In Filipino Martial Arts, precision, speed, and control define mastery. One technique that exemplifies this in De Campo 1-2-3 Original is the half strike. During a recent Zoom session with his Korean student, Lee Jae Hyung, Maestro Paolo demonstrated this powerful strike. In this article, we explore the details of the half strike and the unique mechanics that make it such an effective movement in De Campo.
The half strike is a quick and controlled movement where the weapon strikes the target and then returns to its original position. Instead of a full follow-through where the weapon extends past the target, the half strike retracts immediately. This allows the practitioner to prepare for the next strike without delay.
This quick snap-back motion is a key feature of De Campo. It creates the fast-paced, continuous flow that the style is known for, but the real secret lies in the proper use of the wrist.
Executing the half strike correctly relies on using the wrist in a specific way. Maestro Paolo likened this motion to the follow-through seen in basketball or volleyball (they call it wrist snap in Volleyball, see this video). When you shoot a basketball or spike a volleyball, the wrist bends, allowing for a smooth and controlled release. In De Campo, this wrist movement is critical.
However, unlike in sports where the ball leaves your hand, in De Campo, the weapon remains in your grip. The wrist bends and creates tension, which acts like a spring. This causes the weapon to snap back to its original position, ready for the next move. The tension generated in the wrist and forearm allows the weapon to return quickly, with precision.
This recoil-like action, described by Maestro Paolo as “wavy hands,” is essential for delivering fast and efficient strikes. It creates a whipping or swatting effect, which is a signature feature of De Campo.
The wrist motion in the half strike can be broken down into two key actions: pronation (rotating the wrist inward) and supination (rotating the wrist outward). These movements that we call Hayang Kulob in De Campo, enable the wrist to move fluidly, making it possible to store and release energy quickly.
When the wrist bends during the follow-through, it creates a spring-loaded effect. This is why the weapon snaps back so effectively. The wrist’s flexibility allows the practitioner to maintain control of the weapon without losing speed. This technique makes the half strike one of the most efficient strikes in De Campo, requiring less energy while delivering fast, powerful hits.
Maestro Paolo referred to the technique as “wavy hands.” This captures the fluidity and grace of the wrist movement. The “wave” adds power to the strike and ensures that the weapon can move efficiently between strikes. This flowing motion allows for seamless transitions, making the strikes unpredictable.
This technique also makes the practitioner’s strikes difficult to read. The flexibility of the wrist creates a dynamic strike, and the snap-back keeps the weapon ready for defense or follow-up strikes.
The half strike provides several advantages. First, it allows for rapid recovery. Since the weapon returns to its original position, the practitioner can quickly launch another strike. This increases the speed of the attack and allows for fast combinations.
Second, the snap-back reduces the risk of over-committing to a strike. Because the strike recoils instantly, the practitioner remains balanced and ready to react. This is crucial in combat, where maintaining control is key.
Lastly, the half strike’s fluidity makes it harder for opponents to predict the next move. The wavy hands technique adds an element of surprise, giving De Campo practitioners an edge in both offensive and defensive situations.
The De Campo half strike is a refined technique that blends biomechanics with practical application. By mastering the snap-back motion, practitioners can deliver quick, efficient strikes without sacrificing control. The use of the wrist in this technique creates a unique blend of power and speed that defines De Campo’s striking style.
In the video below, Maestro Paolo demonstrates how the half strike is executed. Watch and see how the wrist mechanics create the fluid, wavy hands movement that gives the half strike its unique power.
Watch the video below to see the half strike in action.
