Filipino martial arts is strong and growing nicely in Alberta. Pekiti Tirsia Kali’s Guro Herald Casana organized a seminar in Calgary on August 1st. Guro Herald started the class with a short lecture about the background and basics of PTK. This was then followed by footwork.

Guro Herald then explained the basic 5 strikes. It was then followed by combining the “female and male” footwork. He likes to call it role play.

The team become more familiar with blending the footwork and the strikes. Like any new skill, it takes time to become comfortable and eventually become an expert on the task.

The team then proceeded from single stick to double stick. After a few minutes of practicing Guro Herald showed the application of the techniques using training blades called the Ginunting.

Guro Herald wanted the team to get a general feel of PTK. So the team moved to double knives. Footwork and handwork was taught as individuals become more and more familiar with the exercise. One of the most emphasized exercise was on bridging the gap  from long range, mid range and close range. Pekiti Tersia Kali is known for close quarter combat and getting up close is one of their specialties.

Guro Herald showed a variety of applications. The emphasis was on controlling the attacker’s weapon hands, countering and ending it.

After practicing the basics and giving individual attention to everyone, it was time for lunch.

End of part 1.