Dragon Ball Codexery

Kaio-ken

Kaio-ken is a martial arts technique taught by King Kai that multiplies the user's energy and strength, with possible strain to the body. Goku learns it while training with King Kai in the Other World after sacrificing his life in battle. He uses it against Vegeta, who is severely beaten by the technique, and later against Captain Ginyu.

Quick Facts

Primary user
Son Goku
First appearance
Saiyan Saga

Reader's Guide

In terms of power scaling, Kaio-ken allowed Goku to temporarily surpass his base limits, effectively bridging gaps that would otherwise take years of training to close. The best-known instance is Goku's fight against Vegeta on Earth, where the Kaio-ken forces Vegeta to resort to his Great Ape form. Later, in Dragon Ball Super, Goku reveals that he has learned to combine the technique with the energy control of his Super Saiyan Blue form.

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