The Technique System of Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball introduced varied systems of famous techniques that colored the battles. They are divided into three large detailed categories, Ki Manipulation Techniques (気功技 Kikō-waza "Mind Power Attack"), Physical Martial Art Techniques (体術技 Taijutsu-waza "Body Attack"), and Special Techniques (特殊技 Tokushu-waza "Emergency Attack").

Ki Manipulation Techniques

There is a mysterious energy hidden inside the human body. Using the substantial energy converted from this internal energy, it can create a powerful special attack.

It is said that everyone has ki. It is ki manipulation techniques that utilize the power of this ki. In the world of Dragon Ball, many warriors, such as Goku, use many ki manipulation techniques, albeit with different names and forms. However, public knowledge of ki manipulation techniques is poor, Mister Satan (Hercule) mistook the ki manipulation techniques used by Goku as simple tricks.

Basic Type (基本型 Kihon-gata): Ki is gathered in the palm of the hand and fired as a light bullet, a lot of ki manipulation techniques are like this. The Kamehameha is an example of this type of technique. Another technique in the same category is Vegeta's Gyarikku-ho (Galick Gun).

Concentrated Type (集中型 Shūchū-gata): A technique where ki is concentrated into a single part of the body, such as the fingertip or the mouth, and fired. The Crane Hermit's Dodonpa (Dodon Ray) is part of this category.

Accumulated Type (集積型 Shūseki-gata): A ki manipulation technique that creates a light bullet by borrowing the ki power of other objects. The Genki Dama (Spirit Bomb) that Goku learned from Kaio is in this category of techniques.

Martial Arts Yell Type (気合い型 Kiai-gata): While other techniques appear as light bullets, this category of techniques cannot be seen directly with the naked eye. The Kikoho (Tri Beam) and Shockwave are part of this category of techniques.

Converted Type (変化型 Henka-gata): A technique where the user arranges their own basic type of ki manipulation. It adds another property to the traditional light bullet-type ki manipulation technique and fires it. As an example, there is Krillin's Kienzan (Destructo Disc) which turns ki into a circular blade and shoots it.

Continuous Type (連続型 Renzoku-gata): A technique that continuously fires light bullets of ki. An example technique of this category is Gotenks' Continuous Die-Die Missile. While unnamed, when Vegeta fought Zarbon on Planet Namek, he used a technique of this same category. Although ki consumption is intense, it attacks without leaving an opening to counter for the opponent. Most continuous ki manipulation attacks are powerful enough to damage the ground surface.

Guided Type (誘導型 Yūdō-gata): A technique that freely manipulates a bullet of ki. It is said that it is advantageous to accurately aim at a target. The ultimate version of this type is Gotenks' Super Ghost Kamikaze Attack. Not only is it manipulated, the ki (ghost) fired has it's own will, can listen to it's user's instructions and act of it's own will.

Combined Type (融合型 Yūgō-gata): This is a type that fuses each type used up until now. The Scattering Bullet used by Krillin on the Saibamen combines the 3 types of techniques, Converted Type, Continuous Type and Guided Type. These combined techniques can also be said to be an enhanced version of each type. In order to perform these acts, both the user's fighting power and mental power must be strengthened, and considerable training is required. It is also necessary to have calm judgement and consider the consumption of ki.

Ki Manipulation Technique Variations

The power of ki does not solely exist to attack. Ki takes on a variety of forms depending on it's usage. It reflects the user's heart...

As shown up to now, there are many different types of ki manipulation techniques (気功技バリエーション Kikō-waza Barēshon "Type of Mind Power Attack"). However, ki manipulation is often used for feats other than attacking. It can be used for transportation or to support attacks. Like attack types, there are many variations of it's usage.

Movement Type (移動型 Idō-gata): A famous Movement Type technique is the Crane Hermit's Bukujutsu (Flying Technique). This is a technique that runs through the sky by manipulating the ki inside the body. Also, the Shunkan Ido (Instant Transmission) which perceives an opponent's ki and instantly moves to their location is said to be in the same category of techniques.

Attack Support Type (攻撃補助型 Kōgeki Hojo-gata): One of the techniques learned from Kaio is the Kaioken. This technique dramatically increases the fighting power and speed of the user by using the power of ki. There are also techniques that assist attacks, such as the Taiyoken (Solar Flare) used by Tenshinhan and the Barrier used by Vegito. In many battles, supportive techniques, like the Kaioken, are used to gain an advantage.

Sealing Type (封印型 Fūin-gata): The Mafuba (Evil Containment Wave) used by the Turtle Hermit's master Mutaito when he sealed Demon King Piccolo away is technique of this category. By sensing the ki of an evil opponent, they can be sealed away in a container with a talisman. Also, by reversing the Mafuba, it becomes a Mafuba that can seal away an opponent with a good heart. This is the technique that was used to seal Kami by Majunior (Piccolo).

Physical Martial Arts Techniques

By training your body, it will become the most powerful weapon. To super warriors who have exceeded the limits hidden in their bodies, there is nothing to fear.

Like ki manipulation techniques, the world of Dragon Ball has various physical martial arts techniques that bloom forth in battle. Especially during his childhood, Goku could not manipulate the power of his ki and so Goku invented physical martial arts techniques on his own. Even though it's not limited to Goku and that battles are decided with ki manipulation techniques, the majority of basic fighting is done with physical martial arts techniques.

Basic Type (基本型 Kihon-gata): There are 3 methods of attacks in the basic types of physical martial arts. First, there are punching techniques. Using the fists or elbows of the arms to attack an opponent. Next is kicking. These are techniques where the opponent is kicked with the feet, legs and knees. Finally, there are charging techniques. These are techniques that use acceleration to jump into the opponent. While not named here, throwing techniques are also in the basic type.

Composited Type (複合型 Fukugō-gata): Techniques that combine the basic techniques previously shown to continuously attack. Yamcha's Rogafufuken (Wolf Fang Fist) is part of this category of techniques. Since it uses more techniques than a single attack, a singular blow has less power. It's characterized by not having any openings for the opponent to counter by using on attack after another.

Cooperation Type (連けい型 Renkei-gata): A type of technique that uses two or more people to create an attack. Gotenks' Charging Buu-Buu Volleyball and Tenshinhan's Shishin no Ken (Multi-Form) are in this category of techniques. Tenshinhan's Shishin no Ken is carried out by his clones which are characteristic of him. Since four people use this technique at the same time, it is possible to surround an opponent and attack in hand-to-hand combat. However, since power is divided between the four people, a major weakpoint is that their strength and speed will lower. Also, The Clashing Buu-Buu Volleyball is paired with the ki manipulation technique, Continuous Super Donuts. It's a technique that captures the opponent with the Continuous Super Donuts, and then tosses and attacks them. It can be said to be an enhanced version of Tenshinhan's composited type physical martial art, Haikyuken (Volleyball Fist).

Mental State Type (形意型 Kei'i-gata): Jackie Chun's Suiken (Drunken Boxing) is an attacking type physical martial art that actually exists. They are techniques that imitate the movements of others and impersonates the opponent. As demonstated by Suiken, it attacks with irregular movements. Goku invented the Kyoken (Mad Dog Fist) and Saruken (Monkey Fist) in reference to Suiken.

Afterimage Type (残像型 Zanzō-gata): Techniques that creates afterimages by moving at high speeds, blurring the vision of the opponent are afterimage types. Jackie Chun used the Zanzoken (Afterimage Technique) for the first time during the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament. The more you practice it, the more afterimages you can create. A basic usage is to avoid attacks using afterimages. Goku learned this just by watching it.

Secreted Type (分泌型 Bunpi-gata): Techniques that attack opponents by secreting mucus from the body. Giran and Saibaimen use techniques of this category. Giran's Guru-Guru Gum (Merry-Go-Round Gum) is an adhesive mucus that can wrap around an opponent so they cannot move. Also, the Saibaimen's attack is a technique that fires a strong acid from their head. It was an amazing power.

Separated Type (分離型 Bunri-gata): Physical martial arts techniques that take advantage of Buu's special ability to separate his body. Separated bodies can freely operate by themselves. Flesh distant from the body can be changed into another shape. This makes it possible for Buu to perform various attacks.

Merged Type (合体型 Gattai-gata): A combined type that Metamorans excel at. A merging technique that can only be performed by people who's power, body shape and size are almost the same. Two people merge into a single new person with tremendous power. Fusion can only combine for 30 minutes even if the transformation is successful. When merging, the fusing people must be of equal body size to each other and their fusion poses must be symmetrical. If it fails, the body will collapse and it's true power cannot be used.

Special Techniques

Special techniques can be attained from the hardships of training. These techniques have been passed down since ancient times and are already organized. The power is still not known.

Special techniques that don't belong to ki manipulation or physical martial arts. They are performed using external factors, tools, etc, without using ki or the body (although there are exceptions). Also, the form of the technique is already determined, so while the user makes arrangements for the technique, the technique itself cannot be enhanced or changed.

Ninja Arts (忍術 Ninjutsu): Ninja techniques used by Sergent Murasaki of the Red Ribbon Army. Using dedicated tools for ninja, such as shurikens, make for tricky attacks. It basically uses tools, so anyone can learn if they train.

Hypnotism (催眠術 Saimin-jutsu): A technique used by Jackie Chun during the World Martial Arts Tournament. A technique that suggests to the opponent using suggesting movements with the hands or speaking. It can make the opponent sleep or see illusions.

Sorcery (魔術 Majutsu): Techniques used by the sorcerer Babidi. Unlike ki manipulation, it is good at consuming stamina. If Babidi is magic, then he can create techniques without casting spells. However, with great feats like changing spaces, the effect is shown as casting a spell.