livebladeptk@gmail.com
Pekiti-Tirsia Kali · Philadelphia

Philadelphia's Only Authentic Kali School

While other schools blend styles, Live Blade teaches Pekiti-Tirsia Kali — and only Kali. Edged, impact, and empty-hand combat in its true form. No experience needed. Every student starts somewhere.

Authorized
By the PTK World Federation & the PTK Tactical Association (PTTA)
Direct Lineage
Under Grand Tuhon Rommel Tortal — through 1st-generation Tuhon AK Boouraca
Real-World Trusted
Training for law enforcement, military & close-quarters survival
Battle Conditions
Afford No Comfort

Live Blade teaches the true and authentic Pekiti-Tirsia Kali as passed down through the Tortal family and Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje Jr. Quality, integrity, and practicality are the pillars of every class — real self-defense for the real world, taught by instructors who invest in your growth. No egos. Just the work.

Live Blade lion-and-shield crest
The School

Live Blade

The lion-and-shield is our brand — Live Blade, the school and organization, standing authorized within the Pekiti-Tirsia Kali World Federation.

Pagsibol Daba-Daba tribe lion
Our Tribe

Pagsibol Daba-Daba

"Everlasting burning fire." The name of our tribe — the community of practitioners who train, grow, and protect together as one.

Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje Jr
The Source

Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje Jr

The system we teach flows directly from Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje Jr, guardian and heir of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali. Our instruction runs through 1st-generation Tuhon Akmeed "AK" Boouraca and continues today under Grand Tuhon Rommel Tortal. In 2015, we were honored to host the Grandmaster here in Philadelphia — and he stayed with us for the year, months that shaped this group and its instructors. Everything on our training floor traces back to his lineage.

Train With Us

Programs, Workshops & Events

One system, every application. Tap any program to see what it covers — and check the workshops tab for recurring and special events.

The complete indigenous system — edged, impact, improvised, and empty-hand combat — under authentic lineage and the guidance of the Tuhons. Your foundation in the art. New students begin with a Sunday orientation.

Book an orientation →

Build a solid foundation for responsible firearm ownership through the nationally recognized USCCA Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals course. Taught by USCCA Certified Instructors, this comprehensive class covers firearm safety, pistol fundamentals, home-defense planning, situational awareness, the legal use of force, and the responsibilities of carrying a firearm. Students also receive an introduction to practical defensive concepts—including safe firearm presentation and retention—designed to prepare them for continued training. Whether you're seeking your first concealed carry education or looking to strengthen your knowledge, this course provides the skills and mindset to carry confidently and responsibly.

Register →

RPS (Rifle • Pistol • Survival) is LiveBlade PTK's monthly defensive preparedness workshop for responsible citizens. Combining firearms skills, Filipino Martial Arts, movement, awareness, and scenario-based problem solving, RPS prepares students for the complex realities of violent encounters. Whether you're new to defensive training or an experienced shooter, each workshop builds practical skills that can help you think faster, move better, and respond with confidence.

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Kali & Tea is a monthly workshop created specifically for women and mothers seeking practical self-defense in a welcoming, supportive environment. Led by a martial arts instructor and mother, we'll explore realistic personal protection skills, awareness, movement, and decision-making that can help you feel more prepared for everyday life. Childcare included. Held monthly, every 4th Friday.

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Train one-on-one in a personalized learning environment designed around your goals, experience, and schedule. Whether you're looking to develop Filipino Martial Arts, improve defensive firearms skills, prepare for professional work, or receive individualized coaching, each lesson is tailored to your needs. Private instruction offers focused attention, accelerated learning, and a customized training plan to help you build confidence, competence, and measurable progress.

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Programs for young people and for families who want to train as a unit — building discipline, confidence, and shared protection. Drawn from over a decade in public education.

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Every 4th Friday

Kali & Tea

Women-and-mothers self-defense workshop with tea, conversation, and childcare afterward. Register under Programs.

Register →
Every 4th Saturday

RPS: Rifle Pistol Survival

Monthly blade-and-firearm countermeasures and tactics for real-world violence. Register under Programs.

Register →
Seminars · Announced Here

Special Seminars

Multi-day seminars with visiting Tuhons and guest instructors — like our annual survival intensives. Dates are posted here as they're scheduled.

Stay tuned
See It In Action

Training Footage

There are no secrets in Kali. The only secret is how to commit. The system is meant to be shared. These videos pull straight from our YouTube playlists and refresh on their own every time we post — so there's always something new to watch.

Watch on YouTube →
Start Here

Your First Step Is a Sunday Orientation

New students begin with a one-on-one orientation before joining a class. Here's exactly how it works.

01

Book your orientation

Pick a Sunday at 10 AM — at least two days out. Takes about a minute.

02

Meet us at Clark Park

At the orientation, we'll give an introduction to our program and colleagues, answer all your questions, and put a stick in your hand.

03

Enroll & gear up

Ready to train? Register, get your gear, and join the group.

What it costs

  • Orientation — $25. If you enroll, this credits toward your registration.
  • Registration — $75. Includes 2 rattan sticks, a training blade, and your Live Blade group t-shirt.
  • So enrolling after orientation nets out to just $50 more — with all your starting gear included.

Book Your Orientation

Sundays · 10:00 AM · Clark Park, Philadelphia

Pick an open Sunday on our calendar — it takes about a minute, and you'll get an instant confirmation. We'll see you at Clark Park.

Book Your Orientation →
Bring $25 (cash or card) to your orientation. If you enroll, it credits toward your $75 registration — which includes your 2 rattan sticks, training blade, and group t-shirt.
Find Us

Train at Clark Park

Location
Clark Park
4500 Woodland Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Class Times
Tue & Wed · 7:00–8:30 PM
Sunday · 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Book Your Orientation →