09/28/2026
Our deepest sympathies to Tuhon Mel Tortal Jade Gaje and their families. PTK for life.
The New Journey of Life
May your life and soul have left this earth, but you will never fade away. I know that you will always be around us, guiding us through the knowledge, skills, wisdom, and principles you have passed on to us.
When we talked last June during the Back to Roots event, we had long conversations every day about how the PTK System could become stronger and be shared with the world.
You told me, “Conquer the world and keep PTK alive and active not only in the civilian world, but also in Military and Law Enforcement.”
I did not accept that as a challenge, and I did not make you a promise, because promises can sometimes be broken. Instead, I told you, “I will do my best.”
I am sure I will not fail you in carrying forward the direction of PTK. I also told you that the time will come when PTK will change the landscape of the community, and I will make sure that you will feel proud of what we accomplish, even from the other side of the world.
The Art of PTK will continue for the next thousand years, preserved and passed from generation to generation, carried forward through our bloodline.
The Kayumanggi fighting culture came from the tribes and farmers and is deeply rooted in Filipino culture and traditions. Today, it is being shared with the world not only as a fighting art, but also as a way of life.
From Norberto Tortal, the knowledge was passed to his son, Segundino Tortal, and then to his children: Balbino, Teodorico, Francisco, Quirino, and Conrado.
The lineage continued, with each generation holding the torch and carrying forward the responsibility of promoting the Art of the Tortal Clan.
When you moved to the United States of America, your dedication, commitment, and passion for promoting the Art reached another level. You shared PTK not only with individuals, but also with Law Enforcement and Military professionals around the world.
PTK has been recognized throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the rest of the world. That speaks to the impact of your leadership, dedication, and lifelong contribution.
Your contribution to the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) community, your efforts, and your sacrifices were never wasted.
When I was a young boy, every time we trained, I never took training lightly. I never cheated myself in training. I never really had a typical teenage life, I was always training, spending time with my best friend GT Noy, and with other FMA practitioners on the island of Negros Occidental.
Our training included sweat, blood, and tears, but I never gave up.
I still remember when you accidentally struck me with a bayonet in my left arm, nearly cutting a major artery. Even after that, I continued my training and did my homework.
What I do today, and what I will continue doing for many years to come, is because of you.
The knowledge, skills, deep analysis, understanding of the Art, and principles that you shared with me will continue to be passed on to the younger generations.
Without you, there would be no me.
I am not making you a promise about promoting our Art. Instead, I will make you proud.
I will continue to work to ensure that the PTK community grows in a strong, healthy, and positive environment, built upon the values you taught us:
Respect • Honor • Integrity
Your journey in this life has come to an end, but the journey of the Art continues.
The torch has been passed.
Rest in Peace, GRAND TUHON SUPREMO
