Master Roshi

Master Roshi, known in Japanese as Kame Sennin ("Turtle Hermit"), is a fictional martial-arts master created by Akira Toriyama for Dragon Ball. He first appears early in the manga as an elderly recluse living in Kame House, a small home on an isolated island with his companion, a talking sea turtle. Despite his comic lechery, apparent frailty, and Hawaiian-style shirts, he is one of the series' foundational fighters and teachers. His long white beard, sunglasses, bald head, and shell visually link him to the Turtle School. Roshi first appeared in Dragon Ball's third chapter in 1984 in Shonen Jump magazine.

Roshi trains Son Goku and Krillin after they seek instruction before the 21st Tenkaichi Budokai, or World Martial Arts Tournament. Rather than merely teaching attacks, he imposes labor: running deliveries, farming, swimming through shark-infested waters, and moving a huge stone. These routines develop their speed, strength, and discipline. He also teaches them the Kamehameha, the energy wave Roshi himself devised after fifty years of training. Goku later turns that technique into one of his defining moves. Roshi enters the tournament disguised as Jackie Chun, using a wig and altered demeanor to prevent his pupils from becoming complacent during that event.

As Jackie Chun, Roshi defeats Goku in the 21st tournament's final after a prolonged battle that includes transformations triggered by the full moon. When Goku becomes a giant Oozaru, Roshi uses his maximum-power form and destroys the moon to stop him. The feat leaves him exhausted, but it demonstrates his extraordinary strength and readiness to protect others. As Jackie Chun, he deliberately loses the next tournament to Tien Shinhan, believing a new generation should receive its chance. That choice is consistent with Roshi's role as a teacher who challenges students without seeking permanent glory rather than retaining tournament fame himself.

In Dragon Ball Z, Roshi is less central to major battles, but he remains at Kame House and helps maintain the group's everyday connections. In Dragon Ball Super, he returns to combat during the Tournament of Power, representing Universe 7. He defeats several opponents through experience, tactics, and the Mafuba, a sealing technique. His fight with Ganos pushes him hard enough to evoke concern from Goku and the other spectators. Roshi also appears in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, where he joins the defenders confronting the Red Ribbon Army's revived threat. Across appearances, Roshi combines genuine authority and Toriyama's broad comedy.