Mastering Ultra Instinct (UI): Goku's Journey

Goku's ability to tap into Ultra Instinct (UI) at will is a crucial milestone in his journey to becoming one of the strongest fighters in the Dragon Ball series. This technique, which allows for subliminal reaction times and perfect synchronization of motion and thought, is a significant development in his training and fighting prowess. Let's explore the key elements of Goku's training and how he acquired this incredible power.

Training with Whis

After the Tournament of Power, Goku trained intensively with Whis, an angel and the attendant of Beerus. Whis emphasized the importance of instinct over conscious thought, teaching Goku the principles of Ultra Instinct. This training was crucial for Goku to understand how to move and react without thinking, which is the core essence of Ultra Instinct. Through Whis's teachings, Goku began to grasp the foundation that allowed him to control his body's instinctual reactions and improve his reflexes.

Mastering the Technique

Initially, Goku could only access Ultra Instinct in moments of extreme stress or danger. Through rigorous training, he learned to control his body's instinctual reactions and improve his reflexes, allowing him to tap into the technique more consistently. The pivotal moments in his training were those where extreme pressure forced him to rely on his instincts, such as during his battles against powerful opponents like Jiren.

The Omen State and Continued Mastery

The transition into the Omen state, a critical aspect of Ultra Instinct, is influenced by the Grand Priest's training. According to the anime, Goku's experience at the Tournament of Power prepared him for this transition. The Grand Priest made the trigger accessible, allowing Goku to tap into Ultra Instinct more easily when the situation demanded it. However, in the anime, Goku did not learn anything specific; rather, he stumbled into it due to the dire circumstances and the influence of his Spirit Bomb acting as a power source.

Compared to Vegeta, Goku's approach to mastering Ultra Instinct was different. Vegeta never attained Ultra Instinct because he lacked the right mindset and the specific energy conditions that Goku had. Goku's battles, particularly against Jiren, gave him the necessary experience to refine his Ultra Instinct abilities. The intense combat situations pushed him to adapt and improve his mastery of the technique.

The Role of Instinct and Enlightenment

Goku learned that Ultra Instinct is not just about raw power but also about achieving a state of mental clarity and calmness, allowing him to react instinctively without the interference of his conscious mind. This enlightenment was facilitated by the Grand Priest, who made the trigger mechanism accessible. In the manga, Goku's journey to understand and trigger Ultra Instinct Omen was further aided by his observation of Master Roshi's martial arts skills. Whis noted that Roshi didn't have Ultra Instinct, but his expertise in martial arts brought an enlightenment that helped Goku access the technique.

Master Roshi's experience and understanding of martial arts provided Goku with a new perspective, unlocking the innate martial artist within. This understanding made it easier for Goku to see what Whis was teaching them and tap into Ultra Instinct Omen.

Ultimately, the journey to mastering Ultra Instinct at will combined rigorous training, extensive battle experience, and deepening understanding of the technique's philosophical underpinnings. Goku's dedication and the influence of his mentors and the circumstances of his battles paved the way for his ultimate mastery of this incredible power.