Taking Chi Sau to the Street Part 2

Inside Kung-Fu
“Taking Chi Sau to the Street Part 2”
By Joseph Simonet
November 2003
Pg. 108-

One of the most critical elements of understanding and appreciating chi sau is defining the line between chi sau as a training tool and its role in developing real fighting skill. Practiced properly, it is a powerful method of developing close-range fighting reflexes based on touch rather than visual acuity. Practiced improperly, however, it can ingrain habits that are not only counterproductive to your training as a fighter, but can get you killed.

In part one of this article, I described several different exercises that could be used both as a precursor to chi sau training and as supplemental training to develop the structure and musculature necessary to perform chi sau well. As useful as these exercises may be, they are not chi say. As such, they are not and end unto themselves but rather a means to an end. Similarly, we must remember that chi sau is not fighting, but simply a means to achieving that end. Like any drill, the goal is not the drill itself, but the isolation and development of the skills the drill promotes.
To help you get the most out of your chi sau training, part two of this article will identify some of the weaknesses of chi sau as it is commonly practiced and teach you how to improve your practice and appreciation of chi sau by maintaining your focus on the real goal: combat skill.

Lack of Power
Perhaps the greatest problem with chi sau as it is taught and practiced today is that it has been reduced to a form of point sparring. Practitioners who take this approach typically assume laid-back, defensive stances that offer no real base for power generation. With this style of practice, a touch-any touch-is considered a hit. Even worse, many times once a “hit” is acknowledged by both partners, the action stops and they start the drill fresh.
Point sparring has been criticized for decades as an artificial, unrealistic form of training that is far removed from the reality of a full-contact fight. Practicing chi sau with the same mindset-that of a sophisticated game of “tag”-is just as far removed from the reality of a fight and just as counterproductive as training method.
Hits win fights, so good chi sau training must teach you how to hit. Don’t be content with touching to win; learn to

Todays Women of Tomorrow

Inside Kung-Fu
“Today’s Women of Tomorrow”
November 2005
By Dave Cater
Pg 42

Different backgrounds, different styles, different talents inexorable linked by their love of martial arts.

CHRIS YEN
Martial Artist/Actor
For most of her young life, Chris Yen has been known as either: “the younger sister of;” or “the daughter of.” Now there’s nothing wrong with begin associated with two of the world’s top martial arts names - in this case martial artist/actor extraordinaire Donnie Yen or wushu wonder Bow Sim Mark. Most stylists would give their black sash just for a chance to claim such a pedigree.
But when you live it every day of your life, the comparisons are bound to get old - and quick. Chris Yen struggled mightily to find her own identity. It wasn’t easy.
“I trained with that sort of pressure from the time I was real young,” Yen explains. “The pressure came from my mother and from my father, and from my brother who started young. The pressure was always there.”
Describing herself as “rebellious,” Yen yearned for a chance to carve her own niche in the world. That chance came two years ago when she moved to Hollywood and attended her first audition.
“I realized I loved going out to auditions. I loved going to my acting classes. I loved the fact that I can express myself in another forum other than doing martial arts.”
Her love for acting, her desire to express herself in new and different ways, is paying big dividends. Her first major project, Adventures of Johnny Tao, is due out soon and by all indications it could be the rocket that catapults Chris Yen to stardom.

CHRISTINE BANNON-RODRIGUES
Martial Artist/Actress/Spokesperson
Christine Bannon-Rodrigues has parlayed a tremendous career as a open circuit competitor into an equally impressive life as a school owner and spokesperson. Bannon-Rodrigues, vice president and co-owner of Don Rodrigues Karate Academy, Ltd., is also a spokesperson, product designer and product evaluator for Macho Products, Inc.
With more than 40 martial arts magazine covers to her credit and nine WAKO World titles under her belt, many consider Bannon-Rodrigues to be the best all-around female competitor in sport karate history.

MIMI CHAN
Wah Lum Kung-Fu/Instructor
As long as Mimi Chan is minding the store, wah lum kung-fu will be in safe hands. The daughter of grandmaster Pui Chan, Mimi dabbled in film work a few years ago but soon returned to her family’s Orlando school to train another generation of kung-fu practitioners.
Mimi, who provided all the martial arts moves for Disney’s animated character “Mulan,” recently took eight students to Baltimore, where they captured the U.S. Kuoshu Nationals team forms champion trophy.

TIFFANY CHEN
Tai Chi Competitor
Seems that Tiffany has been around so long she should be retired by now. The truth is, Chen has been around so long because she started so young. Daughter of the world-famous tai chi grandmaster William C.C. Chen, Tiffany is reaching her stride in the world of push hands competition.
Inside Kung-Fu’s 2004 “Competitor of the Year,” Tiffany won the award for best “Lei Tai” performance by a female athlete at the First World Competition Tournament in San Paulo, Brazil. The fighter with the model features also was among six athletes who captured gold medals for the U.S. team.

JEANNE CHINN
JKD Stylist/Actress
Jeanne Chinn is one of the busiest martial artist/actors in Hollywood. A longtime practitioner under the original Bruce Lee student Jerry Poteet, Chinn has graced the cover of several Unique Publications’ offerings and each time been a solid attraction.
With recent appearances on “Charmed” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” as well as an solid guest spot on “NYPD Blue,” Chinn has established herself as a solid character actor. Yet she is quick to say that none of her success would have been possible without the lessons she learned studying martial arts.

JENNIFER & CHERI HAIGHT
Wushu Stylists/Cirque Performers
To wushu or not to wushu? That was the question facing teenagers Cheri and Jennifer Haight two years ago. On one side was the chance to compete against the best in the world at their chosen avocation. On the other side were Cirque du Soleil and a chance to star in a multimillion dollar extravaganza to be staged nightly at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
In the end, the choice was obvious. The sisters now star in KA, Cirque’s newest and most-expensive martial arts and acrobatics spectacular. They are, in a word, spellbinding. Wushu weapons flash at the speed of light; spins and kicks fly by so fast your eyes have trouble measuring what’s real and what’s fantasy.
What’s real is the chance they took and the hard work they put into the show. They only fantasy is how easy they make it all look.

LUCY HARO
Lawyer/Wind Chun Stylist
Don’t look now, but the face of wing chun in American is rapidly changing. When Lucy Haro, a family law attorney by trade, wanted to learn wing chun, she skipped the middle men and went straight to the top.
A series of e-mails to grandmaster William Cheung led to training in Australia, followed by more extensive schooling in America. No one of the grandmaster’s most-trusted students, Haro is well on her way to becoming the most-important female wing chun voice in America.

ADDY HERNANDEZ
KI Fighting Concepts.

When Addy became just the second Latina to appear on a cover of Inside Kung-Fu, she instantly was recognized throughout the world as one of kung-fu’s top natural beauties. The fact that she also has carved a niche as being one of the best new martial arts technicians only lends validity to her standing.
Hernandez is a rare combination of femininity and ferocity; softness outside the studio and sheer power when it counts. Her mook jong sets are a joy to behold. With videos and books spotlighting Hernandez’ talents, her stock will be climbing for years to come

LI JUNG
Wushu/Actress/Stunt Woman
This former protégé of the great Wu Bin has easily made the transition from stunt double to on-camera attraction. The hard work that led to a spot on the Bejing Wushu team has propelled Jing to a permanent spot among Hollywood’s “A” list stunt choices.
Along with being one of the country’s most sought after wushu instructors, Li Jing is making inroads in her acting career. She recently filmed a commercial for Microsoft Intel, appeared in a National Geographic documentary, and worked with Donnie Yen in a Hong Kong movie.

MING QIU
Wushu Stylist/Stunt Double
When “Walker, Texas Rangers” co-star Nia Peeples needed a stunt double, Ming Qiu was the only choice. After seeing Ming’s demo tape, Peeples actually flew from Texas to California just to meet the former Jiangxu wushu star. The rest, as they say, is Hollywood history.
Sing 1995, Ming Qiu has been the first - and only - choice on most stunt coordinators’ call list. In the past five years, she’s doubled for Lucy Liu in Kill bill, Charlie’s Angels 1 and 2 and Ecks vs. Sever; shadowed Kelly Hu in Cradle to the Grave, The Scorpion King and “Martial Law;” and appeared in Collateral, Austin Powers: Goldmember, Starsky & Hutch and Spiderman 2. Her television credits include “Law and Order,” “CSI: Miami,” “The Shield,” and “Charmed.”
Currently working on MI: 3, Ming teaches privately at a local park in Monterey Park, Calif., where she ahs 15 students. She also just finished training Milla Jovovich for the film, Ultraviolet.

KA’IMI KUOHA
Kara-Ho Kenpo
From the time she was old enough to walk, Ka’imi Kuoha always seemed ahead of her time. A child actor in her formative years, a high school graduate in her early teens, Ka’imi was mastering her personal learning curve while the rest of her peers were just getting started.
Today, she is the designated leader of a martial arts system founded by the great William K.S. Chow in Hawaii. And she couldn’t be nicer, more unassuming or unaffected by the whirlwind surrounding her appointment. A dancer, singer and performer, Ka’imi first and foremost is a martial artist of great repute whose future will always be bright.

TIFFANY REYES
National Wushu Competitor
There are dedicated martial artists, and then there’s the kind of dedication exhibited by Tiffany Reyes. When Tiffany can’t make the 300-mile trip to Los Angeles to train with coach Li Jing, she’ll perform her sets in front of a computer camera. Together, the pair will discuss improvements and then Reyes will repeat the movements - over and over again.
A client services coordinator for Google, Reyes won a spot on the U.S. Wushu “C” National team in 2003. This year she hoped the four hours a day of practice will pay off with a spot on a the “A” team going to the World Wushu Games in Vietnam.

JENNY TANG
Wushu Instructor
Jenny Tang is a good example of the apple not falling far from the true. A niece of famed tai chi master Wei Qi He, tang spent her formative years as a member of the Shanghai National Wushu Team before attending college in America.
Today, as co-owner of Tai Chi Wushu Resource in Southern California, she is helping produce a new generation of internal stylists. Maybe just as important is her contribution to traditional tai chi tournaments in America, where she has become a trusted judge and valued advisor.

KA-YAN WONG
Choy Lay Fut Stylist/Model
Ka-Yan Wong was born to be a kung-fu master. Even as a baby, her father, choy lay fut master Tat-Mau Wong, was preparing her for the world of Chinese martial arts. By the time Ka-Yan was two, she already was doing full splits and could hold her leg on in a perfect sidekick.
Today, Ka-Yan is that rare martial artists who is exceptionally gifted in all aspects of kung-fu, including hand forms, weapons, sparring and even lion dance drumming. Ka-Yan’s two gold medals in broadsword and nanchuan at the 2004 World Traditional Wushu Festival Competition in China stand out as highlights in a long and successful run of competitions.
Now a young woman with a honors degree in biochemistry to her credit, Ka-Yan also has ventured into the world of acting and modeling. She recently spent a good deal of time in China furthering her modeling and kung-fu skills. Many predict it’s only a matter of time before this child martial artist prodigy makes her mark on the big screen.

GRAYCE WEY
Krav Maga/Traditional Kung-Fu/Actor
Businesswoman, creator, producer, writer, actor. Every time it seems as though Grayce Wey has finally found her niche, she discovers something else to make her life complete. Although she was born in San Jose, Calif., Grayce is fluent in Mandarin. This made her a valuable property with production companies in China and America. One of her early acting roles was a guest spot on Disney’s “Lizzie McGuire.”
But Grayce is much more than an actor. Her first martial art was krav maga. Loving its simplicity and effectiveness, Wey became an instructor and developed the U.S. licensing program for the Krave Maga National Training Center. However, she returned to her cultural roots several years ago by studying traditional kung-fu with Jonathon Wang of the Beijing tai Chi and Kung-Fu Academy.
An accomplished writer, Wey began Desert Lotus Productions in 2003. One of the company’s first projects was Anna’s Eve, a horror film in which - not surprisingly - Grayce produced, directed and starred.

Joseph Simonet

Stan Witz’s USA Competitor
“KI Fighting Concepts Meet Your Head Instructor Joseph Simonet”
By Stan Witz

Joseph Simonet began his martial arts training in the early 1970’s in the study of traditional Japanese Karate. During this time, Joseph was an avid weight lifter and power lifter. In 1973, Mr. Simonet began training in Tracy’s Kenpo Karate. At the age of 21, Mr. Simonet was managing a martial arts studio in Kirkland, WA. With an open mind and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Mr. Simonet spent the rest of the 1970’s exploring the art of Goju-Ryu, Tae Kwon Do, and Hung-Gar Kung Fu. Mr. Simonet started teaching his Karate Innovations in Seattle, WA during the 1980’s. It was the early 80’s when Mr. Simonet discovered Filipino Kali Escrima and Wind Chun Gung Fu. During this time there was an explosion of Martial Arts seminar and workshop opportunities. Mr. Simonet participated in many such seminars including, but not limited to, Jeet Jung Do (JKD), Savate, Tai Chi, Silat, Muay Thai, and Arnis. It was during this time that KI Fighting Concepts emerged. In the 1990’s Mr. Simonet began his training in Pentjak Silat Tongkat Serak, Yan Style Tai Chi, and Doce Pares. Mr. Simonet is an 8th degree black belt in Tracy’s Kenpo Karate. He has attained 2nd degree level in Grand Masters Cocoy Canete’s Escrido and 4th level black belt under Chris Petrilli in Doce Pares. Mr. Simonet is a certified instructor in Yang Style Tai Chi under Dr. John Candea and a Guru with a 2nd degree black belt in Pentjak Silat Serak. He reached black sash level in Wing Chun Gung Fu during the late 1980’s. Mr. Simonet is also the author of some Paladin Press videos such as “The Mook Jong Slam Set” series, “Silat Concepts”, Advanced Silat Concepts “Beyond Kenpo”, “Ultimate Sinawali”, “Wind and Rock Training Camp II”, and “The Essence of Wing Chun”. Mr. Simonet has also began his own production company and is involved with making, editing, and producing martial arts videos. Mr. Simonet’s video can be purchased on his website: www.kifightingconcpets.com. Mr. Simonet is highly publicized, nationally acclaimed martial artist. He makes frequent appearances on national magazine such as “Inside Kung Fu Magazine”, “Black Belt Magazine”, “Martial Arts Training Magazine”, “Masters of the Filipino Arts Magazine”, and “Terrorist Survival Guide Magazine”. Mr. Simonet has also been featured on two unprecedented convers of Paladin-Press Catalog. Mr. Simonet has made many public appearances and seminars coast to coast. Between 1999 and 2000 Mr. Simonet created a new hybrid system called American Wing-Chun Silate (A.W.C.S.) This system evolved from non-classical Wing-Chun, Classical Wing-Chun and Pentjak Silat Serak. Joseph Simonet is the founder and head instructor of KI Fighting Concepts.

INTERVIEW WITH JOSEPH SIMONET
(BY STAN WITZ)
Stan Witz: When and why did you get involved in the Martial Arts?
Joseph Simonet: I started training in 1972 in a traditional Japanese style. I was 18 years old. Like many young men I wanted to be physically an mentally tough. I felt Martial Arts would help me be stronger…I was right.
SW: Thirty plus years of training is quite impressive, what kept you motivated?
JS: Thirty years sounds like a long time when you’re young, yet I feel like I’m just getting started. I’ve met and trained with Masters who have trained and taught for over 60 years. Martial Arts for me is a lifelong pursuit, it is my life. As far as staying motivated, I am forever the student. Like everything else Martial Arts are evolving rapidly. I call this phenomena “accelerating towards center”. Motivation is not an issue for me, learning, growing, and embracing the spirit of the beginner, that’s what the arts are all about.
SW: What Martial Art or Arts do you personally train and teach?
JS: I integrate multiple styles into a system I call K.I. Fighting Concepts (KIFC). KIFC mainly consists of elements from Tracy’s Kenpo, Wing-Chun, Pentjak Silat, Doce Pares, Tai-Chi, Boxing, and Grappling.
SW: Which of these arts is the most valuable and/or more practical for you?
JS: At this point I cannot qualify one art being batter or more valuable than another. It is the integration of these arts; the synergistic whole that creates a value beyond any one or limited approach.
SW: You have had many teachers, which of these have had the biggest impact on you?
JS: I have had many teachers and I hope to have many more. Every teacher I’ve studied with has given me priceless gifts of knowledge. To name every teacher I’ve had would take too long to be practical. However, I will say that the teacher I’ve had the longest time is Grand Master Al Tracy, my Kenpo instructor since 1973. Currently I’m training with Chris Petrilli (Doce Pares) and Matt Hume (Pankration)
SW: What is your take on traditional Martial Arts vs. no holds barred fighting (NHB)?
JS: Frankly, I see a need for both expressions of training. There is something for everyone. Ninety-nine percent of fighting technique is derived from the traditional arts. No holds barred fighters have refined and integrated traditional movement that makes it an exciting and brutal sport. I personally train both traditional and NHB.
SW: In your opinion, where do women fit into the Martial Arts world?
JS: Right where they should be, out in front. The explosion of women’s participation in sports and in all aspect of our culture is extraordinary. Through our history women have been suppressed and often ignored. The ultimate tragedy has lost 51% of it’s intellect and creative genius. It’s now the decade of women. Let’s go!!
SW: Tell us about your partner Addy Hernandez?
JS: In my opinion, Addy is the quintessential Martial Artist. She is the embodiment of femininity and power. Addy has a balanced sense of who she is, someone very comfortable in her own skin. Her Martial Arts skill is exceptional. She has fought full contact in the ring and she also teaches Tai-Chi. I believe Addy has a long and successful career ahead of her.
SW: Where do you envision Martial Arts in 10 to 20 years from now?
JS: I hope and believe Martial Arts will continue to evolve to a higher level. Practitioners will balance their study with the art and science of movement. Martial artist will be establishing interrelationship between the content and conclusion of all disciplines. Through trail and error, integrations and communication, the Martial Arts will indeed survive and flourish.
SW: Is Martial Arts your only means of making a living?
JS: Yes, Addy and I own and operate KI Fighting Concepts school in Wenatchee, WA. We currently have about 150 students. We also sell instructional videos on our web site (www.kifightingconcepts.com). We have ongoing projects with Paladin Press and we do seminars all over the U.S.
SW: What do you and Addy teach in your seminars?
JS: We derive our seminar material from many Martial Arts systems. Each seminar we teach is different. Depending upon the interest, skill level, and energy of the participants, we create our seminars as they are happening. This spontaneity keeps our work fresh and alive.
SW: I understand you have an annual summer camp, tell us about it.
JS: Our camp is called “Wind and Rock” training camp. It is located in Lake Chelan, WA. This is our fourth year. The training site is in the mountains about 3000 ft. elevation. Each year Addy and I invite world class instructors. Paladin-Press made a three tape series on one of our camps. You can purchase those tapes and find info about our camp on our web site. Check it out.
SW: Do you have any advice to young and/or new Martial Artists?
JS: Stick to it, and don’t give up. In Martial Arts, as in life, you are often given many hardships to test your will and character. After you have obtained your black belt, seek out many different teachers, systems, and points of view. A sustained effort will bring rewards. When you are down and out, or frustrated, plow ahead and keep going. “When in doubt, train”.