Eskrima De Campo JDC- IO - Cebu Chapter

Back in the 1970s or early 80s, Prof. Eric Olavides recognized this exact challenge. To preserve, document, and further develop the system, he painstakingly created his own notation and symbols specifically for Eskrima De Campo.

RESEARCH | The indigenous martial art of arnis, known regionally as eskrima, kali, garrote, pananandata, or kaliradman, is recognized as the national sport of the Philippines.

Because live demonstrations can hardly accurately portray arnis strikes and movements, physical education (PE) teachers often have to supplement them with printed instructions accompanied by pictures of the various strike postures. But these hardly capture the fullness of the arnis strikes, and the insufficiency hinders learners from replicating the strikes consistently and accurately. A widely accessible and easy-to-use instructional manual does not yet exist because no notation system is available that can concisely and intuitively describe each movement while remaining simple enough for PE students to understand.

I carried out this research project in pursuit of such a notation system. In this paper, I outline the methods and processes that led to a suitable, although preliminary and rudimentary, notation system for arnis. Data for the notation were collected through ethnographic methods, particularly participant observation and immersion, as well as personal interviews, video recording, photography, journaling, and note-taking. Four grandmasters of a well-respected arnis club provided observational data, which were converted into notation using the proposed symbol set. A total of seven grandmasters validated the final output.

Author: Joan Grace E. Pacres (College of Social Sciences, University of the Philippines Cebu)

Published in Martial Arts Studies

Read more: https://ovpaa.up.edu.ph/research/a-notation-system-for-teaching-arnis-strikes-and-movements-has-been-developed/

Training crew last weekend

De Campo Signet Rings

Discover the Legacy of Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO

​We are a specialized largo mano (long-range) fighting system that represents the lifelong martial arts journey of Professor Ireneo “Eric” Olavides. Developed through decades of refinement and influenced by the legendary juego todo (all-out match) champion Grandmaster Jose Diaz Caballero, this system is a highly functional and straightforward method of protection. We focus on the strategic use of impact and bladed weapons, emphasizing the "1-2-3" principle of baiting, countering, and delivering decisive strikes with precision and speed.

​Our training group in Lapu-Lapu City operates more like a family than a commercial school. We pride ourselves on being a supportive community of friendly practitioners who guide one another through the structured curriculum. Because we value character and humility as much as skill, new students are welcomed into an environment where they can grow at their own pace among trusted peers. If you are looking to learn a lethal, time-tested art while becoming part of a dedicated brotherhood, we invite you to join us.

Message us to start your journey today.

www.jdcio.com

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Remember when the world stopped, but our training didn't? Looking back at these pandemic sessions, I’m reminded of how we adapted.

​We took our training outdoors from an airconditioned facility, breathed through the masks, and kept the sticks moving to stay fit and focused during uncertain times.

It wasn't always easy, but it kept us sharp.

In many sports, the goal is to knock someone out. In Eskrima De Campo, the logic is often more surgical: Neutralize the threat first. ​This strategy focuses on targeting the opponent's "weapon hand" or "limbs."

​It’s a highly efficient way to end a confrontation quickly without necessarily needing to engage in a long, high-risk brawl.

Message us to start your De Campo journey.

Reposting for a friend who is selling his Ginunting from Silay. The blade is currently in Mindanao and needs to be shipped. Just message us if interested. (Sold)

Weekend training crew.
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