Kamehameha
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Directory: Techniques → Offensive techniques → Ki → Energy waves
The Kamehameha (かめはめ波, Kamehameha; FUNimation "Kamehameha Wave"; Literally meaning "Turtle Destruction Wave") is an energy wave attack used by many fighters.
Contents
Development
After much contemplation, Akira Toriyama could not decide on a name for his "Kame" attack, so he asked his wife. His wife came up with the name and the stances used during the attack. She also told Toriyama that it would be easy to remember the name of the attack if he used the name of the famous Hawaiian king, Kamehameha. Toriyama agreed and the Kamehameha was born.
Usage
The Kamehameha is formed when cupped hands are drawn to the user's side and Ki is concentrated into a single point between the cupped hands (and the hands must be really close), however, in the manga there are not any energy spheres in the user's hand. The hands are then thrust forward to shoot out a streaming, powerful beam of energy. The blast can also be used, generally under extenuating circumstances, with just one arm or even the feet. In most variants, the user utters the word "Ka-me-ha-me-ha" as they charge and release the attack.
Appearance and power
The Kamehameha has several different colors in the anime, movies, video games, and manga. The power and concentration of the different types of Kamehameha also vary greatly. Whitish-blue is its standard and original color. When Goku is in his Super Saiyan 4 transformation, his 10x Kamehameha is red-colored. Son Gohan's Ultimate Kamehameha in his ultimate form is yellow. In some games and episodes of Dragon Ball Z, the color of Goku's Kamehameha color is yellow instead of the primary blue color, and Super Saiyan Vegito's Final Kamehameha is yellow or golden yellow, but remains blue when Vegito is in his base form. Majuub's Chocolate Kamehameha has a pink color (but was blue in its debut). Majin Buu's various forms can also use the Super Kamehameha, which also has a pink color or the original blue color.
History
The Kamehameha was the first energy wave attack shown in the Dragon Ball series. The Kamehameha was the most widely used finishing attack in Dragon Ball and was Son Goku's signature attack. It was also a signature attack of the Turtle School.
The Kamehameha was invented by Turtle Hermit over a fifty year period spanning pre-Dragon Ball. By drawing his latent ki into the palms of his hands, Turtle Hermit was able to expel an explosive beam of ki energy. Goku learned it after witnessing Turtle Hermit unleashing the blast to extinguish the flames at Ox-King's home. To Turtle Hermit's surprise, Goku successfully performed the technique on his first attempt (a sign of things to come), although it was only strong enough to destroy Bulma Brief's nearby car. It was later learned by Kuririn and Yamucha in a Tenkaichi Tournament against Chaozu and Tenshinhan, respectively. They in turn taught it to others and the attack became a very popular one to use during battle. Cell was also capable of using it due to the DNA used in his design. Fat Boo learned the technique after seeing Goku use it during the Majin Buu Saga.
Personalization
Because the Kamehameha has expanded to the arsenal of heroes, allies, and even villains, ect. it has been personalized by few; something mostly done by characters who did not graduate Roshi's Turtle School. For example, in Chiaotzu's variation, he produces a yellow ball of light while in the traditional stance for the attack, however instead of following through, he hurls the ball of Ki. In their battle against Bio-Broly, both Trunks and Goten use the attack; however, Trunks extended both arms to sides and began charging the attack, and after saying the incantation, he threw his hands forth and fired a blue energy blast with Goten's Kamehameha. During the Namek Saga, Krillin also used a different stance on different occasions, normally alongside Gohan's Masenko; with one hand behind the other, Krillin would say the incantation and unleash the Kamehameha Wave. Based on these personalized variations and others, it is possible that the incantation is only preparation required to produce the wave.
Variations
The Kamehameha has many variations, most of which were invented by Goku.
- 5x Kamehameha – Has the same aura color as the 10x Kamehameha, but a much smaller wave. Used by Goku in Super Saiyan form in Dragon Ball GT: Transformation.
- 10x Kamehameha (十倍かめはめ波, Jūbei Kamehameha; Literally meaning "10x Turtle Destruction Wave") – The name given to the amplified, red-colored Super Kamehameha used by Goku while in his Super Saiyan 4 form. Along with its astounding destructive power, the attack has a delayed effect if the initial blast should fail, wherein the target will be blasted by residual effects left over by the beam. While not as overwhelming as the initial blast, the after-effect can catch foes off guard.
- 10x Dragon Kamehameha – A combination of the 10x Kamehameha and the Dragon Fist used by Goku in his Super Saiyan 4 form. Goku fires the 10x Kamehameha and flies through it to attack the opponent with the Dragon Fist. Goku used it during his battle against Omega Shenron.
- Angry Kamehameha – A Kamehameha attack in name alone. Super Saiyan Goku's Ultimate Blast. Draws inspiration from the finishing blow Goku dealt to Frieza. Goku uses only one hand for the attack.
- Bending Kamehameha – A version of the Kamehameha that the user can change the direction of willingly.
- Big Bang Kamehameha – A combination of Vegeta's Big Bang Attack and Goku's Super Kamehameha. Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta used it to try and finish off Omega Shenron in Dragon Ball GT. Name origin: Big Bang Attack and Super Kamehameha.
- 100x Big Bang Kamehameha – The full-powered version of the Big Bang Kamehameha introduced in Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 and the Budokai Tenkaichi series as Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta's ultimate attack.
- Bluff Kamehameha – In this variation, the user fires confetti and streamers instead of an energy blast. It is used by Gogeta in his Super Saiyan 4 transformation against Omega Shenron.
- Bros. Kamehameha (兄弟 かめはめ波, Kyōdai Kamehameha; Literally meaning "Brothers' Turtle Destructive Wave"): Gohan and Goten combine their Kamehameha attacks into one large Kamehameha. The attack appeared briefly in Broly: Second Coming before being replaced by the Family Kamehameha (due to Goku returning back to life to help his sons in the Kamehameha duel against Broly).
- Chocolate Kamehameha – This attack combines the power of the Chocolate Beam and Kamehameha. It was used by Majoob in his battle against Super Baby.
- Combined Kamehameha – Similar to the Guided Kamehameha but fused together to create an even stronger Kamehameha, used by Goku Super Saiyan 4 against Great Ape Baby.
- Concentrated Kamehameha – A skill part of the the Martial Artist skill tree in the upcoming computer game Dragon Ball Online. Because the class is close-ranged and primarily physical (reminiscent to Goku and Yamcha from the early Dragon Ball arcs), the technique has a short distance of precisely 6 meters. However, while the skill lacks range, it attacks within a 3x4 meter radius of the user. The beam is pronounced with width.
- Continuous Kamehameha – The Kamehameha fired in rapid succession.
- Dodohameha – Used by Tiencha in Budokai 2. It is a mix of the Kamehameha and Dodon Ray.
- Double Kamehameha – A Kamehameha released simultaneously from both hands.
- Evolution Kamehameha – This technique is taken from Dragonball: Evolution. It is quite similar to the Kamehameha used in the anime and manga, however, with very few differences depending on the user: Roshi has to channel Ki from his chest to his arms before he releases it through his hands while Goku has to channel ki outside of him forming an aura as he crosses his arms in an X shape while the rest of the technique is simlar to how Goku usually uses it. Also, unlike the anime, it has more uses than the typical Kamehameha, it can light torches as well as be used as a defribrilator (the latter demonstrated by Roshi saving Goku from near death after Mai shoots him.) Roshi also states that it is the fifth and most advanced level of airbending. Along with saying that the more concentration put into it will make the Kamehameha stronger (such as when Goku combined his normal form with Oozaru form into the attack and formed the Kamehameha into a traditional beam rather than a small flow of energy.)
- Family Kamehameha – This is a multiple Kamehameha that is used against Broly in Broly: Second Coming by Goku, Gohan, and Goten (though it's possible Goku's help may have been an illusion created by the Dragon Balls).
- True Family Kamehameha – This is a fan-made name for the attack used in Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai: Another Road by Goku, Gohan, Bardock, Goten, and Future Gohan to defeat Kid Boo at the end of the game.
- Father-Son Kamehameha (親子かめはめ波, Oyako Kamehameha; Literally meaning "Parent-Child Turtle Destructive Wave"): This is where someone who is dead assists someone alive with a Kamehameha. Goku helps out Son Gohan against Cell, and he also helps out Gohan and Son Goten against Broly in Broly: The Second Coming.
- Feet Kamehameha – Simply a Kamehameha fired from the feet, so the user is able to attack with his hands. During the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament, Goku uses this attack against Piccolo Junior.
- Feint Kamehameha – A Kamehameha in two energy spheres, allowing guidance by user's arm movements. Goku uses this attack against Frieza.
- Final Kamehameha – A combination of Vegeta's Final Flash and Goku's Super Kamehameha, but its enormous power exceeds them both. Super Vegetto uses it as an ultimate attack along with Spirit Sword. In the video, it combines the style of Final Flash and shooting style of Super Kamehameha. In the anime, Vegetto fires a powerful ball of energy that creates a large explosion upon hitting its target. Name origin: Final Flash and Super Kamehameha.
- Flashing Kamehameha – The user fires a Kamehameha that flashes a golden color. It was used by Gohan in his Super Saiyan 2 form to try and destroy Majin Buu's egg to no effect.
- Super Flashing Kamehameha: A more powerful version of the Flashing Kamehameha. Gohan used it to try and destroy Majin Boo's Cocoon again, still to no effect.
- Flying Kamehameha – This is when the user performs the Kamehameha while flying through the air. Used by Full Power Super Saiyan Goku during the battle with Perfect Cell.
- Focused Kamehameha – An upgraded Concentrated Kamehameha. The Focused Kamehameha is a part of the Sword Master skill tree, and while it does not the 3x4 meter radius effect, it is more powerful and capable of reaching an opponent within 16 meters. Compared to the Concentrated Kamehameha, the beam's energy is more pronounced.
- Grandfather-Granddaughter Kamehameha – Goku and Pan combine their Kamehameha attacks into a giant Kamehameha. They used the attack to kill Haze Shen Long.
- Imitation Kamehameha – A skill part of the Wonder Majin skill tree in the upcoming computer game Dragon Ball Online. Its area of effect is listed as "3x8 meter radius infront of and including single target". The beam is depicted as a thinner wave and has the distance of 18 meters. Its name is probably based off Majin Buu's knowledge of the technique.
- Instant Kamehameha – A super Kamehameha released at point-blank range, after using Instant Transmission as a feint before closing the gap between them, During the Next World Tournament, Goku used this technique on Pikkon. Also known as the Warp Kamehameha or Instant Transmission Kamehameha.
- Jet Kamehameha – This is usually a Kamehameha fired at the ground, propelling the user through the air in a jet-like manner in the opposite-direction. The technique is mainly used as a way to change directions quickly (in order to counter or to set-up an attack), remain airborne longer (for non-fliers), or to fly through the air quickly (again non-fliers). It is used by Goku mostly during the early World Martial Arts Tournament (mainly as a way to stay airborne due to his inability to fly and various other battles during his youth; most notably the final battle with King Piccolo). Goten also uses a modified version in the form of hand-stand during his Junior Division Finals match with Trunks.
- Kamekameha - A mispronounced version of the attack. The attack is successful in creating a Ki blast (when released it also creates a sphere around the user), but it goes anywhere because Goten was unable to control it since he hadn't yet learned how to direct an energy blast. Accidentally "invented" by Son Goten in battle against Trunks in the World Martial Arts Tournament's Junior Division Finals.
- Master-Student Kamehameha – This is a multiple Kamehameha attack performed by Roshi together with (former) pupils, Goku and Krillin. Only featured once in the feature movie "The World's Strongest".
- Maximum Power Kamehameha – The Kamehameha released at full-blast by Master Roshi in his MAX Power state.
- Multiple Kamehameha: This is when two or more fighters fire multiple Kamehameha (one per fighter) simultaneously at a single point (usually an enemy), this usually causes their separate Kamehameha to merge into one giant Kamehameha Wave blast. It is seen mainly in the Dragon Ball Z films and in Dragon Ball GT. It is used in Bio-Broly by Goten, Trunks, and Krillin to defeat Bio-Broly. (Note: This attack has several variations.)
- Original Kamehameha – The first Kamehameha used in the series and the original technique developed and honed by Master Roshi, it involves wide sweeping arm movements before cupping the hands together.
- Scatter Kamehameha – A Kamehameha that disperses from a single stream into numerous blasts, scattering the ground.
- Kaio-ken Kamehameha (界王拳かめはめ波, Kaiō-ken Kamehameha; Literally meaning "World King's Fist Turtle Destruction Wave"): This is a Kamehameha supplemented by the Kaio-ken, making it more powerful. Its power is multiplied based on the level of Kaio-ken being used, from two to twentyfold.It was first seen in the Saiyan Saga against Vegeta's Galick Gun attack.
- Solar Kamehameha – The strongest Kamehameha Cell mustered and said to have the power to destroy the entire solar system. Countered by Gohan's Father-Son Kamehameha.
- Super Kamehameha – A more powerful variation of the Kamehameha.
- True Kamehameha – An even more powerful variation of the Super Kamehameha. It is Super Saiyan 3 Goku's Ultimate Blast in Dragon Ball: Raging Blast.
- Standing Kamehameha – This is when the user, instead of using the hand movements, just stands powering up for the attack and then launches it. It was used by Super Saiyan 2 Gohan during his battle with Perfect Cell.
- Ultimate Kamehameha – The user fires a Kamehameha so powerful that it changes to a golden-yellow color. It was used by Ultimate Gohan during his battle against Super Boo.
Trivia
- In Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit's television commercials, numerous short clips show a person shouting, "Kamehameha!"
- During the Vegeta Saga and Namek Saga, Gohan is seen performing the Masenko, but he yells, "Kameiameia", a mispronounced Kamehameha.
- The Kamehameha has the most variations among techniques in the series.
- Freeza is the only main villain in Dragon Ball Z not to use the Kamehameha in the anime or manga, (Cell has the cells of many users and Majin Boo learned it from watching Goku perform it), however, Freeza does use Kamehameha, but only in Super Dragon Ball Z.
- In The Legacy of Goku, the Kamehameha is taught to Goku by North Kaio.
- Pan is the only female ever seen performing the Kamehameha.
- In the game Super Smash Brothers Brawl, the Pokémon Lucario (voiced by Sean Schemmel) has a Final Smash, the Aura Storm, which is quite similar to the Kamehameha.
- In the European Spanish dub, Kamehameha is first named Onda Vital (Life Wave), a name taken from the previous Galician and French dubs, but it had many different names throughout the series, such as Ola Kameamé (Kamehame Wave), Kame Ame Ka, Rayos paralizantes (Paralyzing beams), Rayo desintegrador (Disintegrating beam), or Luz infinita (Infinite light), and also calling several other techniques by the name Onda Vital, only in certain moments of the series, such as the Kikoho or Kaio-Ken.
- There were five kings named Kamehameha who ruled the Kingdom of Hawaii before it was annexed by the U.S. They ruled the kingdom throughout the early 1800s. Hawaii even has a state holiday called Kamehameha Day on June 11th in honor of thier first king.[1]
- Roshi used the Kamehameha to put out the fire on Fire Mountain in order to help Ox King after Roshi threw away the Bansho Fan.
