Jay Saludo is the leader of the Saskatchewan Pekiti Tirsia Pitbulls. Our first bonds of friendship in the Pekiti world were with Ka Jay and his students, especially Colin "The Wizard" Tranborg. Guro Jay is an explosive combination of enthusiasm, intelligence, and lethal fighting skill. To know Jay is to have a rare glimpse of the true Filipino warrior spirit. His knowledge and adherence to the rich cultural aspects of the FMA tradition has inspired the Detroit Maphilindo Pitbulls to a high degree. Guro Jay’s flawless martial skill is a benchmark of excellence for all Pekiti Tirsia practitioners.

The patriarch of the Saskatchewan clan is Leon Saludo, Sr., hailing from the "home of the balisong" - Batangas province. Quiet, unassuming, and possessed with the fighting spirit of a lion! Guro Jeff Davidson of the Detroit Maphilindo Pitbulls says: "I have studied knife fighting for over 17 years. Experiencing Master Saludo’s skill with the blade brought back the old, raw fear I felt during my earliest days of learning the knife!"

Doug Marcaida

Doug Marcaida of Rochester, New York has been a Guiding Light to the Detroit Pitbulls from the earliest days. Over the years, Kuya Doug has done more to refine our understanding and practice of the Pekiti Tirsia system of Kali than perhaps any individual. We are extremely grateful to Kuya Doug for introducing us to the legendary Guro Jun Deleon of Toronto, Canada.

Guro Doug has trained with the best, and has the unique ability to transfer the knowledge to practitioners of all levels. There are also few individuals who have worked so diligently to refine and promote Pekiti Tirsia in recent years. We consider Doug to be the most well-rounded Pekiti Tirsia instructor in the United States that we have had the honor to train with.

Rommel Tortal

Mandala Maginoo Rommel Tortal has a well-deserved reputation as an outstanding Master Teacher and practitioner of Pekiti Tirsia Kali. The nephew of Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr., Mandala Rommel co-ordinates and maintains the relationship between Pekiti Tirsia and the Philippine Armed Forces. During a recent training experience in the Philippine Islands, Rommel served as an uncompromising mentor to Guro Davidson and the students of the Detroit Maphilindo Pitbulls - pushing us farther and farther ahead with unparalleled skill and patience.