Master Roshi
The lecherous old sage who taught the world to fight and saved it with a blue wave.
Master Roshi, revered as the Turtle Hermit, stands as the patriarch of Earth's martial arts. Though often dismissed for his lecherous antics and eccentric habits, he was once the planet's strongest warrior before retiring to Kame House. As the founder of the Turtle School, he forged heroes like Goku and Krillin, instilling a code that values discipline over violence and protecting life above all else.
- Role
- Martial Arts Master / Mentor
- Affiliation
- Turtle School (Kame-ryu)
- First Appears
- Dragon Ball (Early Arc)
- Status
- Alive (Retired from active combat)
- Signature Technique
- Kamehameha
Lore & Background
Beneath the sunglasses and sailor cap lies a tragic history; Roshi was once a student of Master Mutaiti, learning to seal evil before falling under the influence of Master Shen. His life oscillates between the frivolous pursuit of beauty and the solemn duty of protecting Earth. When his students falter against cosmic horrors—from King Piccolo's tyranny to Frieza's invasion—Roshi sheds his lazy persona, revealing the ancient warrior who remembers when magic and ki were rare.
In Their Own Story
The sun beat down on Kame House as Master Roshi adjusted his sunglasses, a towel draped over his shoulder. He watched Goku and Krillin spar in the distance, their movements sharp and precise. "Not bad," he muttered to himself, sipping from a bottle of sake. But his gaze remained vigilant; decades ago, he had faced demons under Master Mutaiti, and he knew peace was fragile. With a flicker of movement too fast for the eye to follow, he stood up, posture shifting from slumped laziness to an ancient, unyielding stance. "Looks like it's time for another lesson," he whispered, raising a hand as blue energy began to swirl around his palms.
Reader's Guide
Master Roshi is the cornerstone of the Dragon Ball universe, serving as the bridge between the humble beginnings of Goku and the cosmic threats that follow. He founded the Turtle School, instilling in his students the philosophy that martial arts are for self-improvement and protection, not aggression. His training methods are infamous for their absurdity—running with turtles, milking cows, or carrying heavy loads—but these exercises build the foundational stamina and spirit required to master energy manipulation.
His greatest contribution is the Kamehameha, a technique he invented by observing ancient masters, which became the signature move of Goku and countless others. While his physical power waned with age compared to the new generation of Super Saiyans, his tactical genius remains unmatched. He played pivotal roles in attempting to seal King Piccolo and later holding the line against Frieza's army on Namek, proving he never lost his courage.
Roshi's character arc is one of redemption and mentorship. From a warrior who once sought to conquer the world under the tutelage of Master Shen, he transformed into a guardian of peace. His defining moments include the tragic attempt against King Piccolo using the Evil Containment Wave, and his return in later sagas to offer wisdom when brute strength failed. He remains the heart of the series, reminding everyone that true strength lies in protecting others.
Did You Know?
- Master Roshi invented the Kamehameha technique by observing and adapting the sealing techniques of Master Mutaiti.
- He once owned a flying cloud called the Flying Nimbus, which he later gave to Goku after determining the boy was pure of heart.
- Roshi is one of the few characters who has fought in every major saga from the original series through Dragon Ball Super.
- His loyal pet turtle, rescued by Goku and Krillin in the original series, remains his constant companion on Kame House.