Jose Caballero

This article is about the Filipino martial arts practitioner. For the Spanish painter, see José 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.

Overview

Early life

Caballero was born in the barangay (neighborhood) of Ibo, Toledo, Cebu, in the Philippine archipelago. As a youth, he would travel from barangay to barangay in order to watch eskrima matches during fiesta celebrations. Caballero, despite his youth, 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 Philippine 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 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.

Notable students

Some of his more notable students were Edgar G. Sulite, founder of Lameco Eskrima, and Ireneo L. Olavides

Sources