Master Roshi, also known as the “Turtle Hermit” (Muten Roshi), stands as one of the most pivotal figures in the Dragon Ball mythos. As the creator of the Kamehameha and the mentor to the series’ greatest heroes, his influence stretches from the earliest chapters of the original manga through the multiversal stakes of Dragon Ball Super. Despite his eccentricities, Roshi represents the foundational philosophy of martial arts in the franchise: that there is always someone stronger, and the pursuit of self-improvement is a lifelong journey.
Origins and the Turtle School
Born over three hundred years before the start of the series, Roshi’s longevity is attributed to various mystical means, including the Immortal Phoenix and the Paradise Herb. He trained under the legendary Master Mutaito alongside his rival, Master Shen. During the conflict against King Piccolo, Roshi witnessed the ultimate sacrifice of his master, an event that deeply shaped his understanding of the responsibilities that come with great power.
He eventually established the Turtle School on a small isolated island known as Kame House. His teaching style was unconventional, focusing not just on combat techniques, but on physical labor, mental fortitude, and the “Seven Virtues” of a martial artist. By the time he met a young Goku, Roshi had already become a living legend, though he preferred the quiet life of a hermit.
Appearance and Character Design
Roshi is instantly recognizable by his bald head, thick white beard, and signature sunglasses. Throughout the series, his attire typically consists of beachwear—matching shorts and Hawaiian shirts—carrying a wooden staff and a large purple turtle shell on his back. While he often appears as a frail, elderly man, this is a deceptive facade. When tapping into his “Max Power” state, Roshi undergoes a dramatic physical transformation, his musculature expanding to several times its original size to facilitate devastating energy attacks.
Character Traits and Philosophy
Master Roshi is a complex blend of wisdom and comedic relief. He is famously lecherous, a trait that serves as a recurring gag throughout the series. However, beneath his perverted exterior lies a master strategist with a heart of gold. He is deeply selfless, often willing to put his life on the line to protect his students or the Earth.
His core philosophy is best summarized during the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament. Competing under the alias “Jackie Chun,” he defeated his own students not out of ego, but to ensure they remained humble. He feared that if they won too easily at a young age, they would lose the drive to continue training. This lesson—that the horizon of one’s potential is infinite—remains the driving force for Goku and Krillin decades later.
Signature Techniques
As a master of the martial arts, Roshi possesses an arsenal of techniques that have become staples of the franchise:
- Kamehameha: His most famous creation, a concentrated beam of Ki that took him fifty years to perfect.
- Mafuba (Evil Containment Wave): A high-risk technique used to seal away powerful demons in a specialized container.
- Drunken Fist: A deceptive fighting style that mimics the movements of a person under the influence to catch opponents off guard.
- Sleep Technique: A hypnotic maneuver used to lull opponents into a deep slumber during combat.
- Afterimage Technique: Moving at such high speeds that a lingering image of the user remains to distract the enemy.
Major Arcs and Evolution
In the original Dragon Ball, Roshi served as the primary mentor and the benchmark for power. As the series transitioned into Dragon Ball Z, his role shifted from an active combatant to a source of sage advice, as the power levels of Saiyans and intergalactic threats surpassed his human limitations.
However, Dragon Ball Super saw a significant resurgence for the character. Roshi proved that experience and technique could still rival raw power. During the Tournament of Power, he was selected as one of the ten warriors to represent Universe 7. He delivered a masterful performance, eliminating several dangerous opponents and earning the public praise of Lord Beerus, who finally acknowledged him as a “Master” after witnessing his indomitable spirit.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Master Roshi is the quintessential “Old Master” archetype in modern shonen media. His influence is seen in countless other series that utilize the trope of the perverted but brilliant mentor. Within the context of Dragon Ball, he is the bridge between the mystical, grounded martial arts of the past and the god-like battles of the present. He remains a fan favorite, representing the idea that age is no barrier to relevance or heroism.
Do you want to learn more about the legendary warriors of Universe 7? Explore our comprehensive character guides to see how Roshi’s students evolved into the strongest fighters in the multiverse.
