De Campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orihinal (also referred to as De Campo 1-2-3) is a form of Filipino martial arts. The majority of its techniques are based on fighting with a single stick.
It was created by the late Grandmaster Jose Caballero. The name of the art was derived from his middle name “Diaz” and his surname “Caballero”. He once proclaimed that when you lift heavy objects, it is assisted by the count of three; “Uno Dos y Tres!”.
This is indicative of the simplicity in which techniques are taught and executed within the art. The Tagalog word “orihinal” is translated “original”.
Training
Many Filipino Martial Arts use the stick as a translation from a blade. However, this is not the case with DeCampo 1-2-3. The style has been wholly adapted to be executed with a stick. The length of this stick generally varies from 28 to 30 inches.
As is the case with many of the Filipino styles, newcomers start by training with slow drills. As they advance in skill and ability, likewise will the speed in which they practice. This gradual approach helps the students to learn the movements correctly while applying them with increasing speed over time.
De Campo uses linear assaults and thrusts at punching range instead of angular strikes common in most close-quarters systems. Jose Caballero’s more notable students were his protege Ireneo L. Olavides, Edgar Sulite and his brother Helacrio Sulite, Jr.
