Understanding Goku's Ultra Instinct in Dragon Ball Super

In the Dragon Ball Super movie, Goku's use of Ultra Instinct (UI) against Broly was a subject of much discussion. While Goku had achieved Ultra Instinct during the Tournament of Power, he had not yet fully mastered it. This lack of complete mastery significantly affected his ability to utilize this powerful technique against Broly.

Mastery Level

While Goku had reached the threshold of Ultra Instinct, he had not quite mastered it by the time the Broly movie took place. Maintaining the state of Ultra Instinct was challenging, especially during a prolonged battle. Goku's control over UI was still developing, making it impractical to rely on it continuously.

Broly's Power

Broly's overwhelming power and unpredictable fighting style presented a formidable challenge for Goku. Broly's combat style was rooted in raw, instinctual power, which demanded a different approach. Relying solely on Ultra Instinct might not have been sufficient for overcoming such an opponent.

Strategy and Adaptation

Goku's strategy often involves understanding his opponent's strengths and adapting his techniques accordingly. By engaging in battle to test his opponents and find the best way to confront them, Goku can apply his skills most effectively. Given Broly's unique and evolving abilities, Goku might have deemed it prudent to draw out the fight and use Ultra Instinct as needed.

Team Effort

Teamwork was crucial in the battle against Broly. Goku and Vegeta fought together, combining their strengths and strategizing to defeat Broly. Focusing solely on Goku's power might have been less effective against such a powerful and unpredictable opponent. The collaboration and complementary skills of both fighters were likely key to their success.

The Evolution of Ultra Instinct

While Goku could not use Ultra Instinct at will during the Broly movie, his situation changed significantly in the subsequent arcs. Only after the Moro arc did Goku train extensively with Merus and finally master the form, allowing him to activate Ultra Instinct at any time.

Vegeta, similarly, learned a form with equivalent power called Ultra Ego. Both fighters continued to refine their skills and understand how to intentionally use Ultra Instinct. Goku's mastery of Ultra Instinct was a gradual process, culminating in the manga, where he fully came to grips with the technique.

Conclusion

Goku's decision to not fully leverage Ultra Instinct against Broly was driven by the circumstances and the need for a more nuanced approach. The battle against Broly was a testament to Goku's adaptability and strategic thinking, as he tested and refined his techniques in real-time.