Ki
From Dragon Ball Wiki, the ''Dragon Ball'' encyclopedia
Ki (気) is the force energy used by the Dragon Ball/Z/GT characters. This force also bears some realistic tendencies being that it is used in the real life martial arts such as Kung Fu or Tai Chi.
Ki is also known as "latent energy" or "fighting power". The term is the Japanese romanization of the Chinese term "Chi" (氣), which directly translates as "life force". This force is a tangible 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 it 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 (to "power up"). When a fighter gathers Ki, they are able to increase the power of their attacks and inflict greater damage to opponents.
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[edit] History
The term "ki" was first introduced by Mutaito in a filler episode of Dragon Ball where Goku travels back in time and learns about Ki. Although it is unknown of who actually discovered this inner energy in the Dragon Ball timeline, the first usage of it is seen when Master Roshi performed an energy blast called the Kamehameha in order to extinguish the fire on Fry-Pan Mountain. 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 Fighters and their enemies can perform attacks without saying anything, but there still exists the possibility that they are actually thinking the incantations, rather than saying them aloud.
[edit] Ki users
[edit] Saiyans
Main article: Saiyans 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. However, unlike Humans and Namekians, Saiyans don't seem to have a natural ability to detect ki by sensing ki signatures. That ability must be acquired through learning.
[edit] 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 Saiyans. Namekians use Ki in more mystical ways than Saiyans do, but use it for the same manner in 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.
[edit] Earthlings
Main article: Humans It is very uncommon to see an Earthling who uses Ki energy, though several humans have been shown acquire full mastery of the art: Yamcha, Tien, Krillin, Chiaotzu and Master Roshi. Another, lesser adept human is Videl who was taught basic flight from Gohan (she can fly but she is no match for Z Fighters). Other users include Spopovitch, Yamu, and Olibu (although Spopovitch and Yamu were Majins and don't really count, and Olibu may have learned the art in the Other World). Humans also have a natural ability to detect the concentration of Ki that their opponents possess (it has to be learned).
[edit] Androids
Main article: Androids Androids generally have an unnatural source of Ki, so sometimes their ki capacity is unlimited. Most of the time because it is unnatural, it is not able to be detected by sensing. But also, most of them are not able to detect it by sensing either, they must have 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 has given them a near limitless supply of ki.
[edit] Kais
Main article: Kai A Kai's energy is mostly invisible. Only two kais have ever been seen using it; the first one was King Kai, who used his invisible ki to assist his pupils in his training. The second was the Supreme Kai, who thrust his hand forward and caused what appeared to be a gust of wind to blow at Majin Buu, having no effect whatsoever.
[edit] Other
Extraterrestrial, monstrous creatures, and Demons are also sometimes able to use ki.
[edit] 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, and pink. These colors vary on the race, technique being used, species that the character is, or how (im)pure the being's heart is.
[edit] Auras
Auras of ki 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. Other techniques (Such as the Kaio-ken) rapidly increases the concentration in the body, enabling the user to fight at a strength level for a split second that far exceeds their regular limits. 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 wife Chi-Chi angrily produces a red-colored (Kaio-ken like) aura after being angered by Maron (Krillin's girlfriend), though it appeared similar to the Kaio-Ken, its red color was likely intended to comically represent Chi-Chi's anger.
[edit] Transformation
Depending on their genetic inheritance, some beings are able to transform. However, not all beings 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 then acquires physical limits that somehow change the limits of their regular body. Effects of transformation 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, which is only accessible to certain Saiyans and Saiyan/Human hybrids. The negative aspect of transformation 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 Frieza during the Frieza Saga, 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 state. Cell demonstrated a similar ability when he reverted to a larval state in order to fit in Trunks' time machine and save energy during the time that he had to wait for the Androids. Then there was Buu, who transformed into his original Kid Buu state, after his counterpart was removed from his body.
