Similar to the approach shown by Kuya Doug Marcaida during his seminar, and Shihan Kit Acenas of Kali Mundo when he came to Japan, we discussed techniques in terms of positions on a clock face. This is a common and easy way to refer to Kali movements or even other sporting movements.
There are two key clock face planes to consider.
Vertical Plane
The vertical plane clock face is usually visualized with your opponent standing straight from 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock along the center line of the dial. This plane is effective when explaining striking/kicking movements by describing the path or arc of the weapon. Thus, striking from head to toe would be 12-6. Across the waistline would be 3-9 or 9-3. Diagonals include 11-5 and 5-11, 7-1 and 1-7 and so on. Most arts have at least 6 basic striking angles and some have 12 or more. Since many styles use different numbering patters when they teach, referring to a clockface can be an easy way to get everyone on the same page quickly.
Horizontal Plane
The horizontal plane is generally understood as being beneath you when you move, assuming you and standing in the exact center of the dial and facing 12 o'clock when you begin to move. This clock face is great for explaining footwork and relative position of your partner. Straight forward and backward are, not unexpectedly, 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock respectively. Diagonal steps (classic FMA triangular footwork) are described as stepping between 10 and 2. Reverse triangle steps are between 5 and 7. Some systems like PTK include stepping to the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock lines as well. Combinations include ideas like 7-2-9 which can then describe entering footwork followed by a foot trap or sweep, for example.
The clock face method is a great tool to help share the art with other schools and styles, and the FMA are all about fellowship and togetherness.
Remember, Sharing is Caring!
See you at class!
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