Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr.

Source of Pekiti Tirsia Kali, Weapons Master Instructor Close-Quarters Combat Legend, Hall of Famer

Survival Arts Academy mourns our beloved grandmaster, Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr.

May 5, 1938 — September 25, 2026

As the supreme Grandmaster and Guardian of Pekiti Tirsia Kali, Grand Tuhon Supremo Leo T. Gaje Jr. was a 3-time Hall of Fame awardee, and Weapons Master Instructor across the globe. He has been featured on magazine covers since the 1980s, most recently on the cover of Black Belt Magazine, recognized as Man of the Year 2018. Grand Tuhon received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Martial Arts Supershow in 2019.

Grand Tuhon brought Pekiti Tirsia Kali (PTK) to the United States in 1972, and has since shared his family art with more than 30 countries around the world. Pekiti Tirsia Kali was formed in 1897 by Conrado Tortal in Talisay, Negros Occidental, Visayas, Philippines. Conrado Tortal passed the teachings to his only grandson, Leo Tortal Gaje Jr. who then taught his only son, Leo Gaje III and named him the Grand Tuhon Manunubli (Heir) in 2015.

Grand Tuhon's contribution to Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), Close Quarters Combat and Weaponry is unsurpassable, making him one of the greatest legends of our time. PTK is so effective with the use of the blade technology, that it is sought after by military & law enforcement groups internationally. Many other Filipino Martial Arts systems spawned off from Pekiti Tirsia, as PTK has influenced every Arnis, Eskrima and Kali group of the modern era.

Survival Arts continues his warrior legacy with our trainings, teachings, telling the truth, protecting the women and children, and preserving the Kali blade culture for the next generations. Condolences to his wife Gila Gaje, his only son, Leo Gaje III, and all our students and community who hold space with us for grieving and healing.

Grand Tuhon was our beloved Tito, Lolo, teacher, mentor, a proud Filipino, Negrosanon, and Bacolodnon. He taught us the history of our bayani, the importance of our warrior bloodline, and to always be proud to be a Filipino. He taught us that Filipinos are the most intelligent people in the world for our fighting arts, creative brilliance, resilience, and strength in heart. He left us with the Pekiti Tirsia Kali philosophy that we live by each day: