The nature of certain "esoteric" techniques.

[supacomboy]

I was just wondering what peoples' thoughts were on "esoteric techniques" - specifically Tenshinhan's Shiyōken & Shishin-no-ken, and Gurd's Timestop. I was wondering if they are race/species specific - i.e constrained to the character through genetics, or if these techniques could be learned by anyone??

For example, is Tenshinhan able to sprout two more arms because his genetic make-up allows him to be able to do so, or is it outside of his genes and can be learned by anyone?? I would assume that he is able to do so because of his genetics, as he isn't a "standard human" - but some sort of human/alien hybrid or subspecies?? What about his Shishin-no-ken though which allows him to split into four individual components?? This technique seems more ambiguous. But then there are techniques that have alien origins but can be learned by other species too, such as Goku learning Shunkan'idō. Is Gurd's Timestop similar to Shunkan'idō in that it can be used by anyone, or is it because his species posses a power to use it enabled by their genetic encoding??

If we look at some of Piccolo's techniques on the other hand it is clear that these are specific to Namekians (and other species with a similar genetic capacity), such as the ability to regenerate lost limbs. Other "esoteric techniques" to consider such as Ginyu's body change would suggest that this particular technique isn't a matter of genetics (as he changes body several times and I assume no longer possesses his original DNA in the new body??)

So can anyone learn to grow an extra pair of arms, or is it because of Tenshinhan's ancestry that he can do so??

[dbgtFO]

Tenshinhan's strange techniques were attributed to his alien ancestry in Daizenshuu 4, if I recall correctly.

[supacomboy]

Tenshinhan's strange techniques were attributed to his alien ancestry in Daizenshuu 4, if I recall correctly.

Thanks, that clears that up for me!! What about Gurd's??

[FoolsGil]

The Ginyu Force are quoted to be mutants. Guldo's race either have telepathy at a lower level, or Guldo is the only member of his race to have telepathic ability: Either way his mutation allows him to stop time. Same thing with Ginyu and his body swap

[Herms]

Tenshinhan's strange techniques were attributed to his alien ancestry in Daizenshuu 4, if I recall correctly.

Yeah, people often overlook this, but the entire reason the daizenshuu introduce the idea of Tenshinhan having alien ancestry is specifically to explain how he can grow extra arms and split into four people. It's not, as is typically assumed, really used to explain why he has three eyes (which is just left implied by his alien ancestors being called the "Three-Eyed Clan").

[supacomboy]

Tenshinhan's strange techniques were attributed to his alien ancestry in Daizenshuu 4, if I recall correctly.

Yeah, people often overlook this, but the entire reason the daizenshuu introduce the idea of Tenshinhan having alien ancestry is specifically to explain how he can grow extra arms and split into four people. It's not, as is typically assumed, really used to explain why he has three eyes (which is just left implied by his alien ancestors being called the "Three-Eyed Clan").

Cheers Herms, that clears up my questions for me!!

The Ginyu Force are quoted to be mutants. Guldo's race either have telepathy at a lower level, or Guldo is the only member of his race to have telepathic ability: Either way his mutation allows him to stop time. Same thing with Ginyu and his body swap

This somehow sounds familiar, is it also from one of the Daizenshū??

[Adamant]

This somehow sounds familiar, is it also from one of the Daizenshū??

It's from the manga. When Ginyu first meets Goku, he assumes his strength comes from the fact that he is a mutant, like they are.

[supacomboy]

This somehow sounds familiar, is it also from one of the Daizenshū??

It's from the manga. When Ginyu first meets Goku, he assumes his strength comes from the fact that he is a mutant, like they are.

Thanks!! Its been ages since I read Dragon Ball, gotta be a good couple of years at the very least, I really need to read it again. Maybe in summer once my exams are over. Did it say anything in regards to his body switch technique, or just his strength??

[Adamant]

This somehow sounds familiar, is it also from one of the Daizenshū??

It's from the manga. When Ginyu first meets Goku, he assumes his strength comes from the fact that he is a mutant, like they are.

Thanks!! Its been ages since I read Dragon Ball, gotta be a good couple of years at the very least, I really need to read it again. Maybe in summer once my exams are over. Did it say anything in regards to his body switch technique, or just his strength??

All it says is "The Ginyu Corps are all mutants" and "Ginyu thinks Goku is a mutant too, and that this is why he's so strong". It's just mentioned in a single panel.

[Son-Kun!!]

I hate the crap about Tien needing to be givin back story about being a alien. In a world with talking pigs and flying talking cats there can't be a three eyed man with special techniuqes.