Gaje has been the leader in promoting and teaching authentic Filipino Fighting Art around the globe not solely in the martial arts field but throughout the Military and Law Enforcement professions as well. In keeping with the philosophy of the Pekiti-Tirsia system and its belief in Life, Health, and Success, Tuhon Gaje opened the door of knowledge to a select few of advanced Black Belt students and embarked to offer to the world, those that persevere, the mastery process of Kali.Ĭontinuing now into a fourth decade, Grand Tuhon Leo T. Upon seeing the popularity of the martial arts sweeping America at the time, he envisioned the success of Filipino martial arts and recognition of the cultural and martial achievements of the Filipino people through the superiority of its combat systems. In 1972, Tuhon Gaje emigrated to the United States of America and settled in New York City. Here he trained his own Security Forces for the escort of cash funds, trained Bodyguards and Protective Teams for local and provincial politicians, and, in his own words "my wrecking crew" of confidants that provided his personal security.
For the next decade Tuhon Gaje kept this promise and soon entered business where he served as President of the Confederation of Free Trade Workers Union and Executive Vice-President of the Bataan Free Trade Zone Industrial Development Corporation. At this time, family combat systems in the Philippines were closed to only those that shared genetic history and chosen for their discipline to keep and protect the family secrets. inherited the treasure and legacy of Pekiti-Tirsia. Leo was then trained in the Doce Methodos, Contradas, and other advanced combat methods twice a day beginning in the mornings before school and continuing late into the evening throughout his secondary, high school, and college studies.Īt the passing of Tay Dadoy, Leo Tortal Gaje, Jr. Daily he was placed on top a wooden table with Conrado striking at his feet as he mastered the strategic maneuvering patterns that remain one of the signatures of the Pekiti-Tirsia system. From the ages six to nine he was trained exclusively in footwork. From the age of six years old Leo was trained in the system of Pekiti-Tirsia. Shortly after his birth and the subsequent death of his twin sister and his mother Feliza, Leo was taken into custody and raised by his grandfather Conrado. Tortal (the daughter and only child of Conrado Tortal) and Leopoldo P. In 1938 in Legaspi, Albay, Grand Tuhon Leo Tortal Gaje was born to Feliza G. " STICK IS ROUND, BLADE IS FLAT, BITE THE BULLET AND MAKE YOUR CHOICE"