The Tri-Beam is one of the signature energy techniques seen throughout the Dragon Ball franchise. This versatile attack has gone through many tweaks and adjustments over the years and has become one of the most powerful offensive skills that Tien possesses.
The Tri-beam traces its origin back to a group of powerful disciples under the legendary master Mutaito, who was well-versed in martial arts. This group was one of the first to wield the Tri-beam against King Piccolo’s Demon Clan during the warlord’s early reign of terror. However, it would be Tien Shinhan after years, who brought widespread fame to this technique with his astounding display in the World Martial Arts Tournaments. There, he showcased the attack scathing destructive force against opponents like Goku and Piccolo Jr.
Related: What Is Goku’s Final Form In ‘Dragon Ball’?
The Standard Tri-Beam in ‘Dragon Ball’
To perform the standard form, Tien forms the shape of a diamond with his hands by overlapping his fingers and thumbs. He then focuses on his ki and vision through this energy tunnel before letting out a massive yellow burst of energy along with a cry of “Tri-Beam!”.
This attack proved highly effective in Tien’s tournament battles and other confrontations throughout Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z. Some of the incidents to note involve Tien defending against Piccolo Jr.’s assault and later destroying one of Super Buu’s attacks to protect Mr. Satan and Dende.
In case you missed it: ‘Dragon Ball’: Has Vegeta Ever Defeated Goku In A One-On-One Battle?
The Advanced Neo Tri-Beam
Through extensive and hard training under Korin and King King, Tien further tuned his skill, developing the enhanced Neo Tri-Beam. To perform this technique, Tien has to bring his hands together with just one finger and thumb tips touching in a triangular fashion.
He then releases multiple explosive beams, instead of just one in rapid succession. Tien famously used this upgraded variant to repeatedly blast Semi-Perfect Cell, keeping the notoriously powerful android locked in place long enough for Android 18’s escape. However, this enhanced version has a severe drawback as compared to the normal version, as it taxes and drains Tien’s body with each use.
The mastery of this technique is the reflection of Tien Shinhan’s relentless dedication to martial arts mastery and spirit of constant evolution in order to gain control over his will and mindset. Through tweaks and refinements like the Neo-Tri Beam, he has transformed a signature skill into one of the most dangerous and feared energy attacks in all of Dragon Ball.
You might also like to read:
