Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje Jr.
1938–2026. Keeper of the Pekiti-Tirsia Kali family tradition and one of Guro Jeff Davidson’s teachers.
In memoriam
Grand Tuhon Leopoldo Tortal Gaje Jr. was born on May 5, 1938, and died on September 25, 2026, at age 88. He brought Pekiti-Tirsia Kali from the Philippines to students around the world, including Guro Jeff Davidson.
Pekiti-Tirsia Kali Sweden’s memorial announcement Black Belt Magazine’s tributeFrom Bacolod to the United States
Leopoldo Tortal Gaje Jr. learned Pekiti-Tirsia Kali from his grandfather, Conrado Tortal. He moved from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, to the United States in 1972 and began sharing what had been taught within his family.
Introducing Pekiti-Tirsia to new students
Gaje went on to teach in the United States and Europe. His work was featured in Inside Kung Fu and Official Karate Magazine. The school’s archive also records his work with law enforcement and military organizations and recognition from Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for promoting Filipino martial arts.
Teaching and philosophy
The academy’s account emphasizes Gaje’s focus on judgment, confidence, and responsibility for one’s own development. It credits him with organizing Pekiti-Tirsia into a more accessible curriculum for students.
The lineage today
Survival Arts Academy’s memorial traces the family lineage from Conrado Tortal to his grandson Leo Gaje Jr. and then to Gaje’s son, Leo Gaje III. It records that his father named him Grand Tuhon Manunubli, or heir.
The Pekiti Tirsia Kali World Federation lists Grand Tuhon Rommel Tortal as its chairman and head instructor. Tortal is Gaje’s nephew and studied under him.
Survival Arts Academy’s account of the family lineage Pekiti Tirsia Kali World Federation leadership Return to the Kali overviewStart training.
Call Guro Jeff to talk about your background and whether the class is a fit.