Pekiti-Tirsia International is based on 3 principles:

• 3 Ranges - You are taught Close Range first as this is the most dangerous and difficult to master; then Medium, and finally Long.
• 3 Levels - Along with every attack you are taught several counters to that attack, as well as several recounters to each counter. You develop the ability to think at least 3 levels ahead in a fight.
• 3 Opponents - You are taught to be prepared to fight at least 3 opponents; therefore, you don't spend too much time on any one opponent.

On one hand this mnemonic is deceptively simple and yet it creates architecture both for categorizing martial skills, and, one for teaching them. Systemizing knowledge is valuable for its preservation and transmission.