A distinct form of Back-up Mass which utilizes gravity along with the mass of the body to generate or enhance power.

Comments:

Gravitational Marriage is one of the three Power Principles of Kenpo.

Gravitational Marriage differs from Back-up Mass in that Gravitational Marriage is used primarily on the dimension of height.

Gravitational Marriage differs from Torque in that Gravitational Marriage works on a linear path.

Gravitational Marriage can be used in conjunction with any of the other Power Principles.

Gravitational Marriage is essentially Back-up Mass done primarily vertical.

Gravitational Marriage can be described as power amplification through a controlled dropping of the mass of the body and/or a part of the body.

Gravitational Marriage has the unique property of only working in the presence of gravity.  Each of the other Power Principles can be created in some way without the assistance of gravity.  Gravitational Marriage cannot.  It requires the pull of body to a surface in order to be generated.  This poses certain problems in non-gravitational environments.  This subject is currently beyond the scope of this work, but is left for the reader to ponder and further analyze.

Gravitational Marriage is only one element in the generation and enhancement of power.  See power for more information on this subject.

Gravitational Marriage can be broken down into the following categories:

a.Direct - when the mass of the body is used in-line with the weapon, along with gravity.

b.Reverse - when the mass of the body and the muscles of the body are used in-line with the weapon, against gravity.

c.Opposing - when the mass and power of one weapon is used in direct opposition against the mass and power of second simultaneous weapon.  This form of Gravitational Marriage is categorized as vise-like.

Example(s):

Direct

A downward elbow strike to the back of a bent over opponent, while simultaneously dropping your weight, would demonstrate Direct Gravitational Marriage - i.e. using the pull of gravity to help emphasize the power of the strike.

Reverse (can also be referred to as Gravitational Opposition)

An Uppercut punch delivered to the underside of the chin of the opponent, while simultaneously lifting the body from a crouched position, would demonstrate Reverse Gravitational Marriage - i.e. using the body in-line with the pull of gravity, to create a Brace Angle, which aids in emphasizing the power of the strike.

Opposing

A downward elbow strike to the back of a bent over opponent, executed with an upward knee kick to the chest of the opponent, while simultaneously dropping your weight, would demonstrate Opposing Gravitational Marriage.

Derivation:

This term is derived from the fact that the mass of the body dropping in line with the weapon and aligned with gravity, enhances the power of a move.

A.K.A.:

Marriage of Gravity, Marriage with Gravity

Opposite(s):

Back-up Mass, Torque

Related Definition(s):

Align, Anchor, Back, Back, Base, Bounce, Dip, Height, Leverage, Lift, Line, Motion, Overreach, Pin, Power, Settle, Squat, Stance, Stomp, Timing, Torque, Upward, Vertical

Related Term(s):

Back-up Mass, Body Alignment, Body Harmony, Body Mechanics, Body Momentum, Body Settle, Borrowed Force, Diagonal, Dimension, Direct Opposites, Directional Harmony, Downward, Float, Gravitational Opposition, Height Zone, Line of Travel, Marriage of Gravity, Marriage with Gravity, Path of Travel, Power Principle, Vertical Plane, Vertical Zone