The Three-Eyed Warrior of Earth

Tien Shinhan, often called Tien, is one of the strongest human warriors in Dragon Ball. Originally introduced as an antagonist in the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament, Tien later became a devoted ally to Goku and the Z Fighters, proving himself time and time again through sheer determination and training.

A descendant of the Three-Eyed Clan, Tien is one of the few non-Saiyan warriors who remains relevant in battle, thanks to his immense discipline, techniques, and willpower.


Tien Shinhan’s Attributes

AttributeDetails
Full NameTien Shinhan
RaceHuman (Three-Eyed Clan Descendant)
AffiliationZ Fighters, Turtle School (Formerly), Crane School (Formerly)
First AppearanceDragon Ball Episode 82 / Chapter 113
Created byAkira Toriyama
AgeUnknown (Likely in his 40s by DBS)
Height6’2″ (187 cm)
Weight170 lbs (77 kg)
Hair ColorBald
Eye ColorBlack
OccupationMartial Artist, Dojo Master
FamilyUnknown
Signature TechniquesTri-Beam, Multi-Form, Dodon Ray, Four Witches Technique

Tien’s Origins and Journey as a Martial Artist

Training at the Crane School (Rival to the Turtle School)

  • Tien was originally a ruthless martial artist, trained by Master Shen of the Crane School.
  • As a student, he specialized in assassination techniques, believing himself superior to Master Roshi’s Turtle School students.
  • He idolized Mercenary Tao, Master Shen’s brother, who was a deadly hitman.

First Encounter with Goku & The Z Fighters

  • Tien entered the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament, where he fought Yamcha and later Goku in the finals.
  • He defeated Yamcha by breaking his leg, showing his merciless nature.
  • In the finals against Goku, he had a change of heart, realizing that Master Shen’s philosophy was corrupt.
  • After winning the tournament, Tien left the Crane School and joined the Z Fighters, training under Master Roshi.

Tien’s Role in Major Dragon Ball Arcs

King Piccolo Saga (First Heroic Sacrifice)

  • Tien tried to fight King Piccolo but was completely outmatched.
  • He attempted to use the Mafuba (Evil Containment Wave) but failed.
  • Goku ultimately defeated King Piccolo, but Tien’s bravery proved his loyalty to Earth.

Saiyan Saga (Holding Off Nappa)

  • Tien trained for a year to prepare for Vegeta and Nappa’s invasion.
  • He fought Nappa, but was brutally beaten.
  • After Chiaotzu’s sacrifice, Tien used a final Tri-Beam, but died from exhaustion.

Frieza Saga (Watching From Otherworld)

  • Tien was revived with the Dragon Balls after Frieza’s defeat.
  • He chose to train in isolation, improving his strength.

Android & Cell Saga (Tri-Beam vs. Cell)

  • Tien fought Android 17 & 18 but was no match for them.
  • However, he saved Android 18 from being absorbed by Cell, using a continuous Tri-Beam attack to stall Cell.
  • Though not strong enough to defeat Cell, his effort delayed Cell long enough for Android 18 to escape.

Majin Buu Saga (Saving Gohan & Dende)

  • Tien was not involved in major battles but arrived in time to save Gohan and Dende from Buu’s blast.
  • He tried attacking Buu but was easily overpowered.

Dragon Ball Super (Tournament of Power)

  • Tien was one of Universe 7’s ten fighters in the Tournament of Power.
  • He used his Multi-Form technique to trap an enemy before being eliminated.
  • Though not the strongest, Tien’s strategic thinking and teamwork helped Universe 7 survive.

Tien’s Fighting Style and Techniques

Unlike Saiyans, Tien relies on skill, intelligence, and martial arts mastery.

1. Tri-Beam (Kikoho)

  • Tien’s strongest attack, capable of damaging even stronger enemies.
  • However, it drains his life force, making it a last-resort move.
  • Used against Cell, Buu, and Jiren to hold them off.

2. Multi-Form (Shishin no Ken)

  • Allows Tien to split into four identical copies of himself.
  • However, it divides his power among all four bodies, making him weaker.

3. Dodon Ray

  • A Crane School technique, similar to the Kamehameha but more concentrated.
  • Originally used as an assassination technique.

4. Four Witches Technique

  • Tien grows two extra arms, increasing his attack speed and defense.

5. Solar Flare (Taiyo-ken)

  • Blinds opponents temporarily, allowing Tien to escape or attack.

Tien’s Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

One of the strongest human fighters (competes with Krillin and Roshi).
Unmatched discipline and training—he never stops improving.
Highly intelligent in battle, using strategy over raw power.
Can hold off stronger opponents using techniques like the Tri-Beam.

Weaknesses

Not as powerful as Saiyans, meaning he gets outclassed easily in later sagas.
Tri-Beam shortens his lifespan, making it dangerous to overuse.
Often sidelined in major battles, with Saiyans taking the spotlight.


Key Rivalries & Friendships

Goku (Rival Turned Ally)

  • Initially Goku’s enemy during the 22nd World Tournament.
  • Later became one of Goku’s closest allies, training with him under Roshi.

Yamcha (Friendly Rivalry)

  • Yamcha and Tien both trained under Master Roshi.
  • Tien surpassed Yamcha in strength, leading to Yamcha’s retirement from fighting.

Chiaotzu (Best Friend & Loyal Companion)

  • Chiaotzu and Tien trained together since childhood.
  • Chiaotzu sacrificed himself against Nappa, showing his deep loyalty to Tien.

Vegeta (Underestimated Tien)

  • Vegeta initially mocked Tien, calling humans weak.
  • However, Tien impressed Vegeta when he held off Semi-Perfect Cell using Tri-Beam.

Memorable Quotes from Tien Shinhan

  • “I fight for my own pride, not for the sake of winning.”
  • “I may not be as strong as a Saiyan, but I will never stop training!”
  • “Even if it kills me, I have to stop Cell!” (Before using Tri-Beam.)
  • “Chiaotzu! NOOO!” (After Chiaotzu’s sacrifice.)
  • “A warrior is defined not by power, but by will.”

Conclusion

Tien Shinhan is one of Earth’s greatest warriors, proving that hard work and discipline can rival even Saiyan-born strength. Despite being outclassed by godly beings, Tien never stopped training, making him one of the most dedicated fighters in Dragon Ball history.

While no longer in the spotlight, Tien remains a symbol of determination, proving that even mortals can stand against overwhelming odds. If a new saga ever focused on human warriors, Tien would undoubtedly be among Earth’s strongest defenders.

As Tien himself says:
“Strength isn’t just about power. It’s about the will to stand and fight.” 🥋🔥

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