The Caruso Method®
The Caruso Method® is a structured system for learning climbing movement technique in the best possible way. It stems from the seemingly obvious observation that climbing too – understood as a specific and complex motor activity – has its own set of rules and principles (the Technique) that must be understood, practiced and internalized in order to move in the best and most effective way. We owe this insight to Mountain Guide Paolo Caruso who, over more than 30 years of study and research, has analyzed in a scientific and thorough manner the movement of the human body on vertical terrain across various types of rocks, from friction slabs to vertical faces and overhangs. Thanks to this tireless work, he has identified the foundational elements of climbing movement, giving a name and form to what previously had none. Furthermore, he has developed the techniques and teaching aspects that enable instruction, training and improvement.
The Caruso Method®, therefore, is a complete system that includes both the technical principles (the content, the “what”) and the ways to transmit them (the methodology, the “how”).
All the techniques of the Caruso Method® originated from the study of physical and biomechanical principles that govern balance and body movement through weight shift and limb displacement, as well as from Paolo’s mountaineering and climbing experience and his in-depth knowledge of certain Eastern disciplines such as Qi Gong, Shiatsu and Tai Ji Quan.
Basic Techniques
Foundational Techniques of the Caruso Method®:
- Double weight: understanding how to shift the center of gravity
- Identifying the center
- Relationship and coordination of the two centers of gravity: pelvis and torso
- Limbs: the 3 main movement patterns and their different executions
- Diaphragmatic breathing and coordination between breath and movement
- Anticipation and foresight
- Footwork: heel anticipation, even and odd steps
- Coordination abilities in movement: rhythm and pause
Basic Techniques of the Caruso Method®:
- Simultaneous and non-simultaneous crossed progression
- Footwork: edging and smearing and relative body positioning
- Fundamental progression: on two footholds, balancing, split, staggered
- Four-step foot swap
- Simple and mixed replacement
- Foot matching
- Triangular progression with two steps and four steps
- Triangular progression with fixed apex
- Dülfer (with equal homologous arches)
Advanced Techniques of the Caruso Method®:
- Advanced simultaneous crossed progression
- Reverse and elbow replacement
- Mixed transition
- Arc swing
- Progression with heel-hook
- Progression with heel-hook, fixed apex
- Lateral progression
- Upright lateral progression
- Lateral progression with match
- Alternating lateral progression
- Triangular progression with external balancing
- Pendulum swing
- Poppins move
- Working on direction: force application
- Use of breathing in force application
Advanced Techniques
IAMAS, the official school
IAMAS – Italian Association of Sport Climbing Instructors was established in February 2020 on the initiative of a group of IAMA instructors, the official school of the Caruso Method® previously created at the San Marino Alpine Club. IAMAS is a professional association created under Italian Law 4/2013 and is included in the list of the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy among the professional associations not organized in orders and colleges that issue the Certificate of quality and professional qualification of services provided by members.
Sport Climbing Instructors (MAS)
The specific characteristic of IAMAS instructors (MAS) is the teaching of the Caruso Method®, the only complete technical and educational system for climbing instruction existing to date. Although various instructors and professionals draw inspiration, more or less explicitly, from the Method’s techniques, IAMAS MAS are the only professionals who know it thoroughly and in its entirety. The quality of their training is currently guaranteed by the author of the Method himself, Paolo Caruso, who intervenes directly in the courses and has personally trained all MAS authorized to teach.
The training of IAMAS MAS includes 500 hours predominantly dedicated to climbing technique, as well as safety and teaching methodology. Furthermore, membership in IAMAS requires the professional to engage in continuous education and to be up to date with professional development requirements. It is, therefore, a highly specialized, innovative and exclusive pathway.
Click here for the complete list of IAMAS MAS.
© 2024-2026 Passo Chiave · All Rights Reserved · developed with ♥ by PC