Estrada authorized Rodel Pagui to start a PTK training group in Los Angeles, CA. Under the guidance of the PTK Elite family, Pekiti Tirsia Elite LA will carry on the Pekiti Tirsia tradition of vigorous training, complete tactical awareness, and values of life, success and good health.
PTK ELITE Dalasa- Staten Island
In June 2019, Tuhon Rommel Tortal and Agalon Guro Francis Estrada authorized Tom Nelson and Vinny Cruz to start a PTK training group in Staten Island, NYC. Under the guidance of the PTK Elite family, Pekiti Tirsia Elite Dalasa will carry on the Pekiti Tirsia tradition of vigorous training, complete tactical awareness, and values of life, success and good health.
PTK ELITE Tribuhanon- Vermont
Led by Mataas Na Guro Pat Gagnon. Pat began his kali journey with the Wing Chun Kali System in NYC in 2006 and transitioned to PTK in Vancouver, BC under Tuhon Loki Jorgenson in 2008. Tuhon Rommel Tortal appointed Pat to start a training group in Boston shortly after the original Brooklyn group in 2011, he then started PTK Elite Tribuhanon when he moved to Vermont years later. Pat's approach is pragmatic and highly principle based, he fights regularly at Dog Brothers Gatherings and actively teaches and prepares fighters in Vermont and throughout New England. He has also undergone immersed training in the Philippines with Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje Jr. and attends numerous seminars throughout North America.
PTK ELITE Kadugo- Massachusetts
Led by Lakan Guro Jeff Ippolito. Jeff began his martial arts studies as a teenager learning Kempo Karate, Shotokan Karate, and Wing Chun Kung Fu. He later continued his studies in western boxing, judo, escrima, and earning a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Phil Myers, and worked his way up to becoming a Muay Thai coach at Combat Sports Boston under Kru Greg Brown and Kru James Dolberry. In 2009, he started training in the Filipino and Thai combat arts under Guro Pat "Green Mountain Dog" Gagnon, as well as Dog Brothers Martial Arts under Greg "Cyborg Dog" Brown. Jeff is currently the head of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali and Buddhai Sawan Krabi-Krabong training groups in the Boston area. He is also a tribal member of The Dog Brothers and has attained the fighter name, Buffalo Dog.
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