Ki

The Kaio-ken is a technique that multiplies the user's Ki.

Ki (気, Ki; Literally meaning "Spirit") is the spiritual energy used by many of the characters in the Dragon Ball universe. This energy bears some realistic aspects to real world martial arts such as kung fu and tai chi.

Ki is also known as "latent energy" or "fighting power". The term is the Japanese romanization of the Chinese term Qi (氣, Qi; Literally meaning "Breath"). This life energy is a tangible internal energy inside a living being, its major focus being in the center of the body. By drawing it out, a person is able to manipulate and use it for performances outside the body. Ki can be used for many different techniques. Usually, the more concentrated the masses are, the more time the user requires to draw it out ("power up"). When a fighter gathers Ki, they are able to gain enhanced strength, speed, and endurance, and can increase the power of their attacks to inflict greater damage to opponents.

Appearances

Ki comes in a variety of colors. The most common color in the series is white; other colors include yellow, red, purple, orange, blue, green, pink, and black. These colors vary on the technique being used, race that the character is, and how (im)pure the being's heart is.

History

Mutaito using Ki.

The term Ki was first introduced by Master Mutaito in a filler episode of the Dragon Ball anime when Son Goku traveled back in time and learned about Ki. Although it is unknown who originally discovered this inner energy in the Dragon Ball timeline, the first usage of it is seen when Muten Roshi performed an energy blast called the Kamehameha in order to extinguish the fire on Mt. Frypan. By drawing his Ki energy into the palms of his hands, Roshi was able to expel an explosive mass of visible Ki energy. This was the birth of Dragon Ball energy attacks.

It is unknown whether or not the incantations (such as "Ka... me... ha... me... ha!") must actually be spoken for the attack to be performed, or if the incantations are anything more than glorified battle cries. Often, the Z Warriors and their enemies perform attacks without saying anything, but there still exists the possibility that they are actually thinking the incantations rather than saying them aloud.

Ki users

Saiyans

Main article: Saiyan

Goku using a form of Ki known as the Kamehameha.

Saiyans and their hybrid counterparts are naturally adept at using Ki. They generally have no difficulty manipulating their energy, and have even evolved to have the ability to increase it numerous times in battle without tiring easily. This is much unlike Humans who usually spend themselves after the first increase. Unlike Humans and Namekians, however, Saiyans do not seem to have a natural ability to detect Ki by sensing Ki signatures. That ability must be acquired through learning.

Namekians

Main article: Namekian

Although Namekians are generally not as strong as Saiyans, their ability to use Ki is as good as – if not more advanced than – that of Saiyans. Namekians use Ki in more mystical ways than Saiyans do, but use it in the same manner when fighting. Namekians also are able to naturally detect Ki energy by sensing the concentration of it. Namekians also are able to sense the "evil" in a being's Ki.

Humans

Main article: Human

It is very uncommon to see an Earthling who uses Ki energy, though several Humans have been shown to acquire full mastery of the art. Among them are Yamucha, Tien, Kuririn, Chiaotzu, and Muten Roshi. Another, lesser adept, Human is Videl who was taught basic flight by Son Gohan (she can fly, but she is no match for Z Warriors). Other users include Spopovich, Yamu, and Olibu (although Spopovich and Yamu were Majins and do not really count, and Olibu may have learned the art in the Other World). Humans also have a natural disposition to detect the concentration of Ki that their opponents possess (though the ability has to be learned).

Androids

Main article: Android

Androids generally have an unnatural source of Ki, therefore their Ki capacity is unlimited. Most of the time, because it is unnatural, it is unable to be detected by sensing. Also, most of them are not able to detect it by sensing. They must have special devices to do that. Some Androids can absorb other forms of Ki.

Androids like #17 and #18 are Human, yet cybernetic modifications to their bodies have given them a near limitless supply of Ki.

Kaios

Main article: Kaio

A Kaio's energy is mostly invisible. Only two Kaios have ever been seen using it; the first one was King Kaio who used his invisible Ki to assist his pupils in his training. The second was Supreme Kaio who thrust his hand forward and caused what appeared to be a gust of wind to blow at Majin Boo, having no effect whatsoever.

Other

Extraterrestrial, monstrous creatures, and Demons are also sometimes able to use Ki.

Auras

Ki auras radiate from the user when increasing the concentration of it inside their body. Warriors (excluding Androids) have a limit to the Ki that their bodies can withstand, but the capacity for Ki can be increased through mental and physical training. Some techniques (such as the Kaio-ken) rapidly increase the concentration of Ki in the body, enabling the user to fight at a strength level that far exceeds their regular limits for a limited period of time. Piccolo Daimao is the first character in the entire series shown to possess a visible aura.

Auras can also displace solid matter.

• Note: In the anime, auras are sometimes used for comical effect. For example, during the Garlic Jr. Saga, Goku's wife Chichi angrily produces a red-colored (Kaio-ken-like) aura after being angered by Maron (Kuririn's girlfriend) – though it appeared similar to the Kaio-Ken, its red color was likely intended to comically represent Chichi's anger.

In Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3, there are several Z Items that change the default color of a character's aura to a different one (for example, Aura Charge Red gives the character a red Kaio-ken-like aura) or grants an aura effect on characters (like Androids) who do not possess an aura.

There is also the bio-electric aura produced by the Super Saiyan 2 and Super Saiyan 3 transformations (and Cell as well).

• Note: In the anime, lightning auras are sometimes placed randomly on various characters, regardless of their transformation or power level.

Transformation

Depending on their genetic inheritance, some beings are able to transform. Not all beings, however, are able to transform at will. In some instances, there must be certain environmental conditions required for their transformation (like moonlight for Great Ape transformations) or emotional upheaval (for Super Saiyans). By transforming, a person acquires physical limits that somehow change the ones of their regular body. Effects of transformations usually include alterations in strength and Ki capacity. Some other effects may include differences in speed and durability. The most commonly seen transformation is the Super Saiyan transformation, only accessible to certain Saiyans and Saiyan/Human hybrids. The negative aspect of most transformations is that the process itself consumes energy. The effect of energy loss when dealing with Super Saiyan transformation can be limited through training.

Transformation is not always intended for increasing abilities. Some beings are known to transform in order to limit their abilities rather then increasing them. An example of this is Freeza who was first seen in a suppressed state, being that his fourth form was his original state, and the form that he is first seen in was actually a transformed one. Cell demonstrated a similar ability when he reverted to a larval state in order to fit into Trunks' time machine and save energy during the time that he had to wait for the Androids. Then there was Boo who transformed into his original Kid Boo state after his counterpart was removed from his body.