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 one of the most used principles for orientation and specification of direction and position in Kenpo. See Directional Zone Principle for alternate method.

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):

Position, Principle

Related Term(s):

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