Balik Kali Silat Institute

We lost another great in the world of the Filipino Martial Arts, Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr. of Pekiti Tirsia Kali.

The martial arts world and the global tactical community mourn the loss of a true pioneer and legend, Supreme Grandmaster Leo T. Gaje Jr., the Grand Tuhon and undisputed guardian of the Pekiti-Tirsia Kali system. A visionary who transformed a fiercely guarded family secret into one of the most respected combat systems in the world, Grand Tuhon Gaje leaves behind a legacy defined by cultural preservation, martial excellence, and an unwavering commitment to the warrior ethos.

Born in Negros Occidental, Philippines, Leo Gaje inherited the Pekiti-Tirsia Kali system from his grandfather, Grand Tuhon Conrado Tortal. In the dense jungles and rural provinces of the Visayas, Grand Tuhon Gaje was immersed in the deeply rooted blade culture of the Philippines. Under his grandfather’s rigorous tutelage, he mastered the complex footwork, timing, and fluid geometry that define Pekiti-Tirsia Kali—a system built not for sport, but for survival Combat.

In the 1970's, Grand Tuhon Gaje emigrated to the United States, bringing his family’s art to a Western audience that was then entirely captivated by empty hand martial arts. Through sheer skill, undeniable effectiveness, and a commanding presence, he introduced the true combative blade and impact weapon arts of the Philippines to the world. He proved that Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) were a complete, devastatingly effective combat methodology, eventually organizing the first national arnis tournaments in the US and playing a foundational role in the global popularization of FMA.

His genius, however, extended far beyond civilian dojos. Recognizing the unparalleled practical application of Pekiti-Tirsia in modern combat, Grand Tuhon Gaje adapted his teachings for elite military and law enforcement operators. He was instrumental in developing the Close-Quarters Combat (CQC) curriculum for the Philippine Marine Corps Force Recon Battalion, ensuring that the indigenous warrior arts of the Philippines were actively used to defend the nation. Over the decades, his tactical training programs were sought out by elite law enforcement agencies, SWAT teams, and special forces units across the globe.

Grand Tuhon Gaje was more than a martial artist; he was a fierce protector of Filipino heritage. He often spoke of the blade not as a tool of violence, but as an instrument of life, discipline, and cultural identity. He demanded perfection, loyalty, and resilience from his students, forging a worldwide brotherhood of practitioners united under the banner of the Pekiti Tirsia Kali.

He is survived by his family, his senior instructors (The Tuhons), and tens of thousands of practitioners across the globe who continue to train in the system he preserved. As long as sticks shatter, blades flow, and the triangle footwork is practiced, the spirit of Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr. will live on.

“We believe in life, not in death. We believe in success, not in failure. We believe in good health, not in sickness.” — Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr.

Heading out to Oahu! Teaching and hanging out with good friends!

Flying to Oahu, Hawaii for a week to give a seminar on Balik Kali Silat & spirituality in the martial arts for Lua practitioners.

Balik Kali Silat classes start this coming Tuesday at 5:30. Stunt team training at 6:30. PM me if Interested & for details.

Just booked my flight to Oahu, Hawaii. I was asked to present a seminar on my Balik Kali Silat and another presentation on Spirituality within the Way of the Warrior. Other presenters will also present their perspectives to the warrior ways. This is a closed seminar, by invitation only, for local Hawaiian Lua martial art masters & practitioners. Sensei/Guro Bob Reish will also be presenting. It will be an interesting topic for sure. This will be my second trip to Oahu to perform my presentations.

Classes will start soon in Las Cruces:

Balik Kali Silat martial arts involves: Filipino knife & stick fighting, Indonesian Silat, JKD/Jun Fan, boxing, foot work, and destructions.

Stunt fighting for film involves: basics in theatrical combat, weapons training, tumbling, falls, film set protocol, call sheets, how to enter the film industry, and how to get your SAG card.

Other training available will be horse riding basics.

Contact me by PM for details.

I’m saddened to announce we have lost another great martial artist and senior in the art of Jeet Kune Do (JKD). Tim was a master of many various martial arts, however, as a First Generation JKD student his life focus was to preserve the original teachings of Bruce Lee’s JKD. He will be remembered by all who trained with him and were fortunate to call him friend.

The late Bob Bremer with his wife Sharon Bremer. I’m still in contact with Sharon who is in her early 90’s. She has shared many stories with me about her life with Bob and his transition from Kenpo Karate to Jeet June Do as well as his experiences with Bruce Lee.

Spirituality is an important part of what makes a warrior. Many have forgotten that aspect of their training. Going within to seek enlightenment takes years of practicing meditation as well as self discovery. For the highest of masters it takes many years of solitude to come to a knowing and to relinquish the ego.

My cover article for January 1993 issue of Inside Kung Fu magazine.