Clock Principle

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Clock Principle - A concept of teaching the Seishindo Kenpo student foot or hand positioning, by using an imaginary clock inscribed on the ground for foot movement and in the air for hand movements.

The Seishindo Kenpo student is taught to execute their Natural Weapons and Foot Maneuver around an opponent using an old Martial Arts concept of positioning and movement based on the clock numbering system. This concept has ties to other martial art systems from antiquity, where a practitioner visually imagines a large circle on the floor with short divided lines representing angles, as the student stands in the center, positioned facing their opponent at 12 o'clock. Military tactics have been using the clock principle for centuries, calling out the enemy's positions based around the clock numbering system.

As the student learns a self-defense technique, he will find that some of the techniques will start with his opponent attacking from the front, but he must not rule out the possibly of attack from either the side, back, or from one of the many angles. In these cases, 12 o’clock will still remain in the front or forward facing position. In addition, once a technique or a set of moves have begun, and no matter which way the student's body turns and faces, 12 o’clock will still remain in its original starting position. The hands will also follow the Clock Principle Concept as well. The hands traveling in a circular movement will travel either in a clockwise or counter clockwise motion, and will lend to Economy Of Motion, as well as produce Continuity Of Motion in action.

Three Pattern Concept

In Seishindo Kenpo, the Pattern Principle involves direction of motion, Clock Principle. The (3) Three Pattern Concept involves (3) types of motion.

The first pattern is called the "Cross Pattern" and looks like a tee.

Motion is in straight lines along the "12:00 - 6:00 o'clock" line and the "3:00 - 9:00 o'clock" line. This type of motion is usually more of a "traditional hard style system" of martial arts. More "Force on Force".

The second pattern is called the "Star Pattern" and is the tee with added angles.

The motion now includes "Angles". Using the Clock Principle, the angles are the "2:00 - 8:00 o'clock line and the 10:00 - 4:00 o'clock" line. This pattern allows the Kenpoist to become more familiar with the Clock Principle, multiple opponents, moving off to the angles, (to Redirect Force). This pattern teaches the Kenpoist more advanced uses of the Principles, Concepts and Ideas of motion

The third pattern is called the "Universal Pattern" and looks like the tee with angles adding circles between the numbers.

The motion now includes and infinite combination of Circular Motion on and around the Clock Principle. These intricate "Clock-Wise & Counter Clock-wise" circular motions encompass the advanced Seishindo Kenpo Principles, Concepts and Ideas of movement and motion. This pattern of movement is what separates Seishindo Kenpo from other martial arts.

References

• Seishindo Kenpo: (Landers, Frank (1985). Frank Landers Seishindo Kenpo, vol.3: Encyclopedia of Knowledge, (a Teacher's Guide). Facta Publications).

• Three Pattern Concept: Baird, Bill (1994). From the work papers of Dr. Bill Baird.

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