About Us
Flagship Training Institute in the Houston Area
Co-founder, Director of Training and Operations
Roy Fitzgerald Jr. brings over four decades of dedicated experience in the martial arts, having trained extensively across multiple disciplines and systems. His foundation includes a second-degree black belt with the World Taekwondo Federation, a first-degree black belt in Kuk Sool Won, and third-degree black belt in Chung Do Kwan. Complementing this diverse background, he holds the distinguished rank of Tuhon in Pekiti-Tirsia Kali—reflecting both mastery and deep commitment to the art.
Throughout his career, Roy has developed a reputation as a highly capable and engaging instructor, with extensive experience teaching students of all ages. His work in children’s martial arts programming, in particular, highlights his ability to translate complex systems into structured, effective, and accessible training.
A respected figure within the Austin, Texas martial arts community, Roy has also contributed to public education through media, appearing on the Austin Cablevision program The Citizens Live in the Fifth Millennium, where he delivered practical self-defense insights to a broad audience.
His impact extends well beyond the civilian sector. Roy has played a significant role in training law enforcement professionals at the local, state, and federal levels. His instructional career in this arena began as a guest instructor alongside renowned defense tactics expert Erwin Ballarta in seminars hosted by the Department of Public Safety. From there, he went on to teach for numerous agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), U.S. Secret Service, and other government organizations.
His contributions have been formally recognized within the law enforcement community. In 1996, he received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for his work training officers. In 2001, he was awarded a Certificate of Recognition from the Department of Public Safety for his continued instruction. Further solidifying his expertise, he became a certified Tactical Baton Instructor through Armament Systems and Procedures in 2009.
In 2024, Roy was appointed Director of Texas by Grand Tuhon Supremo Leopoldo T. Gaje Jr., authorizing him to teach both nationally and internationally under the guidance of the Pekiti-Tirsia Kali system’s highest authority. This honor reflects not only his technical proficiency, but also his leadership and influence within the art.
In addition to his martial arts career, Roy has served within the Department of Homeland Security, including work with the Transportation Security Administration, further underscoring his lifelong commitment to public safety and professional excellence.
.
David Galvin
In addition to his deep specialization in Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, David has cultivated a well-rounded martial arts background. His training includes ranks in Shaolin-Do Kung Fu, American Karate, and Tae Kwon Do, along with practical experience in boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai developed during his time in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). This diverse foundation allows him to connect with students of all backgrounds, helping them build functional skillsets that extend beyond any single system.
David’s experience also includes international instruction. In 2009, he led training with the Philippine National Police K9 Division, focusing on knife tactics and defensive applications during a time when they were actively combating the Abu Sayyaf terrorist organization. This opportunity further shaped his understanding of how martial arts must perform under pressure, reinforcing his commitment to teaching methods that are practical, adaptable, and effective.
Beyond martial arts, David has a strong background in education and youth development. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History, with minors in Criminal Justice and Sociology, from the University of North Texas in 2014. He went on to spend five years with It’s Time Texas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving youth health and wellness. During that time, he designed and oversaw programs serving nearly 1,000 students annually, gaining valuable experience in curriculum development, student engagement, and long-term growth planning.
At the core of David’s teaching philosophy is a belief that no two students are the same. Rather than forcing individuals into rigid, pre-designed molds, he emphasizes personalized development—helping each student build upon their own strengths, attributes, and learning style. He believes that true growth comes from drawing out a student’s latent potential, not restricting it, and that a well-structured but adaptable curriculum is essential for producing capable, confident practitioners.
As an instructor, David is known for his ability to balance structure with creativity, discipline with approachability, and technical depth with clear, practical instruction. Whether working with children, beginners, or advanced students, his goal remains the same: to create an environment where students feel challenged, supported, and empowered to grow.
Our Mission
At Defense Tactics Institute, our mission is to provide authentic, high-level Pekiti-Tirsia Kali instruction in a way that helps each student grow in skill, confidence, discipline, and character. We are committed to preserving the integrity of the art while teaching it in a manner that is practical, personal, and accessible to real people with different goals, backgrounds, and abilities. We believe strong training should produce more than better martial artists; it should produce better men, women, and young people—individuals who carry themselves with awareness, humility, resilience, and respect for others.
Our Vision
At Defense Tactics Institute, our mission is to forge disciplined, capable, and resilient individuals through authentic Pekiti-Tirsia Kali training delivered with integrity, purpose, and respect for the individual student. We reject one-size-fits-all instruction and instead strive to bring out the fullest potential in every person who walks through our doors. By combining time-honored tradition, practical skill development, and a deep commitment to personal growth, we aim to build not only effective martial artists, but also stronger families, stronger communities, and people of lasting character.
We welcome all levels of skill. Contact us to schedule your first visit and meet our instructors.