Why Is Goku Weaker Than Raditz Despite Being Born First?

In the expansive universe of Dragon Ball, the Saiyan warrior race showcases a remarkable degree of strength and combat prowess. Goku Kakarot and Raditz are both Saiyans, yet at the beginning of the series, Raditz is significantly stronger than Goku. This raises a common question among fans: why is this so, despite Goku being born before his sibling? This article will explore the key factors that led to this disparity in their abilities, including their upbringing, training, and the challenges each faced early on in life.

The Saiyan Nature

Goku and Raditz are both Saiyans, a warrior race celebrated for their extraordinary fighting abilities. However, their paths diverged significantly in terms of their upbringing and exposure to the brutal training and culture of their people.

Upbringing and Early Life

Goku's upbringing was vastly different from that of Raditz. Born on an unspecified Saiyan planet, Goku was sent to Earth as a baby and raised by Grandpa Gohan, a martial arts enthusiast who instilled in Goku a solid foundation in the discipline of martial arts. However, Grandpa Gohan was not aware of the full extent of Goku's Saiyan heritage, and therefore did not expose him to the intense training and combat experiences that are typical for Saiyan warriors.

In contrast, Raditz was born and raised in the rigid and aggressive Saiyan warrior culture. This environment shaped him into a formidable fighter from a young age. Raditz faced brutal training regimens and countless battles, honing his skills and increasing his strength exponentially.

Training and Combat Experience

The disparity in their training backgrounds is significant. By the time Raditz arrives on Earth, he has undergone extensive training and has fought numerous battles, which have immensely enhanced his combat abilities. Goku, on the other hand, has been mostly sheltered and has only faced a few opponents, primarily within the relatively peaceful confines of Earth.

Power Levels

One of the most striking differences in their capabilities is evident in their power levels. Raditz reveals his power level to be around 1500 when he first appears on Earth, demonstrating his advanced combat skills. In comparison, Goku's power level at that time is significantly lower, indicating his lack of exposure to high-level opponents.

The Role of Strong Opponents

For Saiyans, particularly those from the bloodline of their respective families, the presence of strong opponents is crucial for their power levels to rise. Raditz had the opportunity to fight much stronger enemies, including Nappa and Vegeta, who were already established as some of the most powerful Saiyans in the universe. Goku, however, was isolated on Earth and had fewer opportunities to face formidable adversaries, which slowed his power level growth.

Extending Goku's Journey to Overcome Raditz

While Goku was initially weaker than Raditz, his true potential was yet to be fully realized. The series demonstrates that Goku's journey involves a series of stepping stones that lead to a significant increase in his strength. These include:

Meeting Master Roshi: Goku begins his significant power development when he meets Master Roshi, who is the strongest being on Earth at the time. This serves as a pivotal point for Goku's growth, with his power level rising dramatically due to his training under Roshi. Encountering Demon King Piccolo: Goku later faces and defeats Piccolo, who is considerably stronger than Roshi. This encounter further bolsters Goku's strength and introduces him to a new level of combat, which is essential for his continued development.

These experiences, combined with intense training and battles, eventually allow Goku to surpass Raditz and other Saiyans, solidifying his status as one of the most powerful fighters in the universe.

Conclusion

Despite being born first, Goku's experiences and upbringing set him on a different path compared to Raditz. While Raditz faced rigorous training and combat from a young age, Goku's peaceful upbringing and lack of exposure to strong opponents prolonged his journey to reaching his full potential. As the series progresses, Goku's dedication and interest in training, coupled with the introduction of new and powerful adversaries, enable him to not only surpass Raditz but also become one of the greatest fighters in the universe.