About Jay Dilan
I'm an Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO practitioner and the admin of Visayan Eskrimadors facebook page which aims to promote Filipino Martial Arts, Filipino Martial Artists and a repository of information of Various Visayan Eskrimadors and FMA systems. you can also message our group Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO Lapu-Lapu City Chapter for more info about us. Thanks.
About Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO
Mission
1. To deepen skill and understanding in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO and in Filipino Martial Arts.
2. To help propagate the system and pass on the art to deserving individuals.
3. To give honor and reverence to the teachers of the art.
Description
We are a training group (more like a family) officially representing Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO system following the syllabus laid out by Professor Ireneo Olavides.
We are inviting interested Cebuanos to visit us and avail of free sessions. This specific system of Filipino Martial Arts specializes in the use of an impact weapon (sticks, improvised weapons, etc.) at largo mano. Our training location is at Collinwood Subdivision, Basak, Lapu-Lapu City.
As a tightly-knit family (not a commercial martial arts academy), members are more than just students so we are careful on whom we allow to join the family. New students are expected to undergo a probationary period inorder to assess their character.
We encourage prospective students to participate in our training rather than just observe the class. If you are interested to join, please email:
[email protected]
More info about us on this link: www.eskrimadecampo.com
facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eskrima-De-Campo-JDC-IO-Lapu-Lapu-City-Cebu/
Phone: +63919 351 7781
Email: [email protected]
1. To deepen skill and understanding in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO and in Filipino Martial Arts.
2. To help propagate the system and pass on the art to deserving individuals.
3. To give honor and reverence to the teachers of the art.
Description
We are a training group (more like a family) officially representing Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO system following the syllabus laid out by Professor Ireneo Olavides.
We are inviting interested Cebuanos to visit us and avail of free sessions. This specific system of Filipino Martial Arts specializes in the use of an impact weapon (sticks, improvised weapons, etc.) at largo mano. Our training location is at Collinwood Subdivision, Basak, Lapu-Lapu City.
As a tightly-knit family (not a commercial martial arts academy), members are more than just students so we are careful on whom we allow to join the family. New students are expected to undergo a probationary period inorder to assess their character.
We encourage prospective students to participate in our training rather than just observe the class. If you are interested to join, please email:
[email protected]
More info about us on this link: www.eskrimadecampo.com
facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eskrima-De-Campo-JDC-IO-Lapu-Lapu-City-Cebu/
Phone: +63919 351 7781
Email: [email protected]
History of Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO
GM Caballero, the undefeated Juego Todo duelist in his prime, was also wary that anyone (even his closest apprentice) who discovered his shrouded techniques could some day become a potential challenger. His curriculum as Olavides described was too drawn out and consisted of generic Eskrima routines like the Abecedario, and the Espada y Daga X-block and strike. These drills bored his patient student Eric Olavides who did not see the old man apply these elaborate techniques when they sparred. Olavides suspected all along that the he was hiding something from him. This was later confirmed when one day in 1975 Manong Jose's son got entangled with the police.
With no one to turn to, Manong Jose sought Olavides' help to bail out his son. Olavides shelled out his hard earned Five hundred Pesos that was quite a substantial amount in those days when the minimum wage was only P 300.00. Deeply beholden by this gesture, GM Caballero finally revealed all his techniques to Olavides. While the original written notes of Manong Jose are still being kept by his heirs, Olavides later modified and simplified the ornate moves and retained the basic potent techniques that until now is still being taught by Manuel L. Caballero in his father's hometown in Barrio Ibo, Toledo City. Of all his sons it was Manuel who inherited his father's natural fighting ability and grit.
Compared to the original lessons, the present day De Campo taught by Olavides is the closest to the actual fighting style of his mentor. The reason behind this discrepancy is not because Manong Jose was a bad teacher. It was due to his obsession with secrecy that the techniques he taught were painstakingly veiled to hide the real deadly combinations. GM Caballero taught Eskrima to supplement his meager income as a coconut farmer. In order to sustain the enrollment, he programmed an extensive course that started at the elementary level, high school, college, instructor and master levels. Olavides zealously observed the subtleties of the old man's striking combinations when they sparred. He eventually discovered that Manong Jose moved differently in actual sparring in contrast to what he did in exhibitions.
They took a break from these bruising sessions with a treat of hot crispy bread and sikwate (native chocolate) that Olavides never failed to bring along to please the old man. It was during one of these breaks that Manong Jose revealed in all candor that some of the silly stuff he taught were meant to camouflage the deadly moves he deployed during his Juego Todo heyday in the province of Cebu. What Manong Jose failed to document in his lesson plan, Olavides took note and compiled. Olavides later organized the salient moves of GM Caballero into groupings or sets of striking combinations. The present day De Campo has gone back to its hidden roots that is simple, fast, intense and violent.
With no one to turn to, Manong Jose sought Olavides' help to bail out his son. Olavides shelled out his hard earned Five hundred Pesos that was quite a substantial amount in those days when the minimum wage was only P 300.00. Deeply beholden by this gesture, GM Caballero finally revealed all his techniques to Olavides. While the original written notes of Manong Jose are still being kept by his heirs, Olavides later modified and simplified the ornate moves and retained the basic potent techniques that until now is still being taught by Manuel L. Caballero in his father's hometown in Barrio Ibo, Toledo City. Of all his sons it was Manuel who inherited his father's natural fighting ability and grit.
Compared to the original lessons, the present day De Campo taught by Olavides is the closest to the actual fighting style of his mentor. The reason behind this discrepancy is not because Manong Jose was a bad teacher. It was due to his obsession with secrecy that the techniques he taught were painstakingly veiled to hide the real deadly combinations. GM Caballero taught Eskrima to supplement his meager income as a coconut farmer. In order to sustain the enrollment, he programmed an extensive course that started at the elementary level, high school, college, instructor and master levels. Olavides zealously observed the subtleties of the old man's striking combinations when they sparred. He eventually discovered that Manong Jose moved differently in actual sparring in contrast to what he did in exhibitions.
They took a break from these bruising sessions with a treat of hot crispy bread and sikwate (native chocolate) that Olavides never failed to bring along to please the old man. It was during one of these breaks that Manong Jose revealed in all candor that some of the silly stuff he taught were meant to camouflage the deadly moves he deployed during his Juego Todo heyday in the province of Cebu. What Manong Jose failed to document in his lesson plan, Olavides took note and compiled. Olavides later organized the salient moves of GM Caballero into groupings or sets of striking combinations. The present day De Campo has gone back to its hidden roots that is simple, fast, intense and violent.
Jose Diaz Caballero
Jose D. Caballero (August 7, 1907 – August 24, 1987) was the founder of a Filipino martial art called De Campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orihinal, also commonly known as De Campo 1-2-3, and is considered the Juego Todo champion of his era.
Early Life
Caballero was born in the barangay (neighborhood) of Ibo, Toledo City, Cebu Province, in the Philippine archipelago. As a youth, he would travel from barangay to barangay in order to watch eskrima matches during fiesta celebrations. Caballero though at a tender age had observed the loopholes of the other fighters.He observed that most of them use the same techniques: opponents ending in close-range fighting where disarming and butt-striking were commonly applied. He then thought that techniques could be devised to counter the existing techniques of other Masters. He was still in his elementary years when he thought of the possibilities of devising, combining, checking and balancing techniques and forms to come out with a distinct more versatile style not easily predictable by existing Masters.
His Art
At the energetic age of 18 (1925), Caballero joined the Phillipine constabulary where he honed to the fullest the versatilities of his arnis system. He formally named his arnis system “De Campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orehenal”. “De Campo” to counter the strikes of his opponent (Also means from the fields), “Uno” to fake or feint, “Dos” to counter the counter strikes of the opponent, “Tres” to hit (finish) the opponent and “Orehenal” a reference to the technique as his own original style. In recapitulation it could be deduced that the name “De campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orihenal” is actually a set procedure, a step by step series of effective action against an opponent. The name itself reveals the succession of movements which is the essence of Master Caballeros style (striking in a series of threes). From his observations of these Eskrima exhibitions, he modified moves with an emphasis on three striking levels: the eyes, lower arms (specifically elbows and hands), and knees. He was a fan of Western movies and often compared his style to the gunslinger "quick draw".
Eskrima Juego-Todo Matches
In 1925 the skills of Caballero was put to test. His PC commander in Camp Ketley, Dansalan, Lanao del Sur (now Marawi City), needed a body guard who was skillful in Eskrima. Master Caballero applied for the position, but another known Eskrima fighter from llocos Sur by the name of Juan Carolla also wanted the post. Carolla`s feats in arnis were also considered legendary. Since the PC Commander needed only one body guard, a duel to determine the better fighter was agreed upon. In the first round, Carolla was hit in the head which made him collapse and unable to continue on with the fight. Caballero easily won but Carolla was not one to easily accept defeat. A rematch was scheduled for the following day wherein was again hit in the head, confirming Caballeros superior skills over his opponent. Carolla humiliated conceded in defeat and bowed to Caballero in respect.
In 1936 Jose Diaz Caballero defeated a well known fighter named Horje Navado from San Carlos City feared to have beaten 7 eskrimadors with his feet constrained to stepping only on 3 coconut shells forming a triangle.
One of the notable fights of Jose D. Caballero took place in 1939 against an eskrimador named Anoy a formidable challenger as he can bend an iron bar around his waist using bare hands. Anoy was from the nearby town of Tangub, he was hit by Caballero in the left hand then in the head and lost consciousness. The combination of strikes was delivered so quickly, that the crowd had not fully understood what had just taken place. This resulted in the perception that the match was fixed, and they began shouting "TAYOPE!" (fixed).A local supporter of Anoy uncallingly attacked Caballero but was fortunately intercepted and was also hit in the hand. Caballero then asked helped from the Phil. Constabulary fearing collective attack from local supporters of Anoy.
In 1943 Jose D. Caballero defeated Isidro Aguanta a famous eskrimador and notorious killer of 7 men coming from Canlaon, Negros Occidental.
In 1945 Alfredo Macalolan lost to Caballero. Macalolan is a Suban-on from Dinggonaa settlement in Ozamis. He surrendered after being hit in the hand. Caballero recalled that among all his opponents who were hit in the hand, it was only Macalolan who he was not able to send the stick flying in the air. Macalolan wears an amulet with a double cross symbol.
In 1950 Balbino Mancao bodyguard of a prominent politician challenged Caballero and lost. It was held in the cockpit area in Ozamis and was historically one of the shortest bouts of Caballero. Tanciong Lopez a boxer and eskrimador from Cebu. He went to Ozamis to avenge the defeat of his teacher but to no avail, he was unmatched by Jose D. Caballero and he was not able to deliver any blows.
In his prime, Caballero was the Juego Todo (All Out, no holds barred) champion and beat several famous Eskrimadors and some lesser known challengers. No less than Grandmaster Filemon "Momoy" Canete of San Miguel Eskrima a good friend of GM Caballero once vouched: "Dili ko makig duwa ana imong eskrima Joe, pangpatay man nag sawa." (I won't fool around with your eskrima Joe, it's for killing pythons.)
Early Life
Caballero was born in the barangay (neighborhood) of Ibo, Toledo City, Cebu Province, in the Philippine archipelago. As a youth, he would travel from barangay to barangay in order to watch eskrima matches during fiesta celebrations. Caballero though at a tender age had observed the loopholes of the other fighters.He observed that most of them use the same techniques: opponents ending in close-range fighting where disarming and butt-striking were commonly applied. He then thought that techniques could be devised to counter the existing techniques of other Masters. He was still in his elementary years when he thought of the possibilities of devising, combining, checking and balancing techniques and forms to come out with a distinct more versatile style not easily predictable by existing Masters.
His Art
At the energetic age of 18 (1925), Caballero joined the Phillipine constabulary where he honed to the fullest the versatilities of his arnis system. He formally named his arnis system “De Campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orehenal”. “De Campo” to counter the strikes of his opponent (Also means from the fields), “Uno” to fake or feint, “Dos” to counter the counter strikes of the opponent, “Tres” to hit (finish) the opponent and “Orehenal” a reference to the technique as his own original style. In recapitulation it could be deduced that the name “De campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orihenal” is actually a set procedure, a step by step series of effective action against an opponent. The name itself reveals the succession of movements which is the essence of Master Caballeros style (striking in a series of threes). From his observations of these Eskrima exhibitions, he modified moves with an emphasis on three striking levels: the eyes, lower arms (specifically elbows and hands), and knees. He was a fan of Western movies and often compared his style to the gunslinger "quick draw".
Eskrima Juego-Todo Matches
In 1925 the skills of Caballero was put to test. His PC commander in Camp Ketley, Dansalan, Lanao del Sur (now Marawi City), needed a body guard who was skillful in Eskrima. Master Caballero applied for the position, but another known Eskrima fighter from llocos Sur by the name of Juan Carolla also wanted the post. Carolla`s feats in arnis were also considered legendary. Since the PC Commander needed only one body guard, a duel to determine the better fighter was agreed upon. In the first round, Carolla was hit in the head which made him collapse and unable to continue on with the fight. Caballero easily won but Carolla was not one to easily accept defeat. A rematch was scheduled for the following day wherein was again hit in the head, confirming Caballeros superior skills over his opponent. Carolla humiliated conceded in defeat and bowed to Caballero in respect.
In 1936 Jose Diaz Caballero defeated a well known fighter named Horje Navado from San Carlos City feared to have beaten 7 eskrimadors with his feet constrained to stepping only on 3 coconut shells forming a triangle.
One of the notable fights of Jose D. Caballero took place in 1939 against an eskrimador named Anoy a formidable challenger as he can bend an iron bar around his waist using bare hands. Anoy was from the nearby town of Tangub, he was hit by Caballero in the left hand then in the head and lost consciousness. The combination of strikes was delivered so quickly, that the crowd had not fully understood what had just taken place. This resulted in the perception that the match was fixed, and they began shouting "TAYOPE!" (fixed).A local supporter of Anoy uncallingly attacked Caballero but was fortunately intercepted and was also hit in the hand. Caballero then asked helped from the Phil. Constabulary fearing collective attack from local supporters of Anoy.
In 1943 Jose D. Caballero defeated Isidro Aguanta a famous eskrimador and notorious killer of 7 men coming from Canlaon, Negros Occidental.
In 1945 Alfredo Macalolan lost to Caballero. Macalolan is a Suban-on from Dinggonaa settlement in Ozamis. He surrendered after being hit in the hand. Caballero recalled that among all his opponents who were hit in the hand, it was only Macalolan who he was not able to send the stick flying in the air. Macalolan wears an amulet with a double cross symbol.
In 1950 Balbino Mancao bodyguard of a prominent politician challenged Caballero and lost. It was held in the cockpit area in Ozamis and was historically one of the shortest bouts of Caballero. Tanciong Lopez a boxer and eskrimador from Cebu. He went to Ozamis to avenge the defeat of his teacher but to no avail, he was unmatched by Jose D. Caballero and he was not able to deliver any blows.
In his prime, Caballero was the Juego Todo (All Out, no holds barred) champion and beat several famous Eskrimadors and some lesser known challengers. No less than Grandmaster Filemon "Momoy" Canete of San Miguel Eskrima a good friend of GM Caballero once vouched: "Dili ko makig duwa ana imong eskrima Joe, pangpatay man nag sawa." (I won't fool around with your eskrima Joe, it's for killing pythons.)
Ireneo Olavides
He never relished the recognition as Grandmaster in the book The Masters of Arnis, Kali and Eskrima by the late Edgar G. Sulite. In the deference to the spirit of the founder of Lameco Eskrima International, he cannot accept this title not for lack of credentials but due to the apparent absence of standardized and rigid criteria in the selection of the title Grandmaster. As a college instructor, he prefers to be called simply Teacher Eric Olavides. The heir apparent of GM Jose D. Caballero's De Campo 1-2-3 Orihinal (now renamed simply as De Campo JDC-IO) has always maintained that he is not a Grandmaster of Eskrima.
A co-employee once revised his wedding invitation for omitting CPA (Certified Public Accountant) before the name of one of the godfathers who was among the list of principal sponsors consisting of Doctors, Engineers and Attorneys. Could this be the reason why some CPAs are also lawyers at same time? Just imagine how ludicrous it would sound if someone is introduced as: "CPA Pacuribut, I would like you to meet Dr. Sumalpong"! We Filipinos developed a fondness for titles attached to our names. It is a status symbol; it gives prestige and pride to our families. It is our ticket to power and a privileged life in a country where these licensed profession can assure us of the continued exploitation of the poor and the ignorant. In this country, nobody wants to be called Farmer Pedro.
We go to great lengths just to acquire these licenses even if it means going beyond the bounds of decency and fair play. We cheat and bribe PRC officials to pass the Board and Bar exams. Consequently, our country has remained backwards because of the abundance of Attorneys, Doctors, and Generals. Sadly, the state of the Filipino Martial Arts today is a reflection of the crab mentality of the Filipino and there is an urgent need for it to be exorcised from title hungry self-styled experts. A more apt description of this atrocious misuse of the highest rank in FMA can be found in the home page of one of the Balintawak Cuentada websites, to quote: "If the grandmasters fought to their deaths, then why are there still so many alive today!"
Kendo's highest rank of Hachi-dan is one of the most difficult to attain in any martial arts discipline, and for those exemplary candidates that hurdled the grueling tests, it took a lifetime. To be elevated to this highly revered rank in the Kendo hierarchy requires the discipline and patience of a monk and the mental and physical prowess that only a few extraordinary individuals can cultivate to perfection. The Filipino Martial Arts can never closely emulate this sophisticated and highly developed selection process because of the diversity of styles. Moreover, the quixotic endeavor of unifying the more than a hundred systems could only be more detrimental to the Filipino Martial Arts in general. However, it is worthy of consideration that an umbrella organization with an altruistic agenda would draft a canon that will be applicable to all disciplines, a selection process that is beyond reproach and an evaluation committee composed of highly esteemed figures in the Filipino Martial Arts.
Notwithstanding his personal conviction on this issue, Olavides recognizes that there are a few icons of FMA living and dead that deserve the title Grandmaster and to name a few, his mentor Jose D. Caballero, Antonio Ilustrisimo, Floro Villabrille, Venancio "Anciong" Bacon, Ciriaco "Cacoy" Canete, Leo Giron, Felicisimo Dizon, Angel Cabales, Leo Gaje, Johnny Chiuten, Timoteo Maranga and Filemon Caburnay. He is just a teacher and scholar of the Filipino Martial Arts, no more no less.
Eric as people close to him fondly call, is the antithesis of the eskrimador stereotype. Until this day he remains opposed to being called a Grandmaster. A very amiable, humble and a God-fearing person, Eric has remained reclusive for the past ten years and shared his art to only a handful of close acquaintances, among them was the late Edgar G. Sulite. His long hibernation from the martial arts scene was not a matter of choice but rather due to other personal commitments, occupational constraints and the environment that was not conducive to propagating De Campo 1-2-3 Orihinal. He has already retired from teaching Law Enforcement Subjects and Defensive Tactics at the College of Criminology of Misamis University.
He was only 13 years old in 1957 when he took his first eskrima lessons from his Uncle Martiniano Lumacang. In 1964 he continued his studies under Billy C. Baaclo . His long hard apprenticeship with Grandmaster Jose D. Caballero began in 1968. Curious for knowledge of other eskrima styles, he took an extensive one on one course in Doce Pares under Fernando Candawan. While studying Doce Pares, he spent endless hours developing long-range techniques to counter the "bull-charging" close quarters fighting style of Candawan. Eric described sparring with Candawan: "He was a brawler and focused with only one thing once you cross sticks: that is to charge close quarters at the expense of absorbing blows and immediately execute a disarm." Eric also holds a 1st Dan Blackbelt in Shorin-Ryu, and for a while also studied Kok Sut with former college classmate and confidante Antonio R. Ching. A consummate martial artist with an open mind, he tirelessly researched and studied other fighting disciplines and philosophies.
Although he has modified and improved a large bulk of the striking mechanics of GM Caballero's method, Eric, in all humility, despite clamor from followers, refused to adopt another name and brand it as his own invention. With all due respects to the spirit GM Caballero, Fernando Candawan and Doce Pares, he is against putting any label to his style of eskrima. Eventually, Eric agreed to change the name of De Campo on one condition: it will only be named after the inventor. Thus as his ultimate tribute to the Grandmaster, the method is now renamed simply as De Campo JDC-IO. With great hesitation he finally relented to have his initials attached to the acronym JDC-IO which means Jose D. Caballero and Ireneo Olavides. For him, "style" is a unique individual character, and it can never be institutionalized or standardized. The vicious cycle has to end somewhere and giving due recognition, perpetuating and developing the original methods of the old grandmasters is the greatest achievement of a mature martial artist and gentleman. Until now he maintains that he is not worthy of the title Grandmaster. It is bestowed only to a few icons of the Filipino Martial Arts like and the other great champions and innovators of our ancestors warrior arts. For all his humility and principles he is truly a great eskrimador and scholar of the Filipino Martial Arts.
Manong Eric Olavides: His Story in His Own Words
I am Ireneo Olavides, the current head of the Eskrima de Campo system which I learned from my mentor, Manong Jose D. Caballero. Don't call me master. My students just call me Manong Eric.
I was introduced to eskrima by my uncle, Martiniano Lumacang, in 1957. I was 13 yrs old then. My uncle was a farmer from barrio Buenavista near Oroquita City, Misamis in Mindanao. During my initiation period, my uncle probed if I were virtuous enough to qualify as a student. I had to display humility, courage, endurance, patience, perseverance and other virtues.
Our training was usually at night, inside his house that was lighted by a kerosene lamp. I was his only student. My uncle emphasized "natural" movements. He would simulate an attack and I had to respond with a "natural" reaction. If my counter did not appear natural to him, he would demonstrate how it should have been done. Our training can be described as a series of offensive-defensive maneuvers. It consisted of blocks and strikes, counterblocks and counterstrikes, and evasion techniques. We practiced slowly at first, then gradually built up speed until I began to move instinctively. My uncle called this method depensa natural.
I was trained to treat each training session as a simulated combat. His style, which was blade-oriented, was found in Bohol, Eastern Visayas. I trained with him for three summers. Then he died in 1960 due to an illness. Although I was too young to grasp the full meaning of the art, my experience with uncle opened a door for me to the world of eskrima.
Sometime in 1965, a friend introduced me to Billy Baaclo. I went to his house and asked him to teach me. And he did. We trained inside his house and nobody was allowed to watch. He was an exacting teacher.
He lived in the pier area in Ozamis City. Billy Baaclo was a World War II veteran whose USAFFE unit was attached to the US marine division in Bukidnon. During the Japanese occupation, he was a member of the guerilla force under Colonel Fertig. After the war, he worked in different trades; as a carpenter, police detective, clerk, bodyguard and finally a defense tactics instructor at the College of Criminology, Misamis university. He also gave private lessons in eskrima.
Billy Baaclo was a very humble man. He never talked about his exploits during the war. I only heard stories about him from the others. He was friendly and kind, but when provoked, he would simply say, "Try me if you will." He was a good role model for the martial arts. He taught me for more than two years in the blade and stick art. He died about three years ago.
In 1968, a friend told me that I should check out another eskrima expert named Jose Caballero. My friend urged me to learn the man's style, De Campo 1-2-3 Orihinal. Naturally, I inquired around before I sought him out. I got two conflicting stories about the man. People who knew him well in his younger years said he was an exceptionally skillful eskrimador who had beaten a dozen well-known masters in juego todo matches. However, the feedback from his former students was negative. They advised me to learn from other teachers.
I was intrigued. How could Jose Caballero be so renowned as a fighter but none of his students were? There was only one way to find out. I went to Manong Jose and asked to be accepted as a student. He agreed to teach me the whole course for P150.00. I paid, and he immediately brought me to his backyard and started giving me lessons in the basics
Seven months passed. Then Manong Jose told me that I was done. He told me I was already a De Campo eskrimador. Inwardly, I was bothered. I felt that I had not learned as much as I could have. In a real fight, I thought that my previous lessons from my other teachers would have served me better than the techniques of De Campo. I concluded that Manong Jose was holding back his best fighting techniques from his students. I became determined to ferret out his secrets.
I became a regular visitor of Manong Jose on weekends. I brought bread, tsokolate bars for sikwate and other food to share with Manong Jose and his family. Our conversations inevitably steered towards the subject of eskrima. Manang Amparo, Manong Jose's wife, would proudly relate his exploits during these times. Sometimes, he would conduct review lessons.
One day, he suddenly told me that he could teach me the specialization course of De Campo for P300. This was what I was waiting for. The course lasted six months. In the end, I still felt that Manong Jose kept important techniques from me. When I commented that his strikes seemed different and fast, he simply told me that with practise I would also be able to achieve his skill level. I kept my feelings to myself and never lost hope that one day, I might learn the real secrets. I decided to continue my regular visits to his home.
One early morning in 1974, Manong Jose came to my place asking for help. He needed some money to bail out his son who had been arrested by the police. The amount was substantial but I offered it gladly. The son was released and eventually freed from the charges.
The next time I visited him, he asked me if I was really serious about becoming an eskrimador. He said he considered me like a son and had decided to teach him his secrets, under one condition. I had to be willing to represent De Campo in any juego todo contest in the future. A shiver ran up my spine. It was a frightening condition. It never crossed my mind to participate in any organized jeugo todo competition.
I asked," Manong, do you really think I can become a good juego todo fighter like you? Deep within me, I felt I was way out of his league." Manong Jose said, "I will prepare you for that."
It was a great feeling to learn the closely-guarded techniques of Manong Jose and become a fighter like him, yet at the same time daunting. I just put back negative thoughts about the future behind and plunged into the terrific training of a juego todo fighter.
During training, Manong Jose's personality transformed like he was in another dimension. I was carried with him into that place where my training felt like I was in actual mortal combat. Every training session was an ordeal lasting two or more hours. Each session took me a little beyond my perceived limits. There were lots of repetitions. Manong Jose's training motto was: "You train to live, not die. Suffer during training, not during a fight." After three years of intensive training, he announced that I was already fit and ready to fight.
One day, Manong Jose told me that I had to prepare myself because in two years, we were going to his hometown in Ibo, Toledo, Cebu. He would arrange some of his eskrima comrades to test my skills. He said that if I passed, he was confident that I could face any juego todo fighter anytime, anywhere.
The old dread returned to me. I was in a dilemma. I only agreed to his condition to fight for him because I wanted to learn his secret techniques. I never thought it would actually come to this. Yet, I could not go back on my word. I had to fight I did the only thing I could think of. I prayed for deliverance. It came to pass.
In 1979, I heard that the well-known Doce Pares master, Fernando Candawan had moved to barrio Burgos, Aloran, Misamis Occidental, which was 30 kilometers from my place in Ozamis City. For some undefined reason, I wanted to learn his style too.
I sought the permission of Manong Jose. Immediately, I knew he was displeased. Finally, he responded, “All right, give me a good reason why and maybe I will let you.” I had a ready answer at hand. I told him that my De Campo would be better if I understood how other
stylist fought. I gave a brief lecture that was straight out of Sun Tzu’s military classic about knowing yourself.
I trained with the mutli-talented Candawan for over a year. Master Fernando Candawan was awarded the "Eskrimador of the Year" award by the Doce Pares headquarters in 1964. He was an amateur boxer and wrestler, and had black belts in Karate and Judo. Training with him was also arduous and I always was drained at the end of each session.
Fernando Candawan noticed that the way I moved revealed I had prior experience in eskrima. He asked me about my background and I told him about my uncle and Billy Baaclo, but I never revealed my association with Manong Jose. I was very careful not to show the techniques of Manong Jose to anyone. I learned to be courageous and persevering because Master Candawan was very strong. One day, he told me that I was already an eskrimador. I took that as a compliment.
Narrated to:
Mon Rivera
20 September 2005
A co-employee once revised his wedding invitation for omitting CPA (Certified Public Accountant) before the name of one of the godfathers who was among the list of principal sponsors consisting of Doctors, Engineers and Attorneys. Could this be the reason why some CPAs are also lawyers at same time? Just imagine how ludicrous it would sound if someone is introduced as: "CPA Pacuribut, I would like you to meet Dr. Sumalpong"! We Filipinos developed a fondness for titles attached to our names. It is a status symbol; it gives prestige and pride to our families. It is our ticket to power and a privileged life in a country where these licensed profession can assure us of the continued exploitation of the poor and the ignorant. In this country, nobody wants to be called Farmer Pedro.
We go to great lengths just to acquire these licenses even if it means going beyond the bounds of decency and fair play. We cheat and bribe PRC officials to pass the Board and Bar exams. Consequently, our country has remained backwards because of the abundance of Attorneys, Doctors, and Generals. Sadly, the state of the Filipino Martial Arts today is a reflection of the crab mentality of the Filipino and there is an urgent need for it to be exorcised from title hungry self-styled experts. A more apt description of this atrocious misuse of the highest rank in FMA can be found in the home page of one of the Balintawak Cuentada websites, to quote: "If the grandmasters fought to their deaths, then why are there still so many alive today!"
Kendo's highest rank of Hachi-dan is one of the most difficult to attain in any martial arts discipline, and for those exemplary candidates that hurdled the grueling tests, it took a lifetime. To be elevated to this highly revered rank in the Kendo hierarchy requires the discipline and patience of a monk and the mental and physical prowess that only a few extraordinary individuals can cultivate to perfection. The Filipino Martial Arts can never closely emulate this sophisticated and highly developed selection process because of the diversity of styles. Moreover, the quixotic endeavor of unifying the more than a hundred systems could only be more detrimental to the Filipino Martial Arts in general. However, it is worthy of consideration that an umbrella organization with an altruistic agenda would draft a canon that will be applicable to all disciplines, a selection process that is beyond reproach and an evaluation committee composed of highly esteemed figures in the Filipino Martial Arts.
Notwithstanding his personal conviction on this issue, Olavides recognizes that there are a few icons of FMA living and dead that deserve the title Grandmaster and to name a few, his mentor Jose D. Caballero, Antonio Ilustrisimo, Floro Villabrille, Venancio "Anciong" Bacon, Ciriaco "Cacoy" Canete, Leo Giron, Felicisimo Dizon, Angel Cabales, Leo Gaje, Johnny Chiuten, Timoteo Maranga and Filemon Caburnay. He is just a teacher and scholar of the Filipino Martial Arts, no more no less.
Eric as people close to him fondly call, is the antithesis of the eskrimador stereotype. Until this day he remains opposed to being called a Grandmaster. A very amiable, humble and a God-fearing person, Eric has remained reclusive for the past ten years and shared his art to only a handful of close acquaintances, among them was the late Edgar G. Sulite. His long hibernation from the martial arts scene was not a matter of choice but rather due to other personal commitments, occupational constraints and the environment that was not conducive to propagating De Campo 1-2-3 Orihinal. He has already retired from teaching Law Enforcement Subjects and Defensive Tactics at the College of Criminology of Misamis University.
He was only 13 years old in 1957 when he took his first eskrima lessons from his Uncle Martiniano Lumacang. In 1964 he continued his studies under Billy C. Baaclo . His long hard apprenticeship with Grandmaster Jose D. Caballero began in 1968. Curious for knowledge of other eskrima styles, he took an extensive one on one course in Doce Pares under Fernando Candawan. While studying Doce Pares, he spent endless hours developing long-range techniques to counter the "bull-charging" close quarters fighting style of Candawan. Eric described sparring with Candawan: "He was a brawler and focused with only one thing once you cross sticks: that is to charge close quarters at the expense of absorbing blows and immediately execute a disarm." Eric also holds a 1st Dan Blackbelt in Shorin-Ryu, and for a while also studied Kok Sut with former college classmate and confidante Antonio R. Ching. A consummate martial artist with an open mind, he tirelessly researched and studied other fighting disciplines and philosophies.
Although he has modified and improved a large bulk of the striking mechanics of GM Caballero's method, Eric, in all humility, despite clamor from followers, refused to adopt another name and brand it as his own invention. With all due respects to the spirit GM Caballero, Fernando Candawan and Doce Pares, he is against putting any label to his style of eskrima. Eventually, Eric agreed to change the name of De Campo on one condition: it will only be named after the inventor. Thus as his ultimate tribute to the Grandmaster, the method is now renamed simply as De Campo JDC-IO. With great hesitation he finally relented to have his initials attached to the acronym JDC-IO which means Jose D. Caballero and Ireneo Olavides. For him, "style" is a unique individual character, and it can never be institutionalized or standardized. The vicious cycle has to end somewhere and giving due recognition, perpetuating and developing the original methods of the old grandmasters is the greatest achievement of a mature martial artist and gentleman. Until now he maintains that he is not worthy of the title Grandmaster. It is bestowed only to a few icons of the Filipino Martial Arts like and the other great champions and innovators of our ancestors warrior arts. For all his humility and principles he is truly a great eskrimador and scholar of the Filipino Martial Arts.
Manong Eric Olavides: His Story in His Own Words
I am Ireneo Olavides, the current head of the Eskrima de Campo system which I learned from my mentor, Manong Jose D. Caballero. Don't call me master. My students just call me Manong Eric.
I was introduced to eskrima by my uncle, Martiniano Lumacang, in 1957. I was 13 yrs old then. My uncle was a farmer from barrio Buenavista near Oroquita City, Misamis in Mindanao. During my initiation period, my uncle probed if I were virtuous enough to qualify as a student. I had to display humility, courage, endurance, patience, perseverance and other virtues.
Our training was usually at night, inside his house that was lighted by a kerosene lamp. I was his only student. My uncle emphasized "natural" movements. He would simulate an attack and I had to respond with a "natural" reaction. If my counter did not appear natural to him, he would demonstrate how it should have been done. Our training can be described as a series of offensive-defensive maneuvers. It consisted of blocks and strikes, counterblocks and counterstrikes, and evasion techniques. We practiced slowly at first, then gradually built up speed until I began to move instinctively. My uncle called this method depensa natural.
I was trained to treat each training session as a simulated combat. His style, which was blade-oriented, was found in Bohol, Eastern Visayas. I trained with him for three summers. Then he died in 1960 due to an illness. Although I was too young to grasp the full meaning of the art, my experience with uncle opened a door for me to the world of eskrima.
Sometime in 1965, a friend introduced me to Billy Baaclo. I went to his house and asked him to teach me. And he did. We trained inside his house and nobody was allowed to watch. He was an exacting teacher.
He lived in the pier area in Ozamis City. Billy Baaclo was a World War II veteran whose USAFFE unit was attached to the US marine division in Bukidnon. During the Japanese occupation, he was a member of the guerilla force under Colonel Fertig. After the war, he worked in different trades; as a carpenter, police detective, clerk, bodyguard and finally a defense tactics instructor at the College of Criminology, Misamis university. He also gave private lessons in eskrima.
Billy Baaclo was a very humble man. He never talked about his exploits during the war. I only heard stories about him from the others. He was friendly and kind, but when provoked, he would simply say, "Try me if you will." He was a good role model for the martial arts. He taught me for more than two years in the blade and stick art. He died about three years ago.
In 1968, a friend told me that I should check out another eskrima expert named Jose Caballero. My friend urged me to learn the man's style, De Campo 1-2-3 Orihinal. Naturally, I inquired around before I sought him out. I got two conflicting stories about the man. People who knew him well in his younger years said he was an exceptionally skillful eskrimador who had beaten a dozen well-known masters in juego todo matches. However, the feedback from his former students was negative. They advised me to learn from other teachers.
I was intrigued. How could Jose Caballero be so renowned as a fighter but none of his students were? There was only one way to find out. I went to Manong Jose and asked to be accepted as a student. He agreed to teach me the whole course for P150.00. I paid, and he immediately brought me to his backyard and started giving me lessons in the basics
Seven months passed. Then Manong Jose told me that I was done. He told me I was already a De Campo eskrimador. Inwardly, I was bothered. I felt that I had not learned as much as I could have. In a real fight, I thought that my previous lessons from my other teachers would have served me better than the techniques of De Campo. I concluded that Manong Jose was holding back his best fighting techniques from his students. I became determined to ferret out his secrets.
I became a regular visitor of Manong Jose on weekends. I brought bread, tsokolate bars for sikwate and other food to share with Manong Jose and his family. Our conversations inevitably steered towards the subject of eskrima. Manang Amparo, Manong Jose's wife, would proudly relate his exploits during these times. Sometimes, he would conduct review lessons.
One day, he suddenly told me that he could teach me the specialization course of De Campo for P300. This was what I was waiting for. The course lasted six months. In the end, I still felt that Manong Jose kept important techniques from me. When I commented that his strikes seemed different and fast, he simply told me that with practise I would also be able to achieve his skill level. I kept my feelings to myself and never lost hope that one day, I might learn the real secrets. I decided to continue my regular visits to his home.
One early morning in 1974, Manong Jose came to my place asking for help. He needed some money to bail out his son who had been arrested by the police. The amount was substantial but I offered it gladly. The son was released and eventually freed from the charges.
The next time I visited him, he asked me if I was really serious about becoming an eskrimador. He said he considered me like a son and had decided to teach him his secrets, under one condition. I had to be willing to represent De Campo in any juego todo contest in the future. A shiver ran up my spine. It was a frightening condition. It never crossed my mind to participate in any organized jeugo todo competition.
I asked," Manong, do you really think I can become a good juego todo fighter like you? Deep within me, I felt I was way out of his league." Manong Jose said, "I will prepare you for that."
It was a great feeling to learn the closely-guarded techniques of Manong Jose and become a fighter like him, yet at the same time daunting. I just put back negative thoughts about the future behind and plunged into the terrific training of a juego todo fighter.
During training, Manong Jose's personality transformed like he was in another dimension. I was carried with him into that place where my training felt like I was in actual mortal combat. Every training session was an ordeal lasting two or more hours. Each session took me a little beyond my perceived limits. There were lots of repetitions. Manong Jose's training motto was: "You train to live, not die. Suffer during training, not during a fight." After three years of intensive training, he announced that I was already fit and ready to fight.
One day, Manong Jose told me that I had to prepare myself because in two years, we were going to his hometown in Ibo, Toledo, Cebu. He would arrange some of his eskrima comrades to test my skills. He said that if I passed, he was confident that I could face any juego todo fighter anytime, anywhere.
The old dread returned to me. I was in a dilemma. I only agreed to his condition to fight for him because I wanted to learn his secret techniques. I never thought it would actually come to this. Yet, I could not go back on my word. I had to fight I did the only thing I could think of. I prayed for deliverance. It came to pass.
In 1979, I heard that the well-known Doce Pares master, Fernando Candawan had moved to barrio Burgos, Aloran, Misamis Occidental, which was 30 kilometers from my place in Ozamis City. For some undefined reason, I wanted to learn his style too.
I sought the permission of Manong Jose. Immediately, I knew he was displeased. Finally, he responded, “All right, give me a good reason why and maybe I will let you.” I had a ready answer at hand. I told him that my De Campo would be better if I understood how other
stylist fought. I gave a brief lecture that was straight out of Sun Tzu’s military classic about knowing yourself.
I trained with the mutli-talented Candawan for over a year. Master Fernando Candawan was awarded the "Eskrimador of the Year" award by the Doce Pares headquarters in 1964. He was an amateur boxer and wrestler, and had black belts in Karate and Judo. Training with him was also arduous and I always was drained at the end of each session.
Fernando Candawan noticed that the way I moved revealed I had prior experience in eskrima. He asked me about my background and I told him about my uncle and Billy Baaclo, but I never revealed my association with Manong Jose. I was very careful not to show the techniques of Manong Jose to anyone. I learned to be courageous and persevering because Master Candawan was very strong. One day, he told me that I was already an eskrimador. I took that as a compliment.
Narrated to:
Mon Rivera
20 September 2005
Ruel Tubang (Training Director, Dumaguete City)
"El Tigre" as he was once notoriously known in his old neighborhood in Zamboanga City, Ruel Tubang found inner peace and harmony when he underwent extensive training under Prof. Eric Olavides in Ozamiz City. Ruel has been embroiled and survived 17 live blade encounters. He once foiled a robbery attempt at the Gonzales pawnshop in Ozamiz City by disarming a gunwielding robber and beating him up until the authorities took hold of the suspect. Fearing expulsion from his De Campo apprenticeship, Ruel immediately reported the incident to his mentor Prof. Eric Olavides who gave his approval to the use of reasonable force by Ruel in the robbery attempt. Ruel now lives in Dumaguete City near his hometown in Bacong, Negros Oriental.
The Road To Eskrima by Jay Dilan
Its been awhile since I studied our very own Martial Art called "Eskrima" which is also known as "Arnis", it is best known for its usage of blades, sticks and improvised weapons as well as empty-hand striking, trapping and grappling. Its been a year but the adventure of knowing the art will be within me for the rest of my life time and can be pass on to the next generation, it needs to be treasured, I don't want to talk about the historical theories of Eskrima because it will be a long story to tackle with and a long debate to some, and I'm not good in debate though, lets just say I was born with a warrior bloodline since my Grandfather from my fatherside was a WWII veteran, A Filipino Guerilla and a purple heart awardee, and my Grandfather from my motherside was an eskrimador and a martial arts enthusiast, maybe that would explain well why I love the art, though I'm not worthy to be called a warrior compared to my grandfathers but there's a calling for me to sudy the art. I've heard of Arnis when I was a child, seeing barangay tanods carry the stick, and have seen Lito Lapid's movie called "Kamagong", but I do not know the background about the stick then, I also have heard the name Bruce Lee when I was young through my uncles, I had several uncles in Malabon and some have their own collection of weapons, and yes I have watched Ninja Turtles who carry weapons to destroy the forces of evil... I even cried to my father to buy me a nun-chucks when I was a kid when we went to Baguio, and have played with butterfly knife often during my elementary days I would secretly took the butterfly knife of my father on the cabinet and will play on it, the funniest and the most hillarious thing we've done with my childhood friends was making a molotov bomb and tried to test it in a vacant lot unluckily the bomb did not explode but roll down to an electric post and it almost burn the post, blame it on Robin Padilla Movies... My family migrated in Cebu when I went to highschool, and was introduced to its rich culture and history where warriors like Lapu-Lapu, Katipunan's who believed in agimats and anting-anting like Leon Kilat, and some WWII veterans who also used eskrima to fight the Japs have lived as a warrior in their own land. I was introduced to FMA when a fraternity brod of mine and I had a fight with the bouncers at their gig I won't detail what happened but when the bouncer grabbed both of his hands, he easily maneuver his hand and what happened next was, he was holding the wrist of the bouncer and had a good kick on his opponent and on that point I threw a punch on the bouncer and he was knocked out, we always had a great talk and would have a knife sessions when we would meet, weaponry was the name of the game. It so happened that on early 2011 I lost my job and on that point I was determined to do what I want to do which is to study FMA, what I did was I googled "ESKRIMA" and would research on the system of their martial arts, and from there I came across Eskrima de Campo JDC-IO, it was popularly known in the martial arts community as De campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orihinal. Like most Filipino martial arts, the weapon of choice is the olisi which is made of fibrous rattan sticks. The method is basically long range or Largo mano. Only the last two inches of the olisi or garrote make contact with the target. There are three primary targets: the weapon hand or elbow, the eyes and the knees. I met Erwin Ian Almagro the senior trainer of the group and from then on I was still training with the group, there is no belt system in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO however a ranking system has been put in place to help students track their progression through the system. There are seven levels within the system and each level varies on how long they take, I'm still in level 2 and still moving on...
Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO Merchandise
New products for sale: Padded sticks and plastic dulo-dulo. We initially made these for our own (lapu-lapu chapter) training purposes. After several prototypes of padded stick, we preferred this light weight and medium stiffness design. It's also safer to use than the ones commercially sold in local malls.
For more information pls. contact:
Phone 0919 351 7781
Email [email protected]
http://www.eskrimadecampo.com/html/gear.html
For more information pls. contact:
Phone 0919 351 7781
Email [email protected]
http://www.eskrimadecampo.com/html/gear.html
Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO Shirt
For more information pls. contact:
Phone 0919 351 7781
Email [email protected]http://www.eskrimadecampo.com/html/gear.html
Phone 0919 351 7781
Email [email protected]http://www.eskrimadecampo.com/html/gear.html
Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO Lapu-Lapu City Volunteers To Help the Typhoon Haiyan Victims
Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO, Lapu-Lapu City volunteers to help the victims of typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda which is one of the deadliest Philippine typhoon on record, killing at least 3,681 people and counting up, this is our own way of giving back to our fellow Filipino. #BangonPilipinas, #EskrimaDeCampo
Application of Basic Scabbard
Billy Baaclo: Abanico De Sungkiti
Billy Baaclo
Abanico de Sungkiti
Sometime in 1965, a friend introduced Manong Eric to Billy Baaclo. He went to Billy Baaclo's house and asked him to teach him. And he did. They trained inside his house and nobody was allowed to watch. Billy Baaclo was an exacting teacher.
Billy Baaclo lived in the pier area in Ozamis City. He was a World War II veteran whose USAFFE unit was attached to the US marine division in Bukidnon. During the Japanese occupation, he was a member of the guerilla force under Colonel Fertig. After the war, he worked in different trades; as a carpenter, police detective, clerk, bodyguard and finally a defense tactics instructor at the College of Criminology, Misamis University. He also gave private lessons in eskrima. Billy Baaclo was a very humble man. He never talked about his exploits during the war. Manong Eric only heard stories about him from the others. He was friendly and kind, but when provoked, he would simply say, “Try me if you will.” He was a good role model for the martial arts. He taught Manong Eric for more than two years in the blade and stick art. He passed away on 2002.
Abanico de Sungkiti
Sometime in 1965, a friend introduced Manong Eric to Billy Baaclo. He went to Billy Baaclo's house and asked him to teach him. And he did. They trained inside his house and nobody was allowed to watch. Billy Baaclo was an exacting teacher.
Billy Baaclo lived in the pier area in Ozamis City. He was a World War II veteran whose USAFFE unit was attached to the US marine division in Bukidnon. During the Japanese occupation, he was a member of the guerilla force under Colonel Fertig. After the war, he worked in different trades; as a carpenter, police detective, clerk, bodyguard and finally a defense tactics instructor at the College of Criminology, Misamis University. He also gave private lessons in eskrima. Billy Baaclo was a very humble man. He never talked about his exploits during the war. Manong Eric only heard stories about him from the others. He was friendly and kind, but when provoked, he would simply say, “Try me if you will.” He was a good role model for the martial arts. He taught Manong Eric for more than two years in the blade and stick art. He passed away on 2002.
Conditioning Exercises
The most common sets of exercise that we do during training were as follows:
1. Push ups
2. Squat-Jump
3. Spiderman
4. Alternate jumping lunges
5. Burpees (push-up, stand, jump, repeat)
6. Squats with hand on floor
Here are some of the simple exercises we do as shown in the video. Each exercise is performed for 30s per individual's pace with a 30s rest period. These exercises are done in 3 sets.
1. Push ups
2. Squat-Jump
3. Spiderman
4. Alternate jumping lunges
5. Burpees (push-up, stand, jump, repeat)
6. Squats with hand on floor
Here are some of the simple exercises we do as shown in the video. Each exercise is performed for 30s per individual's pace with a 30s rest period. These exercises are done in 3 sets.
Good Friday Training
It was a tradition of GM Jose Caballero to gather all his students on Good Friday at his place. To keep the tradition alive, we dedicate this short morning training in memory of the late GM Caballero - the founder of De Campo 1-2-3 Orihinal (1925).
Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO Largo Mano Basic Seminar
The "Largo Mano Basic Seminar about Eskrima De Campo J.D.C.-I.O. was held on October 18, 2014 9:00am-12:00nn this was be hosted by Eskrima De Campo J.D.C.-I.O. Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu Chapter we have invited Maestro Ireneo "Eric" Olavides the heir apparent of GM Jose Diaz Caballero's De Campo 1-2-3 Orihinal (now renamed simply as Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO) as the one who will conduct the seminar with the help of Erwin Ian Almagro the senior trainer of EDC-JDC-IO, Lapu Lapu City, Cebu
The Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO basic seminar venuewas conducted at MEPZ1 football field since the venue at Collinwood, Basak, Lapu-lapu City was not available the seminar was held at MEPZ1, Footballfield at Lapu-lapu City.
The Largo Mano Basics Seminar
(Written by: Jay Dilan)
“The Largo Mano Basics Seminar” was a seminar hosted by Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO, Lapu-Lapu City Group and with Maestro Ireneo “Eric” Olavides as the main speaker for the seminar. Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO represents the personal martial arts journey of Ireneo “Eric” Olavides, who has formulated a style influenced by all of his previous teachers. JDC-IO stands for Jose Diaz Caballero (his teacher) and Ireneo Olavides. Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO encompasses striking techniques of both the stick as an impact weapon and a blade as a cutting weapon. Regardless to the weapon being used, the student is taught to take full advantage of whatever he or she has. Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO is a largo mano system wherein only the tip of the stick would hit the opponent, maintaining distance is also an advantage that you are not going to be hit by the opponent, the system may be simple but should be precise in hitting the target. The seminar also touch some issues on why there are only few who practices eskrima, some of the reasons were “Fear” and “Lack of knowledge about Eskrima”, in preserving the art Maestro Ireneo “Eric” Olavides ask this question on practitioners “Why do we want to learn Eskrima?” then he continued “We want to learn eskrima because it is part of our cultural heritage, it is one way of identifying Filipino identity which is something to be proud of, it boosts our confidence and self esteem and it is also good in our physical fitness.” . The other topics that was discussed by Maestro Ireneo “Eric” Olavides were the principles in moving and striking and being one with the stick wherein you have to move and strike as one unit the purpose of which is to generate power as the whole body move and transferred that power to the tip of the stick in hitting the target. Proper on-guard position were being taught as well as the basic techniques like the “Basic Defensive Strike Form” and “Amarra” (Set of movements with the stick wherein it is the body that moves with the stick together as one). The seminar ended with a group picture of attendees with Maestro Ireneo “Eric” Olavides. It is such an experience to be a part of the seminar, here’s a simple quote that Maestro Ireneo “Eric” Olavides spoke of during the seminar in performing the amarra “Where the body goes, the stick goes” I guess every eskrimador could relate with this quote.
The Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO basic seminar venuewas conducted at MEPZ1 football field since the venue at Collinwood, Basak, Lapu-lapu City was not available the seminar was held at MEPZ1, Footballfield at Lapu-lapu City.
The Largo Mano Basics Seminar
(Written by: Jay Dilan)
“The Largo Mano Basics Seminar” was a seminar hosted by Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO, Lapu-Lapu City Group and with Maestro Ireneo “Eric” Olavides as the main speaker for the seminar. Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO represents the personal martial arts journey of Ireneo “Eric” Olavides, who has formulated a style influenced by all of his previous teachers. JDC-IO stands for Jose Diaz Caballero (his teacher) and Ireneo Olavides. Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO encompasses striking techniques of both the stick as an impact weapon and a blade as a cutting weapon. Regardless to the weapon being used, the student is taught to take full advantage of whatever he or she has. Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO is a largo mano system wherein only the tip of the stick would hit the opponent, maintaining distance is also an advantage that you are not going to be hit by the opponent, the system may be simple but should be precise in hitting the target. The seminar also touch some issues on why there are only few who practices eskrima, some of the reasons were “Fear” and “Lack of knowledge about Eskrima”, in preserving the art Maestro Ireneo “Eric” Olavides ask this question on practitioners “Why do we want to learn Eskrima?” then he continued “We want to learn eskrima because it is part of our cultural heritage, it is one way of identifying Filipino identity which is something to be proud of, it boosts our confidence and self esteem and it is also good in our physical fitness.” . The other topics that was discussed by Maestro Ireneo “Eric” Olavides were the principles in moving and striking and being one with the stick wherein you have to move and strike as one unit the purpose of which is to generate power as the whole body move and transferred that power to the tip of the stick in hitting the target. Proper on-guard position were being taught as well as the basic techniques like the “Basic Defensive Strike Form” and “Amarra” (Set of movements with the stick wherein it is the body that moves with the stick together as one). The seminar ended with a group picture of attendees with Maestro Ireneo “Eric” Olavides. It is such an experience to be a part of the seminar, here’s a simple quote that Maestro Ireneo “Eric” Olavides spoke of during the seminar in performing the amarra “Where the body goes, the stick goes” I guess every eskrimador could relate with this quote.
Fernando Candawan Sr.: Doce Pares
Master Fernando Candawan Sr. an expert in the famed Doce Pares style, he is also known as the right hand of GM Ciriaco Cañete. Master Fernando Candawan was awarded the "Eskrimador of the Year" award by the Doce Pares headquarters in 1964. He was an amateur boxer and wrestler, and had black belts in Karate and Judo. He is also one of the men behind the foundation of the group called Durex club in CIT when it was founded by his student Larry Alcuizar in 1959. In early 1966, Master Dading Candawan left Cebu to pursue a job in the Registrar’s office in the Northern Mindanao Colleges and in 1979, Manong Eric Olavides heard that the well-known Doce Pares master Fernando Candawan had moved to barrio Burgos, Aloran, Misamis Occidental, which was 30 kilometers from his place in Ozamis City. For some undefined reason, he wanted to learn Master Candawan's style too. Candawan’s system was characterized by intense physical training. Reminiscing Manong Eric's tuition under Candawan Olavides narrates, “And we practiced the palakaw (Visayan escrima interactive drills) with so much intensity that at the end of the day I suffered bruises, muscular sprain and some of the joints of my fingers were swollen. My body was almost drained of energy that when I arrived home I have to go to the hilot (bone setter) and have a full-day rest.”. Manong Eric describes sparring with Candawan: "He was a brawler and focused with only one thing once you cross sticks: that is to charge close quarters at the expense of absorbing blows and immediately execute a disarm."
Picture of master Fernando Candawan Sr. Courtesy of Oliver Requilme Candawan.
Visayan Eskrimadors Friendship Gathering 2015
here's a collection of pictures we've got during the event "Visayan Eskrimadors Friendship Gathering" which was held at Mandaue City Sports Complex on September 5-6, 2015. Eskrima - Arnis - Kali - Estokada - De Campo - Garrote - Kutsilyo - Espada