Double Dose

In the January 2006 issue of Grappling magazine, you published an article called, "Weapon of Mass Destruction" detailing what Joseph Simonet calls, "The Supported Elbow Frame." Now in the June 2006 issue of Inside Kung-Fu you published the same article but called it, "Supported Elbow Frame."

Despite your efforts to promote this individual you have also foregone your research. Simonet did not invent this. This method was established by Rodney King years ago in his "Street Boxing" DVD series and is known as the "3-Point Cover." In this DVD, Rodney demonstrates this technique with Hardcore Gym coaches Adam Singer and Rory Singer (who is currently on "The Ultimate Fighter 3").

I understand Simonet is trying to do the Bruce Lee thing by "calling it his own" to get around the plagiarism issue. However, if you're going to claim to be a MMA instructor you're going to have to back up your claims of functionality (especially before ripping off someone else's theories.)

Aside from his self-promoting accolades in this article and his Web site, little is known about this individual's NHB career. His reputation in silat and wing chun circles has been questioned numerous times and now he is stepping into MMA territory. This is dangerous ground, because those who are "authorities" on the subject have actually put their techniques and methods to the test-something in which Simonet has very little experience.

Stick to slapping your wooden man and be happy with the undeserved success you have so far, because you're starting to tread dangerous waters.

There is little that can be done legally regarding this type of infringement. I invite everyone to read the success stories of athletes on Rodney King's "Street Tough World Alliance" Web site (www.mymalife.com) who have applied these techniques, then try to find any success stories regarding Simonet or his students. You will find it entirely one-sided.

I would have let this issue go, but since you continue to promote this individual by publishing the same article twice within a few months, it leads me to believe you are either short on article submissions or only publish material from those that advertise with you.

Perhaps looking outside your advertising clique and finding martial artists who actually have tested and proven their theories would lead you to be less likely to repeat articles.

Louis Kiss
Via e-mail

You are correct. The article in question was a reprint. Since the audiences are usually different, it is not uncommon for one magazine to share an article with a sister publication (i.e., Grappling and Inside Kung-Fu). If there is legitimate cross-over value, we have no problem reprinting articles.

We have more than enough submissions (have you ever written for us?) to fill monthly issues for several years to come. Simonet continues to be among our favorites-and the readers', too-because he offers a breath of fresh air in a sometimes stale martial arts community.

Thank you for your comments.
-Ed.

I, for one, would be more likely to buy your magazine if there was someone on the cover I didn't know. If you put an "unknown" on the cover I would say to myself, "Wow this guy must be someone to know if he's on the front of a well-known martial arts magazine."

Fight for the little guys. That is the respectable and stand-up thing to do. Your response was really disappointing to read-so much so I will not be renewing my subscription. That may be overkill, but I am dumbfounded.

Name Withheld
Via e-mail