At De Campo 1-2-3 Original, our priority isn’t just to teach people how to fight—it’s about preparing individuals to preserve and pass down the art of De Campo to future generations. We don’t demand perfection, nor do we expect you to be an elite athlete or a fighter. What matters is your dedication to understanding how to teach this art. Becoming a Magtutudlo (Instructor) is within reach for anyone who commits to learning the system thoroughly and is ready to impart it to others.
The journey to becoming an instructor in De Campo is one of immersion and growth. The curriculum itself is accessible, but true mastery comes through the time and effort invested in comprehending its deeper principles. If you’re willing to put in the work, you’ll discover how to carry forward the legacy of Jose Caballero, our founder.
Take Sir Wayne, for example. When he began his journey with De Campo in 2021, he was still moving in ways informed by his previous training in other Filipino Martial Arts. This is common—many movements across different systems can seem similar at first glance. But what sets each martial art apart is how its movements are executed based on its unique principles. Over time, Sir Wayne worked diligently to understand these subtleties.
By the end of his first year, Sir Wayne had gained a clear grasp of De Campo’s mechanics. His movements were no longer imitations of the techniques he saw; they became authentic, fluid, and aligned with De Campo’s distinct principles. This is precisely what we look for in our instructors—the ability to move with intention and depth, not just to perform the movements but to understand their purpose.
When Sir Wayne underwent his evaluation on July 30, 2022, he demonstrated not just technical proficiency but a solid understanding of the art’s foundational concepts. In front of a panel of instructors, including Master Jomalin Caballero, he presented and explained the techniques across the Elementary, High School, and College levels. His performance was an example of what it means to fully embody the De Campo way.
With his successful completion of the testing process, Sir Wayne was officially given the title of Magtutudlo. As a recognized instructor, he is now qualified to teach the complete De Campo curriculum and guide students through their progression, up to Level VII Hanas.
Sir Wayne’s journey reflects what we aim to cultivate in every instructor: a commitment to preserving the art, an understanding of its unique principles, and a dedication to ensuring De Campo continues to thrive for future generations.
