De Campo 101

De Campo 101 (The Foundation): A Master Class in True Understanding

Unlock the authentic power and profound intelligence of the De Campo system with De Campo 101: The Foundation. This is no ordinary introduction; it's a meticulously crafted Master Class designed to give you the crucial understanding often missed, ensuring you don't just learn the movements, but truly embody the art. To ensure you master De Campo's traditional elements with immediate insight, De Campo 101 begins by forging your core and illuminating the path to genuine skill through essential 'Essential Lessons.' This crucial grounding prepares you to engage the 'Elementary Proper' and its final 'Routine,' transforming repetitive drills into profound learning experiences.

This foundational journey is divided into three critical stages:

Part 1: Essential Lessons – The Keys to De Campo Fluency

This preparatory stage is the heart of the Master Class, designed to instill a deep comprehension of the principles that underpin every technique. You will master:

• Body Mechanics: Discover the ergonomic engine of De Campo. Learn to generate power, maintain balance, and move with the effortless efficiency that defines the system.
• Footwork: Command the space around you. Master the essential footwork patterns—from sliding and stepping to shuffling and the Out of Range Maneuver—that allow for superior positioning and agile transitions.
• Striking: Develop precision and impact. Learn the three fundamental strikes (Half Strike, Device, Full Strike), understand their mechanics, and grasp the core principles of timing, momentum, and non-telegraphic execution.
• The 1-2-3 Striking Method: This is where the art truly comes alive. Learn the unique De Campo methodology for seamlessly combining strikes, flowing with intent and power. Mastering this method is your key to effortlessly understanding and applying the curriculum proper.

Part 2: Elementary Proper – The Original Curriculum, Illuminated

With the indispensable foundation firmly established, you will then progress to the Elementary Proper – the original, time-honored curriculum of Grandmaster Jose Caballero. You will learn each group in detail:

• The Primary Lessons (Groups 1-5): Master the foundational responses, from the blocking of Abecedario to the "in and out" principles of De Alfavito, and the core combinations of Horizontal, Serrada, and Abierta.
• The Elementary Lessons (Groups 6 & 7): Learn the signature "mother drills" of De Campo—the 1-2-3 Original and its Redondo y Redonda variation.
• Elementary Mixing: Discover how to blend the principles of all the previous groups into fluid, continuous variations.

Part 3: The Elementary Routine – Embodying the Art

The final stage of this course moves from individual techniques to a complete, holistic performance. Here, you will see the entire Elementary Proper curriculum—from Group One through the Mixing stage—demonstrated as a single, continuous Ensayo (routine). This is where theory becomes action. You will study:

• The Traditional Method: Observe the routine performed in its classical style, emphasizing the specific weight shifts and lead-foot stance characteristic of the original art.
• The Front-Loaded Method: See the same routine performed with the modern, mobile footwork taught in the fundamentals, highlighting its adaptability and showing the full seven repetitions for each group.
• Unique Perspectives: A top-down camera angle is provided to give you an unparalleled view of the footwork, spacing, and geometry of the movements.
• Combative Application: The journey culminates with a partner drill where you will see the entire routine applied defensively against the seven basic angles of attack, bringing the curriculum to life.

Why This is a Master Class:

Historically, many students learned the original curriculum through repetition, often leading to mimicry without true comprehension. De Campo 101 rectifies this. By first instilling a profound understanding of body mechanics, footwork, striking, and crucially, The 123 Striking Method, you are empowered. You will approach the Elementary Proper not as a set of movements to copy, but as a system you deeply understand, ready to adapt and apply with genuine skill and confidence.

Build not just a repertoire of techniques, but a profound and lasting connection to the art. This is your path to becoming a truly knowledgeable and effective practitioner.