Tuhon

Tuhon is a title used in some Filipino martial arts to designate a senior master or grandmaster, particularly within Pekiti-Tirsia Kali. It functions as an honorific that signals mastery, leadership, and responsibility for teaching, certifying instructors, and preserving a system’s lineage. The word is part of the cultural practice of rank and respect in certain lineages of Filipino martial arts, and its precise meaning can vary between organizations.

In practical terms, a person addressed as Tuhon is typically an experienced practitioner who holds a leadership position within a specific organization or family of styles. Tuhons may oversee curricula, organize seminars, oversee instructor certification, and guide the development and transmission of the system. The title is not universally used across all Filipino martial arts; many lineages use different designations such as Maestro, Guro, or Sifu, and the criteria for earning the title can differ accordingly.

Because the term and its usage are not standardized beyond particular lineages, the role and status of a Tuhon should be understood within the context of a given organization. Notable uses of the title occur in systems where lineage and ongoing pedagogy are central to practice, but practices vary, and some groups may not employ the title at all.

In summary, tuhón represents a high honorific for a senior teacher or master within certain Filipino martial arts, reflecting both proven expertise and stewardship of the art’s lineage.