My MEP-004 is clockwise, and the manual does mention that it is not a problem to rotate it either direction however. I use either a ratchet or breaker bar and a socket on the crank pulley, not difficult to turn it over.
Good idea on checking the engine to ensure it is not locked up... Mine was, possibly a blown head gasket, or a lot of rain in the exhaust pipe (the ASK's exhaust points straight up, so if the cover is not closed, it will get water in it...)