Ki

Goku gathers ki between his hands

Ki (気; pronounced "Kee"), also known as chi, Yōki (妖気) or simply energy (エネルギー, enerugī), is the life force energy used by Dragon Ball characters. This energy also bears some realistic tendencies being that it is "used" in the real life martial arts, such as Kung Fu and Tai Chi.

According to Akira Toriyama, ki is made up of three components: Genki (元気; lit. "Energy"), Yūki (勇気; lit. "Courage") and Shōki (正気; lit. "Mind"). Also, ki can be "positive" or "negative", depending on the user.

Overview

Origin

Frieza charges a small ki sphere on his finger

Ki is also known as "latent energy" or "fighting power." Which directly translates as "life force." This force is a tangible energy inside every living being, with its major focus being in the center of the body. By drawing it out, an individual is able to manipulate it and use it outside the body. Ki can be used for many different techniques. Because there are physical limits to the strength of the body itself, it is necessary to increase one's ki to overcome this barrier and become stronger. Usually, the more concentrated the masses are, the more time the user requires to draw it out by powering up. When fighters gather ki, they are able to gain enhanced strength, speed, endurance, and can increase the power of their attacks to inflict greater damage to opponents. Normally, the more the ki is increased, the harder it is to control, so ki control is also important. Energy can be lost when the user sustains injuries, as exclaimed by Gohan when he loses over half of his maximum energy supply when hit by Super Perfect Cell's Time to Die attack.

Name

In the English version of the anime, the term ki is rarely used, usually referred to as "Spirit Energy" or "Energy" instead. However, it is referred to by name in video games, even in the English versions. It is called W in the NES game Dragon Ball 3: Gokuden. It is referred to as airbending in Dragonball Evolution. In the English version of the manga, it is referred to as "chi".

When using Super Saiyan Goku (Naruto Sage Mode Costume) in Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z, he refers to it as Chakra instead of ki or energy.

Appearances

Ki is described by Toriyama as invisible, but can be visible in high concentrations or other ways. When visible, it 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 race, technique being used, species that the character is, and/or the purity of the user's heart. It can also resemble electrical sparks or even sparkles of light.

History

Master Mutaito using ki

The term ki was first introduced by Master Mutaito in a filler Dragon Ball episode where Goku travels back in time and learns about ki. The first usage of it is seen when Master Roshi performs an energy blast called the Kamehameha in order to extinguish the fire on Fire Mountain: by drawing his ki energy into the palms of his hands, Roshi is able to expel an explosive mass of visible ki energy. This was the birth of the energy attacks in Dragon Ball.

Usage

Auras

Main article: Aura Charge Items

Nappa powering up with a lighting aura

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. 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. Auras can displace solid matter.

Gogeta's aura

In the anime, auras are sometimes used for comical effect; for example, during the Garlic Jr. Saga, Goku's wife Chi-Chi angrily produces a red-colored (similar to the aura produced by the Kaio-ken) 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.

In Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3, there are several Aura Charge 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 levels (and Cell as well). In the anime, lightning auras are sometimes placed randomly on various characters, regardless of their transformation or power level. Auras are even capable of being used defensively to repel attacks as demonstrated by Bojack's Power Guard and Gogeta's Vanisher Guard techniques which their users defend themselves by generating and surrounding themselves with a powerful aura.

Ki attacks

Main articles: Ki Blast and Energy Wave

Transformation

Main article: Transformation

Vegeta using his ki to transform into a Super Saiyan

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 can change the limits 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 common transformation is the Super Saiyan transformation, which is 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 transformations 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 than increasing them. An example of this is Frieza, 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 in Future Trunks' Time Machine and save energy during the time that he had to wait for the Androids. Then there was Super Buu, who transformed into his original Kid Buu state after his counterpart was removed from his body.

Ki users

Saiyans

Main article: Saiyan

Goku using a form of ki known as a Kamehameha Wave

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 much effort. This is much unlike Humans who usually spend themselves after the first increase. However, unlike Namekians, Saiyans don't seem to have a natural ability to detect ki by sensing ki signatures. That ability must be acquired through learning. Based on Raditz also not knowing how to increase an attack's power by focusing ki into singular points, it also seems likely that Saiyans generally don't know now to create amplified blasts, and need additional training in order to learn how to do so.

Namekians

Main article: Namekian

Namekians charging ki in their hands

Although Namekians are generally not considered as strong as Saiyans, their ability to use ki is seen in some ways to be better than that of Saiyans. Namekians are seen to be able to freely suppress and amplify their ki more efficiently than Saiyans. Namekians also 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.

Earthlings

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 those are Yamcha, Tien Shinhan, 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 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).

Videl charging ki in her hands

Due to their unnatural occurrences and mainly stemming from Mr. Satan's claims, around Age 767-Age 774, Earthlings would come to believe that all ki-based techniques are just tricks. In the events leading up to the computer game Dragon Ball Online, in Age 804, Gohan wrote a book called "Groundbreaking Science" which reveals his studies on advanced martial arts and ki control. As of Age 1000, many Humans fight using ki attacks; including powering up and raising their ki, producing energy waves and spheres, discs, and self-destruction techniques. The Kikoukenjutsu Sword School, founded by Trunks and Goten to educate Earth's newer generation of warriors, focuses on the principle of channeling ki energy through swords. Tien's newly re-established New Crane School focuses on high spiritual damages; in some instances, techniques where the user must sacrifice health to produce the powerful attacks. All playable races, including Humans, can use the Kaio-ken technique, which constantly drains the user's HP (health) and EP (ki).

Androids

Main article: AndroidAndroids generally have an unnatural source of ''ki'', so sometimes their ''ki'' capacity is unlimited. Most of the time, because it is unnatural, it is unable to be detected by sensing. Conversely, most Androids are not able to detect other sources of ''ki'' by sensing. Instead, they must have special devices to do that. Some Androids can absorb other forms of ''ki'', as well as energy from other life forms

Kais

Main article: Kai

The demon Ghastel with ki spheres under his feet

A Kai's energy is mostly invisible. Two Kais have been seen using invisible blasts; 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.

Hidden Potential

Every fighter contains an amount of latent strength, some hold more than others. This useless dormant energy can become a great power up if brought out through some special technique not known to many. This energy is depicted as clear silver.

Godly ki

A rare form of ki known as godly ki is introduced in the movie Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods. It has been shown to be far above the normal usage of ki. The God of Destruction Beerus, his mentor Whis, and Saiyans who become Super Saiyan Gods and it's variations are able to use this form of ki, all of them vastly surpassing almost everyone else, the Supreme Kai's also possess godly ki as they are labeled as "Gods of Creation" opposite the God of Destruction, and both Kibito Kai and Old Kai are able to sense Beerus. Demon God Demigra also possess godly ki. Those who can not use godly ki are unable to sense godly ki. In a similar vein, a scouter is unable to scan the power level of a user of godly ki.

Other

Extraterrestrial, monstrous creatures, and demons are also able to use ki.

Gallery

Bardock's aura radiating off his body Bardock charges ki in his hand for a Rush Ki Wave Master Roshi gathers ki to perform a MAX Power Kamehameha Jackie Chun (Roshi) concentrating his ki Murasaki prepares his Copy Technique Master Roshi concentrating his ki at the seashore Tien showing his aura Tien meditating deeply King Piccolo concentrates ki in his hands Super Garlic Jr.'s yellow aura Gohan uses ki to light a log fire Nappa with an aura as he attacks Goku Vegeta charges ki in his hand Vegeta uses ki to protect himself from Zarbon's Possibility Cannon A Namekian Warrior concentrates ki into his fist Jeice gathers ki to form a Crusher Ball Vegeta charges his Ki to threaten Gohan and Krillin Vegeta charges his Ki angrily Vegeta with a white aura Goku attacks Frieza with a energy kick Krillin and Gohan channeling ki to Piccolo Frieza energizing his aura in dome form Frieza and Goku having an energy fight Frieza radiating his aura Gohan charges the ki in his fist Gohan attacks Garlic Jr. with a punch charged of ki Gohan's energy punch Garlic Jr. energizing his fist with ki Garlic Jr.'s ki punch blocked by Gohan Lord Slug tests out his newfound youth by charging ki in his hands Piccolo channeling his ki to Goku in Lord Slug Goku and Vegeta combine their ki while ramming towards a Meta-Cooler Broly releases his irate ki Broly and Goku emitting ki in a moment of psychological tension Piccolo transmitting his ki to Goku in Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan Gohan transmitting his ki to Goku in Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan Future Trunks transmitting his ki to Goku in Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan Vegeta transmitting his ki to Goku in Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan Gohan blocks the Goku's Kamehameha with a ki sphere Semi-Perfect Cell charges a ki sphere in his hands Vegeta prepares a Final Flash Vegeta gathers ki in his hands Vegeta with ki in his hands Vegeta charges up the Final Flash Vegeta about to fire the Final Flash Super Perfect Cell blasts Piccolo with his aura Tien and Yamcha with a white aura Vegeta releasing his energies Gohan shows Videl how to create energy Gohan charges ki in his hand to perform an attack Goku and Majin Vegeta's ki produces bio-electricity while fighting Majin Vegeta overcharging the power of his ki Bio-Broly charging his energy in the eyes and in the chest Bio-Broly releases his energy at one time Super Saiyan 3 Goku's bio-electricity Goku's punch given at Janemba generates ki electricity Goku charging two ki spheres in his hands Super Buu ki electricity Gotenks' ki sparking around him Gotenks' bio-electricity Gotetenks charges even more his ki Super Vegito charges ki in his hands Super Buu holding ki spheres in his hands Goku's first attempt to turn Super Saiyan God Goku's second attempt to turn Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan God Goku's aura Goku charges ki in his hand Baby Vegeta receives Saiyan energy to transform Super Baby Vegeta gathers energy to further transform Pan, Goten, Gohan and Trunks giving Goku energy SS4 Goku receives energy from his friends Piccolo channeling his ki to Goku perform the Instant Transmission Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta's aura Omega Shenron's negative aura Super Saiyan 2 Vegeta and Goku charging their energy in Budokai Tenkaichi 3 Goku's ki forming an "aura" in Burst Limit Yamcha's ki forming an aura in Burst Limit Vegeta's ki forming an aura in Burst Limit Nappa's ki forming an aura in Burst Limit