For over two decades, I was deeply immersed in the Pekiti Tirsia (PT) system of Kali, where I not only trained but also became one of Europe’s leading practitioners and instructors. So why, after such a long and dedicated journey, did I transition to my own system, Armadong Kali? It was not a decision taken lightly, but rather the result of several important factors, both personal and philosophical.
One of the key reasons behind my decision was the importance of ensuring a smooth generational shift within the European Pekiti Tirsia organization. After many years of guiding and leading, it became clear to me that the next generation of instructors needed space to develop and thrive. They should be free to shape their own path without feeling overshadowed by someone who had been a central figure for so long.
While I am always ready to offer support where needed, I believe that my presence should never be an obstacle to their growth. Leadership is not just about holding on to power—it’s about knowing when to step back, to allow others to flourish. I wanted to create the room for the future leaders of PT to make their mark without feeling constrained by my influence.
Another driving force was my profound respect for Grand Tuhon Gaje, the heart and soul of Pekiti Tirsia. He is Pekiti Tirsia. His contributions, his teachings, and his legacy are unparalleled, and it would be neither fair nor respectful to try to claim his achievements for my own. By moving to Armadong Kali, I ensure that I continue to honor his legacy without diluting his work or attempting to assert my place in a system that he so deeply embodies.
I firmly believe that preserving the memory and work of a great teacher like GTS doesn’t mean replicating or clinging to their methods. Instead, it means allowing their flame to inspire new growth, rather than trying to hold on to the ashes of the past. This was not about leaving behind PT, but about ensuring that the essence of its teachings remained pure and respected.
One of the most significant realizations I came to over the years is that martial arts, like any living system, must evolve and continuously prove themselves. It’s comforting to stand within a time-honored tradition, and there’s no doubt that a well-established brand like PT inspires confidence in students. However, I’ve always believed that a martial art should not rely solely on tradition to validate itself.
What truly matters is the logic and effectiveness of the system in the present day. A combat art that can stand on its own merit, through the skill and experience of its practitioners and instructors, requires no external validation from historical lineages. In my view, this is the real spirit of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA)—not the preservation of old techniques for their own sake, but keeping the core principles alive and adapting them to the present.
As a teacher, my aim is to offer a system that speaks to the needs of today’s practitioners, drawing from my personal experiences and abilities rather than leaning on the authority of tradition alone. Armadong Kali is born from this belief: that martial arts must remain dynamic and responsive, guided by personal mastery rather than adherence to old forms.
For some time, I was content in my role within PT, even as I began to feel uncomfortable with the direction things were heading on the international stage. Despite the fact that Grand Tuhon Gaje was still with us, disputes among some of his students had already begun over who held the “true” version of the system and who would be the rightful successor. This internal conflict was deeply troubling to me and made it harder to continue in the same way.
Eventually, the discomfort grew too great to ignore, and I realized that the time had come for me to move forward. It wasn’t a sudden decision, but a gradual shift, and when the moment arrived, it felt both right and liberating. By creating Armadong Kali, I’ve embraced the opportunity to return to the core of what I believe martial arts should be—a living, breathing system that thrives through innovation, not stagnation.
My journey from Pekiti Tirsia to Armadong Kali has been one of deep reflection and growth. I hold nothing but respect for the system that shaped me for so long, and for Grand Tuhon Gaje, who remains a towering figure in FMA. But just as martial arts must evolve, so too must its practitioners. Armadong Kali represents my personal evolution as a martial artist, and I look forward to continuing this journey with the same dedication, passion, and respect that has always driven me.
October 2024
Tuhon Uli Weidle
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