Pekiti Tirsia Kali
in San Francisco
Filipino weapon-based self-defense—
trained for real-world application.
Pekiti Tirsia Kali (PTK) is a Filipino martial art specializing in edged weapons, impact weapons, and close-range survival. At Forge, PTK is trained as it was intended to be used: functional, pressure-tested, and relevant to modern urban self-defense. Train Pekiti Tirsia Kali in San Francisco as part of a complete, integrated self-defense system — not just a weapons class.
What Is Pekiti Tirsia Kali?
Filipino Martial Arts in San Francisco.
Pekiti Tirsia Kali is a combat-focused Filipino martial art known for:
Knife and blade defense
Stick and impact weapon training
Close-range footwork, timing, and positioning
Empty-hand skills derived directly from weapons principles
Weapons are not treated as advanced or separate.
They are the foundation.
This makes PTK especially effective for real-world self-defense, where distance collapses quickly and decisions matter more than memorized techniques.
Why Train Pekiti Tirsia Kali at Forge?
Forge exists for one reason: effective self-defense for everyone.
At Forge, Pekiti Tirsia Kali is trained:
As a self-defense system, not a performance art
With emphasis on timing, distance, and decision-making under pressure
In a way that integrates seamlessly with striking, clinch work, and ground fundamentals
Without mysticism, ego, or unnecessary ritual
Forge is a San Francisco–based training center, and our PTK program is designed specifically for the realities of urban self-defense in SF and the Bay Area.
Forge isn’t a destination gym — it’s a training home built into San Francisco daily life.
More Than a Traditional FMA School
Pekiti Tirsia Kali at Forge is taught as part of a broader, integrated self-defense system.
While many Filipino martial arts schools focus primarily on weapons training as a standalone discipline, Forge trains PTK alongside:
Striking fundamentals
Clinch and close-range control
Ground awareness and recovery
Because real-world violence rarely stays in one range.
This approach helps students understand:
How weapons change distance and timing
How blade and stick concepts translate to empty-hand defense
How to adapt as situations evolve under pressure
The goal isn’t to collect techniques. It’s to build adaptable, street-relevant self-defense skills.
Lineage & Training Context
Pekiti Tirsia Kali was formalized and shared globally by Leo Gaje Jr., whose emphasis on edged-weapon survival, realism, and adaptability shaped the system as it is practiced today.
Forge’s Pekiti Tirsia Kali training is conducted under the Pekiti Tirsia Tactical Association (PTTA), led by Jared Wihongi, who was promoted to Grand Tuhon of Pekiti Tirsia Kali by Leo Gaje Jr. in recognition of his leadership, technical depth, and commitment to the art’s modern, tactical evolution.
Jared’s approach emphasizes pressure testing, contextual self-defense, and honest application over theory or performance.
At Forge, we honor this lineage by training Pekiti Tirsia Kali responsibly and transparently — focusing on functional skill development, real-world context, and earned credibility rather than titles or mythology.
Instruction at Forge
Pekiti Tirsia Kali classes at Forge are led by Micha Hershman,
PTTA Lakan Dalawa (Team Leader)
Micha’s approach to PTK is shaped by a broad, integrated self-defense background:
Krav Maga Expert–level certified instructor, with extensive experience teaching real-world self-defense under pressure
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, bringing strong clinch, control, and ground awareness into weapons and close-range training
Five formal PTTA evaluations passed at the PTK Lakan Dalawa level
Training follows official Pekiti Tirsia Tactical Association (PTTA) curriculum, structure, and methodology, straight from Pekiti University.
Micha does not claim full instructor (Lakan Guro) rank in Pekiti Tirsia Kali, and does not teach beyond his certification level. This transparency matters.
In addition to regular classes, Forge periodically hosts PTTA guest instructors and focused workshops, providing students exposure to senior perspectives, deeper technical study, and broader context within the PTK system.
At Forge, instruction is rooted in earned credibility, humility, and integration — connecting weapons training to striking, clinch work, and ground survival so students develop practical, adaptable self-defense skills rather than isolated techniques.
Who This Training Is For
Pekiti Tirsia Kali at Forge is ideal for San Francisco adults looking for practical self-defense — not just traditional weapons training.
You do not need prior weapons experience.
This program is appropriate for:
Complete beginners
Krav Maga or martial arts practitioners expanding their skill set
Anyone serious about real-world self-defense
All genders. All backgrounds. All experience levels.
What Classes Look Like
Classes typically include:
Foundational footwork and movement
Striking mechanics
Foundational striking combinations
Partner drills with progressive resistance
Defensive problem-solving scenarios
Training is structured, challenging, and supportive — serious without being macho.
Designed for San Francisco Life
Forge is located in the heart of San Francisco, making consistent training realistic for busy adults.
Our Pekiti Tirsia Kali classes are:
A short walk from major transit lines
Bike-friendly and easy to reach from most SF neighborhoods
Accessible by car, with nearby parking
A quick Uber or MUNI ride from downtown, the Mission, Hayes Valley, and beyond
This matters — because the most effective self-defense program is the one you can train consistently, not just occasionally.
Schedule & Access
Pekiti Tirsia Kali classes are held at Forge Krav Maga in central San Francisco — easy to reach after work by transit, bike, car, or a short ride from most neighborhoods.
Weekly Pekiti Tirsia Kali class
Included with Forge membership
No additional equipment required to start (we have loaners of everything)