Philippine-U.S. Marines integrate in combat readiness training

Photo By Lance Cpl. Ryan Wicks | Philippine marine corps Sgt. Ramon Egalam Jr. demonstrates Pikiti Tersia fighting techniques Oct. 21, 2008, using a bolo knife - a standard issue knife for Philippine marines. Pekiti-Tirsia Kali is a combat-oriented Filipino martial art that utilizes blades and sticks. The demonstration was part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's participation in this year's Amphibious Landing Exercise. Amphibious Landing Exercise and Talon Vision are annual bilateral training exercises conducted between the armed forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Military, which enhance military interoperability and improve communities through humanitarian assistance and civil action projects. The exercises are currently taking place from Oct. 15 - 27, 2008. Egalam is assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, Combat Support Brigade.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

10.21.2008

Story by Lance Cpl. Ryan Wicks 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

By Ryan Wicks
III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affiars

SOUTHWEST ASIA - U.S. Marines spent time Oct. 21, 2008, learning different knife fighting techniques from Philippine Marines who gave a class on Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, a combat-oriented Filipino Martial Art which utilizes blades and sticks.

The Marines, with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, were in the Philippines taking part in this year's Amphibious Landing Exercise.

The class was taught to give them insight into an unfamiliar skill and break up the day, according to Philippine Marine Staff Sgt. Carlito Englatiera, a Pekiti-Tirsia Kali instructor. Pekiti-Tirsia Kali was founded in 1897 by Norberto Tortal.

The instructors gave in-depth detail in their explanations of moves during the demonstrations and conducted the class in a professional manner.

"The class was downright impressive," said 1st Lt. Rolando Medina, the battalion adjutant. "They taught the class with a tie-in just like our mixed martial arts classes. The class was also taught by the numbers which is how we learn."

During the class Marines were taught parrying, striking and killing techniques with several different blades and sticks as well as proper footwork during close quarters combat.

"They had very interesting kill moves," said Medina a San Antonio, Texas native. "The skill is advanced and their moves are more fluid than any other martial art I have seen."

The Philippine Marines teaching the class showed great skill and poise under the circumstances, according to 2nd Lt. Scott Brown, a supply officer with the battalion.

"It was amazing that they were skilled enough to train us because they have only been practicing Pekiti-Tirsia for three months," said Brown a San Diego, Calif. native. "I would definitely train with them more in-depth if I had the opportunity."

Pekiti-Tirsia Kali has been such a big hit in the Philippine Marines that it is now being taught and incorporated into their recruit training so the entirety of the Philippine Marine Corps will learn the deadly skill, according to Englatiera.

"It has already proven itself as a useful skill in the southern Philippines in combat against the rebels," he continued. "So it is a good thing that we will all be more proficient in combat."

While Pekiti-Tirsia Kali has shown its worth in combat, it can also be beneficial for other reasons.

"Everyone should learn this skill because it's not only useful in combat but also in everyday life," Englatiera said. "If you have a blade and you encounter an enemy in close combat, you have a 90 percent chance of survival."

The class was not only a way to show the U.S. Marines new moves and ideas, but it provided a means of enhancing interoperability between U.S. and Philippine forces.

"I am looking forward to more training with the U.S. Marines so that we can enhance and improve each others' skills," Englatiera said. "I am glad that the Marines come every year to train, and I look forward to the next time they come."

Amphibious Landing Exercise and Talon Vision are annual bilateral training exercises conducted between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military, which enhance military interoperability and improve communities through humanitarian assistance and civil action projects. The exercises are currently taking place from Oct. 15-27.

• Date Taken: 10.21.2008
• Date Posted: 10.28.2008 00:05
• Story ID: 25615
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)