An idiom describing a method of representing direction and position through the visualization of the practitioner being inside and at the center of a clock.

Comments:

The clock is the most used principle for orientation and specification of direction and position in Kenpo.

The clock always places it's Point of Reference toward 12:00.

Using the Zone Concept of Directional Movement it is possible to visualize being part of 9 different clock faces oriented horizontally, vertically, and diagonally on each of the 3 dimensional planes.  With a clock oriented:

a.horizontally - 12:00 would be forward, 6:00 to the rear, with 3:00 to the right and 9:00 to the left

b.vertically - 12:00 would be upward, 6:00 downward, with 3:00 and 9:00 depending upon the orientation of the plane of the clock

c.diagonally - 12:00 would be diagonally upward, 6:00 diagonally downward, with 3:00 and 9:00 depending upon the orientation of the plane of the clock

The most common way to visualize the clock is to imagine standing at the center of a clock laying flat (horizontally) on the ground, surrounding you - with 12:00 being directly forward.

The clock principle can be tied directly, and has a close relationship, with the Zone Concept of Directional Movement, the Universal Pattern, and the Crest.

Example(s):

Describing the Execution of a punch toward 12:00 would demonstrate using the clock principle to specify and clarify direction.

Related Definition(s):

Angle, Crest, Position, Principle

Related Term(s):

Directional Zone Principle, Point of Reference,Universal Pattern, Weapon Alignment, Zone Concept of Directional Movement