Master Roshi, also known as the Turtle Hermit (Kame-Sennin), stands as one of the most pivotal figures in the Dragon Ball franchise. As the martial arts master who trained Son Goku, Krillin, and Yamcha, he laid the foundational philosophies that govern the series’ approach to combat and self-improvement. While often depicted through a comedic lens, Roshi is a legendary warrior possessing centuries of wisdom, a vast arsenal of techniques, and a deep understanding of the martial arts that transcends mere physical strength.
Origins and Backstory
Long before the events of the main series, Master Roshi was a student of the legendary Mutaito alongside his rival, Tsuru-Sennin (the Crane Hermit). His history is deeply intertwined with the ancient wars against King Piccolo. During this dark era, Roshi witnessed his master sacrifice his life using the Evil Containment Wave (Mafuba) to seal the demon away, an event that profoundly shaped Roshi’s protective nature over Earth.
Roshi is renowned for his longevity, having lived for over three hundred years by the start of the series. This unnatural lifespan is attributed to the consumption of the Paradise Herb (and occasionally cited as the Immortal Phoenix’s elixir), granting him eternal youth in terms of aging, though he remains susceptible to physical injury and death.
Appearance and Character Design
Master Roshi’s design is iconic, establishing the archetype for the “old master” trope in Shonen anime. He is typically depicted as a short, bald, elderly man with a thick white mustache and beard. His standard attire consists of beach clothes—usually an orange shirt with a floral pattern—shorts, and sunglasses, emphasizing his laid-back, island lifestyle. He almost always carries a wooden cane and wears a heavy turtle shell on his back, originally used for weight training.
Despite his frail appearance, Roshi possesses the ability to dramatically alter his physique. When powering up to his “Max Power” state, his muscle mass increases exponentially, shredding his clothes and transforming him into a hulking figure capable of destroying mountains—or even the moon—with a single energy blast.
Personality and Teaching Philosophy
Roshi’s personality is a dichotomy between a lecherous, eccentric old man and a wise, disciplined sage. While his comedic antics often involve pursuing women, his core character is defined by his dedication to the Turtle School (Kame Style) philosophy.
Unlike other masters who prioritize killing or domination, Roshi teaches that martial arts are a vehicle for self-betterment, health, and protecting the weak. His training methodology focuses on strengthening the body through manual labor and basic lifestyle habits rather than complex katas. His famous mantra summarizes his approach:
“Work hard, study well, and eat and sleep plenty. That is the Turtle Hermit way to learn!”
He is also incredibly selfless. During the 21st and 22nd World Martial Arts Tournaments, he participated under the guise of “Jackie Chun” solely to defeat his students. His goal was to prevent them from becoming arrogant by teaching them that there is always someone stronger, thereby motivating them to continue their training.
Signature Techniques and Abilities
As the “God of Martial Arts,” Master Roshi possesses a wide array of techniques, many of which became staples of the series.
- Kamehameha: The most recognizable energy attack in the franchise. Roshi spent fifty years developing this technique, which concentrates Ki into a single point to be released as a powerful beam.
- Max Power Mode: A transformation that bulk up his muscles to their absolute limit, allowing him to utilize 100% of his physical strength and Ki output.
- Evil Containment Wave (Mafuba): A dangerous sealing technique learned from Mutaito, designed to trap demons or entities that cannot be defeated by conventional force.
- Thunder Shock Surprise: A technique that converts the user’s Ki into high-voltage electricity to trap and electrocute an opponent.
- Hypnosis: Used effectively during his time as Jackie Chun to lull opponents into a trance.
Major Narrative Arcs and Evolution
Throughout the original Dragon Ball series, Roshi serves as the primary measuring stick for power. He guides Goku and Krillin from novices to world-class fighters. Following the King Piccolo arc, Roshi begins to step back, acknowledging that the new generation has surpassed him in raw power. Throughout Dragon Ball Z, he serves largely as a source of wisdom and comic relief rather than a combatant.
However, the character experiences a significant renaissance in Dragon Ball Super. During the Resurrection ‘F’ arc and the subsequent Tournament of Power, Roshi returns to the battlefield. The narrative highlights that while his raw power levels are lower than the Saiyans, his centuries of combat experience and utility techniques allow him to defeat opponents far stronger than himself. His performance in the Tournament of Power earned the respect of the God of Destruction, Beerus, proving that skill and strategy are just as vital as transformation multipliers.
Cultural Impact
Master Roshi is the progenitor of the “perverted mentor” archetype found in countless manga and anime series, influencing characters like Jiraiya in Naruto. Beyond the tropes, he represents the passing of the torch. He is the character who gave Goku the Flying Nimbus and the Kamehameha, two of the protagonist’s most defining assets. Without Roshi’s guidance on the importance of humility and hard work, the Earth’s defenders would never have reached their potential.
His legacy is cemented not just by his own feats, but by the enduring success of the Turtle School students who continue to wear his orange gi as a mark of respect.
Explore more about the legendary fighters trained by the Turtle Hermit and discover how their lineages shape the future of the Dragon Ball universe in our detailed character archives.