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”.