INSTRUCTORS:
The staff instructors for the Texas Kali Mastery Camp include Instructors Erwin Ballarta, Leslie L. Buck Jr., Rene Rodriguez, Rudy Salazar, Rich Reynolds, Arvee Garde and David Hamilton. All instructors are certified by Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje Jr. and have various experience teaching traditional Kali students as well as Law Enforcement personnel.
Erwin Ballarta - Master instructor of Pekiti Tirsia Kali System. Defensive tactics coordinator and instructor for state and federal police, FBI, tactical teams, narcotics agents, recruits and many other law enforcement agencies nationwide. Over 22 years of Law Enforcement experience. President of Texas Defensive Tactics Instructors Association and 2001 Law Enforcement Educator of the Year. Team member and trainer: President Bush Presidential Campaign Protective detail. Personal bodyguard for Lance Armstrong during Tour de France 2003 - 2005. First Filipino American Full Contact Arnis Champion at the Palarong Pilipino Pekiti-Tirsia tournament in 1977 at the Philippine Embassy, New York, N.Y.
Leslie L. Buck, Jr. - President Texas Kali Association. Advanced Instructor Pekiti Tirsia Kali. Edged weapons instructor for US and Philippine Marines during special joint training exercises in the Philippines. Recognized by the secretary of Defense of the Philippines, Orlando Mercado. Instructor Indonesian Martial Art of Pencak Silat. Instructor for numerous Law Enforcement and Military seminars and conferences including the DPS academy and Texas Tactical Police Officers Association as well as the PNP, SAF and CRG Anti Terrorist forces of the Philippines.
Rudy Salazar - Vice President Texas Kali Association. Instructor Pekiti Tirsia Kali. Over 41 years of martial arts experience including Kali, Kuntao, Judo, Shotokan and fencing. National fencing competitor for 10 years. Retired military serviceman, having taught U.S. Special Forces. Instructor at UT San Antonio for Emergency Medicine and Rescue. Self defense instructor for San Antonio EMS and Fire. Defensive Tactics and Emergency Medicine Instructor for numerous Law Enforcement seminars and conferences, including the DPS academy and Texas Tactical Police Officers Association. Private instructor for police, border patrol officers and air marshals.
René Rodriguez - Instructor Pekiti Tirsia Kali. First place champion atthe 2001 Battle Royale full contact competition in Ilo Ilo, Philippines Assistant Instructor at numerous Law Enforcement conferences held at DPS academy and Texas Tactical Police Officers Association. 25 plus years martial arts experience. Third degree black belt and Instructor Chinese Kenpo. Special instructor of Kali/Escrima at NCKKA (National Chinese Kenpo Karate Association) annual training camps. Training also includes Pencak Silat, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Shuai Chiao, Kendo, and Tai Chi.