Boracay Hosts 7th PTTA Asia Conference
The 7th PTTA Asia Conference Annual Pekiti Tirsia Tactical Association Asia Conference was held in Boracay from November 24 to December 3, 2025. The 10-day event brought together more than 100 martial artists from 22 countries. It marked a major moment for the global Filipino Martial Arts community. The conference focused on preserving tradition while advancing tactical combat training rooted in Pekiti Tirsia Kali.
LEO T. GAJE JR. Philippines founder PTK Chief Technical Advisor PTTA
The event received support from the Department of Tourism for the Central Visayas Region. The department is currently developing the Filipino Martial Arts programme under its cultural tourism initiative. Officials said the conference aligned with efforts to promote heritage-based sports tourism. Moreover, Boracay provided an ideal setting for international cultural exchange through martial discipline.
The 7th #PTTAAsiaConference in Boracay united global martial artists to celebrate Pekiti Tirsia Kali and Filipino Martial Arts. #MartialArts #Indiathisweek #FilipinoMartialArts #PekitiTirsiaKali #Boracayevents #Martialartstraining #ShifuRajeshKumar pic.twitter.com/kf9GAEirN9
— India This Week (@indiathisweekk) December 13, 2025
Pekiti Tirsia Kali remains known for its close-combat systems. These include cornering, quartering, and direct survival tactics. The conference highlighted real-world combat efficiency rather than ceremonial display. Participants trained under intense conditions designed to test endurance, skill, and adaptability.
Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje Jr. Inspires Global Delegates
Grand Tuhon Supremo Leo Tortal Gaje Jr., founder of Pekiti Tirsia Kali, attended as the guest of honour. At 87 years old, his presence drew admiration across the international delegation. He demonstrated techniques with precision and authority. His performance underscored a lifetime commitment to the art.
Organisers said his participation symbolised continuity between generations. Many instructors described the moment as historic. Moreover, his teachings reinforced the philosophical foundations of Pekiti Tirsia Kali. Discipline, awareness, and controlled aggression remained central themes throughout training.
The international camp was led by PTTA founder Grand Tuhon Jared. He was joined by Tuhon Kit Acenas, Director of PTTA. Tuhon Patch Caballero of PTTA and Tuhon Eric Laulagnet of PTTA France also led sessions. Additionally, special guest instructor Tuhon Bill McGarth from Pekiti Tirsia International shared advanced combat insights.
Intense Training Highlights Real-World Combat Focus
Most attendees were certified instructors from their respective countries. Training sessions focused on direct survival fighting methods. These methods involved weapon transitions, counter-attacks, and close-range engagement. As a result, sessions remained physically demanding and mentally intense.
Several participants sustained minor injuries during training. Organisers said this reflected the realism of the discipline. Pekiti Tirsia Kali emphasises readiness for real combat scenarios. Therefore, safety protocols existed alongside uncompromising technical rigor.
Instructors praised the structured yet adaptive curriculum. They said the conference strengthened global standards within PTTA. Furthermore, it helped unify teaching methods across regions. The exchange of techniques enriched collective understanding of Filipino Martial Arts.
Indian Representation Expands at PTTA Asia Conference
Indian participation increased notably during this year’s conference. Shifu Rajesh Kumar represented India at the international gathering. He is a certified Lakan Guro 3rd Hagdan instructor in the Tri-V Formula. He is also the founder of the Shifu Kumar School of PTTA.
Through his platform, www.kalibharat.com, Kumar actively promotes Filipino Martial Arts in India. Organisers noted his growing role in expanding PTTA outreach across South Asia. His involvement reflected the art’s widening global footprint.
The conference concluded with renewed commitments to preservation and growth. Delegates reaffirmed efforts to train responsibly while honouring tradition. The PTTA Asia Conference once again demonstrated the enduring strength of Filipino Martial Arts on the world stage.