CONTENT
- About
- Instructor Program
- Why Join The PTTA
- PTTA Instructor Program
- Progression and Roles
- Affiliation and Rank
- Membership Options
- Grading Certifications
- PTTA Rank Structure
- FAQ
- Questions
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ABOUT
The Pekiti Tirsia Tactical Association was founded by Tuhon Jared Wihongi in 2002.
The idea of an association dedicated to the tactical application of Pekiti-Tirsia was based on Tuhon Jared’s extensive background as a Police Trainer, SWAT Operator and an Army Special Forces Combatives Instructor.
As such, the Pekiti Tirsia Tactical Association is dedicated to training the Tri-V Method of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali with an emphasis on practical and tactical application.
Its mission has since grown to encompass assistance in the development of the TRICOM combatives training modules and the Classical Pekiti Tirsia Doce Methodos training methodologies, in addition to the Tri-V base curriculum.
Our affiliates are located all over the world and constitute a community of legitimate PTTA representatives united around constantly varied, intense, functional training, and pooling reliable knowledge and resources from the Pekiti Tirsia Tactical Association.
For more than two decades, we’ve helped thousands to increase their capacity to protect themselves and their loved ones, to excel in their training and teaching methods and become functionally and technically skilled in the art of Pekiti Tirsia Kali as taught through the PTTA curriculum.
It has changed the face of Filipino Martial Arts & Combatives Training and will continue to change lives as our affiliate community grows.
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INSTRUCTOR PROGRAM
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WHY JOIN THE PTTA ?
Filipino Martial Arts continues its rapid growth and expansion across the world. The PTTA methods of training Kali have become more in demand in recent years, but finding local instructors in many parts of the world may be difficult.
Additionally, whether you’re already a practitioner of Filipino and other martial arts, or completely new to martial arts training, you’ll find resources to guide your journey. Many join to supplement their current training, while others begin their first exposure to Filipino Martial Arts through Pekiti University. This platform was created to address both needs and continues to evolve as a resource that keeps you progressing step by step.
The Pekiti Tirsia Tactical Association is dedicated to training the Tri-V Method of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali with an emphasis on practical and tactical application. Most Senior Instructors within the PTTA are current and former Police/Military Operators and Use-of-Force trainers from around the world. At the same time, the PTTA has expanded to include affiliate schools with communities made up of civilian enthusiasts as well as professional operators.
Joining the PTTA allows you to make an impact in your community, build your life around martial arts, and become part of a global network of practitioners and instructors.
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PTTA INSTRUCTOR PROGRAM
The PTTA Instructor Program is designed to guide students through the path of earning ranks and becoming officially recognized instructors.
There are two paths to becoming a PTTA Instructor:
1.Online via Pekiti University (Recommended)
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Subscribe to Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
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Train through step-by-step video lessons.
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Work with a Gabay (Mataas na Guro and above, with some exceptions in remote/specialized areas) for an additional cost.
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Your Gabay guides your training, evaluates progress, and recommends you for grading when ready.
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Grading exams require skills, understanding, and character — skill alone will not be enough.
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2. In-Person Training
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Work directly with a certified PTTA Instructor worldwide.
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Provides face-to-face mentorship and evaluation.
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Explore the instructor network here: PTTA Instructor Network »
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PROGRESSION and ROLES
- Study Group Leader
- Achieved after passing Yakan Isa (Yakan 1).
- Can lead local study groups and assist beginners under guidance.
- Helps slowly build a group of students interested in training, creating a base of training partners.
- Not yet a certified instructor, but officially affiliated with the PTTA.
- Authorized Team Leader
- Achieved after passing Lakan Isa (Lakan 1).
- Can lead a larger group or school and mentor Study Group Leaders.
- Still not a certified instructor, but an advanced affiliate recognized by the PTTA.
- Certified Instructor (Lakan Guro)
- First official instructor rank in the PTTA.
- Can teach the curriculum independently and certify students for lower ranks.
- Eligible to continue toward Full Instructor (Guro) status with further experience.
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AFFILIATION and RANK
Your affiliation status is directly tied to your earned rank:
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Study Group Leaders, Authorized Team Leaders, Certified Instructors, and Full Instructors must maintain active affiliation through a Pekiti University subscription.
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Active affiliation ensures official recognition within the global PTTA network and keeps you connected to resources, mentoring, and the community.
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MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
Your path to becoming a PTTA Instructor begins with a Pekiti University subscription:
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Silver Membership – Access to Yakan Levels 1–3.
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Gold Membership – Access to Yakan Levels 1–3 and Lakan Levels 1–3.
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Platinum Membership – Access to all six levels, plus weekly live Zoom sessions with senior PTTA instructors worldwide.
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GRADING CERTIFICATIONS
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Grading for the first three levels (Yakan 1–3) can be completed online through Pekiti University, under the evaluation of your assigned Gabay (Instructor).
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Higher-level gradings (Lakan 1–3) may be conducted online or in-person, depending on circumstances and instructor availability.
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All grading requires instructor endorsement.
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Passing a grading is based on:
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Technical skill and control
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Tactical understanding of the curriculum
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Discipline, respect, and character
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The PTTA emphasizes quality, integrity, and responsibility — demonstrating techniques alone is not enough.
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PTTA RANK STRUCTURE
Student Ranks
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Yakan → Yakan Hagdan 1–3 (Beginner Levels)
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Lakan → Lakan Hagdan 1–3 (Intermediate Levels)
Instructor Ranks
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Lakan Guro → Lakan Guro Hagdan 1–3 (Certified Instructor)
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Guro → Guro Hagdan 1–3 (Full Instructor)
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Mataas na Guro → Mataas na Guro Hagdan 1–3 (Senior Instructor / Mentorship Level)
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Agalon → Agalon Hagdan 1–3 (Master Instructor)
Advanced/Master Ranks
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Mandala → Mandala Hagdan 1–3
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Mandala Maginoo → Mandala Maginoo Hagdan 1–3
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Tuhon → Tuhon Hagdan 1–12 (Highest Rank)
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START YOUR PTTA JOURNEY TODAY
Take the first step toward becoming a PTTA Instructor by subscribing to Pekiti University. Gain access to structured training, expert guidance from senior instructors, and the tools you need to progress through the TRI-V Curriculum at your own pace.
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Silver Membership – Start with the foundation levels (Yakan 1–3).
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Gold Membership – Unlock advanced training (Lakan 1–3) in addition to Silver content.
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Platinum Membership – Full access to all six levels, plus weekly live Zoom sessions with senior PTTA instructors worldwide.
Subscribe Now and Begin Training
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FAQ
1. HOW DO I BEGIN THE PTTA INSTRUCTOR PROGRAM?
Start by subscribing to Pekiti University (Silver, Gold, or Platinum). Your membership gives you immediate access to the official PTTA Tri-V Curriculum. You can then choose to add Gabay Support — a paid add-on that assigns you a senior PTTA Instructor for personalized feedback and grading.
If you prefer to train in-person, simply get in touch directly with a PTTA Instructor near you. You can find them on the PTTA Instructor Network ».
2. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO START GRADING?
Once you’ve completed the material for your level, your assigned Gabay will review your progress and recommend you for grading. Grading requires the demonstration of skill, understanding, and character. Passing is based on your performance, mindset, and readiness — not just memorization of techniques.
3. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PTTA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR AND A PTTA FULL INSTRUCTOR?
At the PTTA, we value quality over quantity. To become a Full Instructor, you must gain additional experience in teaching and a deeper understanding of the PTTA curriculum. A Certified Instructor (Lakan Guro) demonstrates strong technical and tactical ability, while a Full Instructor (Guro) has refined these through further training, experience, and mentorship, showing readiness to represent the PTTA independently.
4. DO I NEED TO MAINTAIN A MEMBERSHIP TO STAY AFFILIATED?
Yes. Your active Pekiti University subscription serves as your PTTA membership and maintains your affiliation status. This keeps you recognized within the PTTA network and grants access to updates, events, and instructor support.
5. CAN I COMPLETE THE INSTRUCTOR PROGRAM FULLY ONLINE?
Yes. The online route via Pekiti University allows you to complete the student levels and instructor evaluations with support from your purchased Gabay add-on.
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Yakan Hagdan 1–3 can be completed online under any membership.
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Lakan Hagdan 1–3 can also be completed online with a Platinum Subscription.
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Lakan Guro (Certified Instructor) and higher levels must be done in-person, as these require live evaluation for certification accuracy.
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QUESTIONS
Send an email to info@teampekiti.com or reach out to one of the PTTA Certified Instructors.