About the Instructor

 

Guro Mark Tucker – PTTA Certified Instructor (United Kingdom)

Mark Tucker is a certified Guro 1st Hagdan (Full Instructor) under the Pekiti Tirsia Tactical Association (PTTA) and one of the very few instructors in the United Kingdom to have been personally presented his instructor promotion by Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr., the head of the Pekiti Tirsia Kali system and heir of the Tortal family legacy.

 

His commitment to the system includes direct training experiences in the Philippines and participation in major PTTA events, including the PTTA Asia Conference in Boracay, where he trained under Grand Tuhon Leo, Grand Tuhon Jared, Tuhon Patch Caballero, Tuhon Kit Acenas and other senior instructors. His promotion to Guro reflects not only technical proficiency, but loyalty, professionalism, and the responsibility to grow and represent Pekiti Tirsia Kali in the United Kingdom.

Beyond his PTTA instructor rank, Mark brings a broad spectrum of real-world experience to his teaching:

Martial Arts Credentials

  • 3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Certified under Pedro Bessa specialising in pressure-based, control-focused grappling and ground survival.

  • Full Instructor in Jeet Kune Do / Rapid Assault Tactics Certified under Paul Vunak, emphasising entry, interception, and real-world combative concepts.

  • Level 2 Instructor in Jeet Kune Do / Filipino Martial Arts / Muay Thai Certified under Rick Faye, from the Minnesota Kali Group

Teaching Approach at PTK UK

Mark teaches Pekiti Tirsia Kali exactly as outlined by the PTTA:

  • Pure PTTA curriculum

  • Structural integrity and lineage accuracy

  • Close guidance, detail, and precision

  • High engagement, disciplined training environment

  • Focus on offence, counter-offence, footwork, timing, and close-quarter dominance

Every class is taught with respect for the Tortal family heritage and the modern tactical standards maintained by the PTTA.

Students at PTK UK train in a legitimate, lineage-driven environment under an instructor personally recognised by the Grand Tuhon an uncommon distinction in the UK.

Operational & Tactical Background

  • Former Royal Marines Commando
    Bringing military discipline, operational awareness, and leadership experience.

  • Private Military Contractor & Maritime Security Specialist
    Experience in high-risk environments, threat awareness, and tactical problem solving.

  • Event Medical Responder (FREC4, PHTLS, FROS 3)
    Providing trauma-informed insight into real-world violence, injury patterns, and scenario-based training.

Mark’s varied background gives him a unique perspective on violence dynamics, personal protection, and human performance under stress, all of which reinforce the authenticity and practicality of his PTK instruction.

“My goal is to grow authentic Pekiti Tirsia Kali in the United Kingdom with complete integrity to the system and loyalty to the Tortal lineage. I am committed to developing high-quality practitioners who train with purpose, discipline, and respect for the art. PTK has given me a deeper understanding of structure, timing, and tactical efficiency than any system I’ve ever trained and it’s an honour to share it as part of the PTTA family.”

You don’t rise to the levels of your expectations,

you fall to the levels of your training.