Quadrant Zone Theory

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Quadrant Zone Theory Is unique to the Kenpo practitioner, and makes use of the fact that each person is unique in size and shape. Yet with these differences the Concept remains consistent with each individual. From an Attention Stance, extend the arms straight outward, parallel with the ground about shoulder width apart. Now, imagine a rectangular “box” being placed over the outstretched arms. Imagine this “box” being long enough to cover from the top of the head down, to just below the groin. Imagine the “box” is wide enough to cover the with of the shoulders and as deep as the outstretched arms.
Now, imagine the “box” being divided into (4) equal parts or “Quadrants”, also known by the Wing Chung practitioners as “Gates”. The horizontal plane goes from the head to groin and the vertical plane goes across the mid-chest region. This “box” and it’s (4) “Quadrants” make up the Quadrant Zone Theory.
The “box” and the Quadrant Zone Concept remains constant. They follow the Clock Principle and the (3) Patterns Of Motion Principal in that no matter what position the Kenpoist is in the “box” and the Quadrant Zones are there.
As the Kenpoist moves from an Attention Stance to a fighting Neutral Stance, the “box” will distort slightly to follow the changes in the Kenpoist's Body Position. In a right Neutral Stance, the left side of the “box” will move backwards and the right side of the “box” will move forward. The opposite will occur in a left Neutral Stance. In a Twist Stance or a Close Kneel Stance the “box” will also become smaller from top to bottom as the Kenpoist will “cork-screw” downward into these stances.
The Quadrant Zone Principle utilizes the “box” Concept for the most effective and efficient use of the Kenpoist’s Natural Weapons with the Principle of Economy of Motion and the Concept of the Zones Of Protection.
Each Natural Weapon should be contained within the boundaries of the “box” and all attacks from the opponent should be kept outside the boundaries of the “box”. If the Kenpoist chooses to use a weapon outside the “box”, several things can happen:

1. Creates more area of body to protect.
2. It takes longer to recover thus giving the opponent a potential Target.
3. Loses the advantage of Economy of Motion, thus wasting energy and time.
4. Interrupts the “Natural Flow” of one movement into another.

If the opponent comes inside the “box” the Kenpoist has less area to protect, therefore less potential Targets to protect. Again, using Economy of Motion to the Kenpoist’s advantage.
When using the Quadrant Zones it should be noted that although any Natural Weapon could be used in any “Quadrant”, certain weapons and combinations work better in certain “Quadrants” and follow the Economy of Motion, the Contouring, the Fitting, and the Targeting Principles.
As an opponent enters the “box”, certain Targets will become available inside the different “Quadrants”. It is up to the Kenpoist to decide which Target to strike. “Targeting”, what path is needed to get to that Target. “Contouring”, what motion is needed to get to the desired results. “Circular or Linear Motion”, and which weapon is best suited for that Target and the desired effect “Fitting”.

References

• Seishindo Kenpo: (Landers, Frank (1985). Frank Landers Seishindo Kenpo, vol.3: Encyclopedia of Knowledge, a teachers guide. Facta Publications).

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