The Legendary Martial Arts Master
Master Roshi, also known as the Turtle Hermit, is one of the most iconic and influential characters in the Dragon Ball universe. Created by Akira Toriyama, Roshi is a legendary martial artist who trained some of the strongest fighters in the series, including Goku and Krillin. Despite his perverted and comedic demeanor, Roshi’s wisdom, strength, and combat experience have made him a key figure in shaping the Z Fighters.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Master Roshi (Muten Roshi) |
| Race | Human |
| Affiliation | Turtle School, Z Fighters |
| First Appearance | Dragon Ball Chapter 3 / Episode 3 |
| Created by | Akira Toriyama |
| Age | Over 300 years (immortality granted through a magical elixir) |
| Height | 5’5″ (165 cm) |
| Weight | 97 lbs (44 kg) |
| Hair Color | White (bald, with a white beard) |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Occupation | Martial Arts Master, Turtle Hermit |
| Family | Unnamed Sister (Fortuneteller Baba) |
| Signature Techniques | Kamehameha, Thunder Shock Surprise, Mafuba (Evil Containment Wave) |
Master Roshi’s Origins and Legendary Status
Master Roshi is one of the most renowned martial artists in the world of Dragon Ball. Known as the Turtle Hermit, he lives in isolation on a small island known as Kame House, where he trains students in martial arts. Despite his comical and perverted personality, Roshi is a serious and experienced fighter who has lived for over 300 years thanks to a magical elixir of immortality.
Roshi’s legendary status in the martial arts world stems from his mastery of various powerful techniques, most notably the Kamehameha, which he invented and passed down to Goku and his other students. Before the events of Dragon Ball, Roshi was already considered one of the greatest martial artists, having won the World Martial Arts Tournament in his youth. His role as a mentor to the Z Fighters cemented his place as one of the most important figures in the series.
Master Roshi’s Role as a Teacher and Mentor
Master Roshi’s primary role in Dragon Ball is that of a teacher and mentor. He is responsible for training Goku and Krillin, two of the series’ main characters, and instilling in them the martial arts discipline and techniques that shape their growth. Roshi’s training methods, though unconventional, focus on physical endurance, strength, and mental discipline, all of which prepare his students for the challenges they face later in life.
Roshi’s most famous contribution to Goku’s training is the teaching of the Kamehameha, an energy blast technique that becomes one of Goku’s signature moves throughout the series. Despite Roshi’s advanced age and relatively low power level compared to the Saiyans and gods later in the series, his wisdom and experience continue to make him a valuable ally and mentor.
Master Roshi’s Personality and Humor
Master Roshi is known for his eccentric and often comedic personality. One of his most defining traits is his lecherous behavior, as he is frequently seen ogling women or trying to flirt with them, much to their discomfort. This aspect of his character provides comic relief, particularly in the early parts of Dragon Ball. Despite his flaws, Roshi has a good heart and genuinely cares for his students and friends.
Roshi’s wisdom often shines through, especially when he imparts valuable life lessons to Goku and Krillin. Though he is sometimes silly and inappropriate, he is deeply knowledgeable about martial arts and the importance of balance between strength, discipline, and humility. His lighthearted nature hides the fact that he is a powerful and capable warrior, as demonstrated in key moments throughout the series.
Powers, Techniques, and Notable Feats
Though Master Roshi doesn’t engage in as many high-stakes battles as Goku or Vegeta, his combat skills are nothing to scoff at. Roshi is a master of several powerful techniques that have made him a formidable fighter:
- Kamehameha: Roshi’s most famous technique, the Kamehameha, is an energy wave attack that he invented. Though it took Roshi 50 years to develop the technique, Goku was able to replicate it after seeing it only once. The Kamehameha has since become one of the most iconic moves in the series.
- Mafuba (Evil Containment Wave): The Mafuba is a technique used to trap evil beings in containers. Roshi uses this technique during the Dragon Ball series to contain King Piccolo, though it takes a heavy toll on the user.
- Max Power Mode: When needed, Roshi can enter his Max Power state, a transformation in which his muscles bulge and he greatly increases his strength and energy. In this form, he was able to destroy the moon during Goku’s first transformation into Oozaru.
- Thunder Shock Surprise: A powerful electric shock attack that Roshi uses to immobilize his enemies by channeling electricity through their bodies.
Despite his old age, Roshi proves in Dragon Ball Super that he still has what it takes to fight alongside the strongest warriors. During the Tournament of Power, Roshi shows impressive combat ability and wisdom, using strategy and experience to outmaneuver opponents who are far more powerful than him.
Iconic Battles and Contributions
Master Roshi has played an important role in several key battles and moments in the series:
- World Martial Arts Tournament: Roshi participated in several World Martial Arts Tournaments, most notably under the alias Jackie Chun. His goal in fighting Goku and Krillin was to ensure that they did not become overconfident by winning the tournament too early in their training. Roshi’s defeat of Goku in the tournament is one of the most iconic moments in early Dragon Ball, as it teaches Goku the importance of humility.
- Fight against King Piccolo: One of Roshi’s greatest feats is his attempt to use the Mafuba to seal away King Piccolo, an evil Namekian who sought to take over the world. Though the technique ultimately fails, Roshi’s bravery and sacrifice in trying to stop King Piccolo laid the groundwork for Goku’s eventual victory over the villain.
- Tournament of Power: In Dragon Ball Super, Master Roshi’s participation in the Tournament of Power is a testament to his enduring strength and wisdom. Despite being much weaker than many of the other participants, Roshi uses his experience and tactics to eliminate several opponents. His actions during the tournament show that even without the raw power of a Saiyan, Roshi is still a force to be reckoned with.
Key Relationships
- Goku: Roshi’s relationship with Goku is one of mentor and student. From the beginning of Dragon Ball, Roshi serves as Goku’s martial arts master, teaching him the fundamentals of combat and discipline. Though Goku eventually surpasses Roshi in terms of power, the respect and bond between them remain strong. Roshi is proud of Goku’s growth and accomplishments.
- Krillin: Krillin, another of Roshi’s students, shares a close bond with his master. Like Goku, Krillin was trained by Roshi in the Turtle School, and their relationship is built on respect and admiration. Krillin often looks to Roshi for guidance, even as he becomes a powerful warrior in his own right.
- Bulma and the Z Fighters: Roshi shares a comedic dynamic with Bulma and the other Z Fighters, often being the source of comic relief due to his lecherous behavior. However, despite his eccentricities, he is respected by the Z Fighters for his wisdom and past accomplishments.
Memorable Quotes from Master Roshi
- “A strong body is not everything. Discipline the mind and learn how to channel your energy.”
- “Power isn’t everything. It’s how you use it that matters!”
- “I may be old, but I’ve still got a few tricks left up my sleeve!”
- “Even the strongest warriors need to know when to fight and when to retreat.”
- “I can’t win with brute strength, but I can win with experience.”
Legacy of Master Roshi
Master Roshi’s legacy in Dragon Ball is built on his role as a teacher, his wisdom, and his contribution to martial arts. While Goku, Krillin, and the other Z Fighters would go on to become the strongest fighters in the universe, Roshi’s guidance and teachings laid the foundation for their success. His invention of the Kamehameha, his legendary status in the martial arts world, and his enduring presence in the series have made him one of the most beloved characters in Dragon Ball history.
Even in his old age, Roshi’s spirit and dedication to martial arts never waver, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of fighters.
Conclusion
Master Roshi may be known for his comedic antics, but his impact on the Dragon Ball universe cannot be overstated. As the legendary Turtle Hermit, his teachings have shaped some of the most powerful fighters in the series, and his wisdom continues to guide them even as they surpass him in strength. His legacy as a martial arts master and mentor is one of the cornerstones of the Dragon Ball story.
This article on Master Roshi follows the same structure, highlighting his origins, key contributions, relationships, powers, and lasting legacy in the Dragon Ball universe.