Bōjutsu is a weapon-based fighting style utilized by several characters including Goku.
Overview[]
Bōjutsu is a fighting style that centers around the use of a staff, cane, or staff-like polearms. Similar to swordsmanship, bōjutsu is a relatively common fighting style and can be used to counter/block attacks from other weapons. Those proficient in this style can even utilize their weapon to deflect bullets as demonstrated by Goku during his assault on Muscle Tower.
Due to its ability to extend and retract, the Power Pole gives a bōjutsu user greater range and power. Some fighters such as Towa or Angels can incorporate their staves/polearms as part of techniques such as Towa's Position Shift or use them to fire energy attacks.
Usage[]
The most prominent user of this style is Goku who utilizes it primarily during his childhood using his Grandpa Gohan's Power Pole which he acquired from Master Roshi who obtained it from Korin. Master Roshi is also a practitioner, presumably having used the Power Pole in his youth while using his cane as an old man. Korin himself is able to utilize his staff as a weapon due to his mastery of the martial arts. Grandpa Gohan was also a practitioner as Goku apparently learned the style from him. Mr. Popo is also a practitioner as he wields a staff while training Goku to hone his Ki Sense. While Goku doesn't utilize the Power Pole in adulthood (due to Goku effectively giving the Power Pole back to Korin after using it to access The Lookout to convince Kami to restore the Earth Dragon Balls due to Shenron being killed by King Piccolo, however this fact is ignored in some Dragon Ball Z films) adult Goku can be seen wielding his Power Pole at the end of Dragon Ball GT.
Angels such as Whis, Vados, and Merus utilize their staves in combat. Merus is also shown to be proficient at using a normal staff during his training with Goku in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.
Demigra, Towa, and Putine also utilize the style to wield the weapons of their Demon God forms. Towa also wields a spear-like staff in her base and her Dark Towa forms.
In addition to his youth, Xeno Goku wields his Power Pole as a member of the Time Patrol. In Chapter 14 of "Super Dragon Ball Heroes: Dark Demon Realm Mission!", Xeno Goku uses his Power Pole's ability to extend to catch Demon God Salsa off guard showing his ability to wield it in combat hasn't diminished. Additionally, Xeno Goku can command it to extend while it is still within the sheath he wears on his back, thus allowing him to attack without removing it.
Film Appearances[]
As a kid, Goku uses it in Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies and Dragon Ball: The Path to Power both of which adapt Goku's meeting with Bulma.
As an adult, Goku wields the Power Pole in Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone and Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest.
Though he doesn't use it in the film, early promotional posters for Dragon Ball Super: Broly depicted an image of Goku wielding the Power Pole using the film's art style.
Variations[]
- Power Pole Pro - A variation where a pure hearted user wields the Power Pole while flying atop the Flying Nimbus. Used by Goku in Dragon Ball and by Chi-Chi in Super Dragon Ball Z. Named in Xenoverse 2 where it appears as a racially exclusive Awoken Skill "transformation" for Earthlings.
Video Game Appearances[]
- Super Dragon Ball Z
- Dragon Ball Online
- Dragon Ball: Origins
- Dragon Ball: Origins 2
- Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle
- Dragon Ball Xenoverse
- Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
- Dragon Ball Legends
- Dragon Ball FighterZ
Goku wields the Power Pole in various video games.
Chi-Chi can wield the Power Pole in Super Dragon Ball Z.
In Xenoverse, the Future Warrior can wield the Power Pole via the Super Skills Power Pole and Power Pole Combo.
In Xenoverse 2, the Super Skills return and can be obtained by the Future Warrior regardless of race. Additionally, if the Future Warrior is an Earthling, they can learn the Power Pole Pro Awoken Skill "transformation" which allows them to wield the Power Pole while riding the Flying Nimbus, which they receive from the Saiya Squad in the Hercule's House Time Miniature rift.
References[]
- ↑ Super Dragon Ball Z
- ↑ Dragon Ball Xenoverse, 2015
- ↑ Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, 2016