Krillin

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Krillin (克林)
Species/Race	Earthling 203
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Turtle School; Z Fighters; his own martial arts school 31 203 207
Occupation/Role	Martial artist, tournament competitor, and martial arts instructor 33 203
Age	Thirteen at his first documented World Martial Arts Tournament 33
Family	Amy, his wife; Misha, their daughter 92 203
Status	Alive following resurrection; previously killed while protecting Goku from Cell 158 203

Power Progression

Krillin advances through training and technique development rather than named cultivation realms.

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Turtle School fundamentals completed	26	After seven months, Master Roshi declares that the disciples have learned his fundamentals. Their senses, limbs, minds, and bodies have been strengthened sufficiently to develop their own techniques.
Weighted-training gains demonstrated	30 32	Removing his Turtle Shell makes him feel almost weightless. He subsequently defeats a former Orin Temple senior brother using only a fraction of his strength.
Improved combat perception	36	During his fight with Jackie Chun, concentration allows him to see and counter Snake Fist attacks that initially overwhelmed him. His body still cannot consistently keep pace with Jackie's speed.
Kamehameha learned	65	Independently produces a weakened Kamehameha, then charges another while dodging and lands it on the airborne Chiaotzu. Roshi praises his moving Kamehameha.
Korin Tower training completed	76	Obtains the Ultra Divine Water after six months of training with Korin.
Gravity Chamber training	76 82	Receives Sun Mo's specialized “Limiter Removal Plan” alongside Tien Shinhan. Initially struggles with ten times gravity, but two and a half years of training produce major gains in strength and durability.
Solar Flare demonstrated	83	Temporarily blinds Piccolo's clones during their tournament match.
Potential unlocked	106	The Grand Elder releases his latent potential on Namek, breaking previously insurmountable training bottlenecks and greatly increasing his strength.
Flight confirmed	136	Flies toward the androids' location during the search. The circumstances of his learning the technique are not documented.
Kaioken mastered and integrated	203	Masters the Kaioken through extended training on King Kai's Planet and incorporates its principles into Turtle School techniques. He remains below the Saiyans despite these gains.

Background / History

Orin Temple and the Turtle School

Krillin formerly trained at Orin Temple, where two senior brothers bullied him for a long time. Their treatment left him so frightened that encountering them at the World Martial Arts Tournament caused his confidence to collapse, despite his subsequent training under Master Roshi 31.

He becomes Roshi's disciple alongside Goku and Sun Mo. Initially competitive and quick to underestimate the routine, he struggles with milk-delivery balance exercises and pushes himself to keep up with his stronger classmates. Roshi's instruction combines physical work, academic lessons, and rest 23 24.

At the tournament, Sun Mo stands up to Krillin's former bullies and encourages him to trust his strength. Krillin easily defeats one of them, beats Bacterian, and later loses to Jackie Chun—Roshi in disguise—after an unsuccessful Iron Head Technique charge 31 32 33 36 37.

Dragon Ball Journey and the Red Ribbon Army

After the tournament, Krillin joins Goku's Dragon Ball search. Because Krillin cannot ride Flying Nimbus, Roshi recommends travelling on foot, allowing the pair to train together along the way 43.

In the north, they encounter the Red Ribbon Army abusing villagers and forcing young men to search for Dragon Balls. Although Krillin initially wants to avoid the army, its cruelty prompts him and Goku to destroy the Muscle Tower base. He explains their intervention through Roshi's teaching that martial artists should uphold justice 48.

His confidence also gets him into trouble: while exploring a trapped cave corridor, he attempts to copy Goku's jump, strikes the ceiling, and is pierced through the backside by arrows. Sun Mo removes the arrow and treats the wound using Bulma's first-aid kit 49.

Later Tournaments and Advanced Training

At the next tournament, Krillin faces Chiaotzu's aerial attacks and independently learns the Kamehameha to fight back. Chiaotzu's psychic powers subsequently cause him severe abdominal pain 64 65 66.

After witnessing how far Goku has surpassed him, Krillin learns about Bulma's Gravity Chamber. Goku invites him to use it but relays Sun Mo's advice to complete Korin Tower training first. Krillin follows that route, then begins gravity training with Tien Shinhan 71 76.

His next tournament match against Piccolo demonstrates the results. Krillin knocks Piccolo down early, withstands heavy blows, and forces him to take the fight seriously. He ultimately loses after Piccolo employs clones, but Amy's cheering and assistance after the match mark the beginning of their relationship 82 83 84.

Family, Namek, and the Androids

Krillin later marries Amy and has a daughter, Misha. When Raditz arrives, he leaves Misha with the group at Kame House and accompanies Goku and Sun Mo to investigate the threat 92 93 179.

He trains in preparation for the confrontation with Frieza and pilots the group's ship to Namek. There, the Grand Elder unlocks his potential alongside the other visiting fighters 98 100 106.

During the android crisis, Krillin searches the attacked town with Sun Mo, warns Goku against carelessness, and helps pursue Dr. Gero. He also protests when Vegeta prepares an indiscriminate blast that would catch the nearby allies 136 137 139.

Sacrifice and Other World Training

During Goku's battle with Cell, Sun Mo suggests that losing Krillin could provoke the anger needed for Goku to break through. Krillin objects to being deliberately sacrificed. Nevertheless, when Cell launches a surprise Death Beam at Goku, Krillin intercepts it and dies protecting his friend. Goku's grief and anger then trigger Super Saiyan 2 158 159.

Broly's destruction of New Namek complicates plans to revive him. Sun Mo finds Krillin in Other World, where King Yemma has assigned him to Heaven because he was a good man, and arranges training under King Kai. Krillin first asks whether Amy and Misha are safe, then eagerly accepts the chance to study new martial arts 162 164.

Krillin trains diligently on King Kai's Planet and later receives Spirit Bomb instruction alongside Sun Mo. He eventually masters the Kaioken but fails to learn the Spirit Bomb 167 179 203.

Martial Arts Instructor

Following his resurrection and extended training, Krillin accepts that Earthling strength has limits but refuses to abandon martial arts. With Amy's support, he opens a school in the mountains, refusing wealthy children and teaching those who sincerely wish to learn 203.

He preserves Roshi's practical training methods through running, milk delivery, and field plowing. His most valued disciple is Uub, a poor farmer's son whose natural strength and talent inspire Krillin to pass down all his theories and martial arts 203.

Krillin still answers threats to Earth. During Frieza's later invasion, he brings Roshi to the battlefield and easily defeats groups of ordinary soldiers. After the victory, he offers to treat the group to karaoke, explaining that increased dojo attendance has brought in some money 207 208 215.

Appearance

• Bald head: A recurring identifying feature, also used directly in his Iron Head Technique 31 36.
• Short stature: His reach is notably shorter than Piccolo's during their tournament fight 82.
• Growth: He reports growing eleven centimetres during the three years between his early tournaments 61.
• Turtle School gi: Launch makes his tournament uniform with a bright orange body, blue belt, and the “Turtle” character on the chest and back 31.

Personality

Krillin's confidence fluctuates between anxiety and boastfulness. He worries about embarrassing the Turtle School, remains intimidated by his former bullies, and sometimes doubts strength he has already earned. Successful fights gradually help him recognize his abilities, though his eagerness to match Goku can lead to reckless decisions 24 31 32 49 61.

He is resourceful rather than purely force-driven. Sun Mo calls him the sharpest-minded disciple, and Krillin demonstrates that ingenuity through distractions, improvised techniques, and attacks timed around an opponent's openings 26 36 65.

His loyalty outweighs his fear when others are in danger. He opposes the Red Ribbon Army's abuse, refuses to leave an injured Yamcha unattended, and ultimately dies protecting Goku. As a father, he is attentive to Misha's needs and immediately asks about his family's safety upon regaining consciousness in Other World 48 71 92 158 164.

Krillin also wants a life beyond training. Years spent at Korin Tower and in the Gravity Chamber leave him lonely and eager to meet someone; Amy's encouragement gives him renewed motivation. Later, he extends that supportive attitude to his own students 78 84 203.

Abilities & Skills

Martial Arts and Combat Analysis

Krillin combines Turtle School conditioning with quick observation and tactical improvisation 26 36.

• Reads Jackie Chun's Snake Fist after initially failing to perceive it 36.
• Uses a pair of women's underwear as a distraction to nearly force Jackie Chun out of bounds 36.
• Employs feints and powerful close-range attacks against Piccolo 82.
• His perception can exceed his physical response speed; recognizing an attack does not always let him avoid it 36.

Kamehameha

Krillin learns to gather and release a Kamehameha during his match with Chiaotzu, without having received proper instruction from Roshi 65.

• Maintains the charge while dodging repeated Dodon Rays 65.
• Jumps clear of an incoming ray before releasing his own attack, rather than attempting a direct beam clash 65.
• Later lands a powerful Kamehameha on Piccolo, although it does not finish the match 83.

Kaioken

Krillin masters King Kai's Kaioken and adapts its principles to Turtle School martial arts, substantially increasing the power of his techniques 203.

• Uses the technique's principles as part of his own martial arts development 203.
• No specific multiplier is documented.
• Even with mastery, he cannot match the Saiyans or maintain a place on the front lines against their strongest opponents 203.

Solar Flare

Krillin uses Solar Flare to temporarily blind Piccolo's clones 83.

• Creates an opening against multiple attackers 83.
• Does not prevent Piccolo's real body from defeating him 83.

Iron Head Technique

A charging headbutt inspired by a fighting style Sun Mo uses during their training 36.

• His head-first collision collapses the wall behind the tournament stage 36.
• The charge is straightforward enough for Jackie Chun to dodge, leaving Krillin unable to stop his momentum 36.

Flight and Piloting

Krillin eventually gains flight and can also operate aircraft and spacecraft 92 100 136.

• Cannot fly during his match with Chiaotzu, but is shown flying by the android crisis 65 136.
• Pilots a modified aircraft while travelling with Misha 92.
• Pilots the group's ship for the Namek expedition 100.
• Cannot ride Flying Nimbus 43.

Teaching

Krillin carries forward the Turtle School's fundamentals while adding his own theories and techniques 203.

• Uses running, milk delivery, and agricultural work to condition students 203.
• Prioritizes sincere interest in martial arts when selecting pupils 203.
• Passes his complete body of martial knowledge to Uub 203.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Weighted Turtle Shell — Used for conditioning under Roshi; removing it produces a striking sense of lightness 30.
• Turtle School gi — Orange tournament uniform made by Launch 31.
• Senzu Beans — Receives a pouch from Korin when leaving Korin Tower 76.
• Gravity Chamber — Uses the shared chamber at Kame House for advanced training with Tien Shinhan 76.
• Modified aircraft — Personal transport used to bring Misha to Kame House 92.

Relationships

• Goku / Sun Wukong — Fellow disciple and close friend. They train, travel, and fight together; Goku saves him from Turles's twin subordinates, while Krillin later gives his life to protect Goku from Cell 26 43 89 158.
• Sun Mo — Fellow disciple, protector, and training adviser. Defends him against former bullies, prepares his gravity-training plan, and arranges his instruction under King Kai 31 76 164.
• Master Roshi / Jackie Chun — Teacher and unwitting tournament opponent. Krillin remains devoted to Roshi and later preserves his training methods in his own school 36 203 215.
• Amy — Wife. First cheers for him during his fight with Piccolo and helps him after his defeat; later supports the establishment of his martial arts school 82 84 203.
• Misha — Daughter. Krillin carefully tends to her needs and worries about her welfare after his death 92 164.
• Uub — Prized disciple, a talented farmer's son to whom Krillin teaches all his martial arts and theories 203.
• Tien Shinhan — Training partner. Both receive Sun Mo's specialized plan and train in the Gravity Chamber 76.
• Yamcha — Fellow Turtle School disciple and sparring partner. Krillin insists on collecting him from the hospital rather than leaving him alone during the King Piccolo crisis 59 71.
• Korin — Advanced training mentor. Krillin obtains the Ultra Divine Water after six months and receives Senzu Beans on departure 76.
• King Kai — Other World teacher. Provides instruction in the Kaioken and Spirit Bomb; Krillin masters only the former 164 167 179 203.
• Piccolo — Tournament opponent and later ally. Piccolo initially dismisses him, then acknowledges his strength; Krillin remains wary of Piccolo's stated desire to conquer Earth 82 83 94.
• Vegeta — Fellow defender of Earth who borrows money from Krillin for his marriage. Krillin later protests Vegeta's disregard for nearby allies during the pursuit of Dr. Gero 136 139.

Notable Quotes

“Don't worry, I'll definitely create a move even stronger than the Kamehameha!” 26

“Thank you, I will keep working hard!” 84

“It'd be great to learn martial arts from King Kai! I'll go, and I'll definitely learn them!” 164