The empty-hands component of the system is very effective in the realm of steet realism. However, it was originally designed to supplement the weapon curriculum. For example, a practitoner might use parts of the empty-hand curriculum in a self-defense situation until a weapon could be acquired to further dissuade the attacker(s). Perhaps a practitioner would use the empty-hands skills if the practitioner's initial weapon was disarmed. In varying social and legal climates, many law-obiding citizens have preferences for initially studying just empty-handed combat. Whatever the reason, the Pekiti-Tirsia System teaches effective methods in a systematic approach.
This is the introductory section to the empty hands section. The tempering conditions the practioner to the rigors of contact, both in striking and being struck. Some of the basic strikes are superimposed on top the rudiments of footwork as to give the practitioner the idea of mobility and generating power with footwork. Combinations are then integrated into the footwork patterns.
This section is a collection of twelve "forms/sets" which teach the proper dynamics in using the different parts of the practitioner's body as weapons. Each set consists of twelve techniques which are geared toward specific targets, and how to hit those targets.
Pekiti-De-Mano is the advanced empty hand section of the curriculum, as it teaches several entry techniques to the opponent's attack, all of which end in a lock/break, takedown, or choke. In fact, all of the major locks/breaks, takedowns and such found in other parts of the system can find their basic roots here.