Master Roshi

The Turtle Sage who invented the Kamehameha and trained Earth's greatest heroes.

Master Roshi, known in Japan as Kame Sennin or Muten Rōshi, is a fictional character created by Akira Toriyama for the Dragon Ball manga and its anime adaptations. An elderly martial arts master born on March 20, he is the creator of the iconic Kamehameha technique. While often depicted with lechery, cantankerousness, and occasional foolishness, he remains a wise and perceptive figure who trained legendary students including Grandpa Son Gohan, The Ox-King, Son Goku, Krillin, and Yamcha. Recognized by his bald head, thick van dyke beard, and signature sunglasses, Roshi usually wields a walking stick and historically wore a turtle shell on his back.

Quick Facts

Series: Dragon Ball
First: Dragon Ball chapter 3: Goku - Running to the Sea, 17 July 1984 (Weekly Shōnen Jump 1984)
Creator: Akira Toriyama
Also known as: Jackie Chun
Occupation: Martial arts teacher (retired)
Relatives: Fortune-teller Baba (older sister)

Lore & Background

Master Roshi lives on an island with his anthropomorphic companion Umigame in a residence known as "Kame House," which serves as a gathering place for Goku and associates. Graduates of his training often wear the kanji for "Turtle" (亀) on their dogi. His first appearance occurred in chapter #3 of the Dragon Ball manga. When fighting anonymously at the World Martial Arts Tournament, he assumes the disguise "Jackie Chun." Roshi is consistently depicted as a pervert who frequently flirts with attractive female characters; notably, in Chapter 5 (published January 15, 1985), he makes advances on "Bulma" wearing a bunny costume, only to be seduced by Oolong in disguise. This incident originated the slang term "puff puff," derived from Japanese onomatopoeia for breast-rubbing.

Reader's Guide

Master Roshi's legacy is defined by the Kamehameha and his mentorship. In the Dragon Ball Super manga, during a battle against Jiren, Roshi instructed Goku that martial arts are not about winning fights but conquering oneself. Though Jiren eliminated him by chopping at his neck, this sacrifice allowed Goku to unlock "Ultra Instinct." It is also implied in one episode that the Paradise Herb is the source of his long lifespan, as he claims that eating some of it would allow him to live on for another millennium. He played a pivotal role in early Dragon Ball as Jackie Chun and returned as a major character in the 2010s revival. His appearances include public safety announcements like "The Goku Traffic Safety" and crossovers such as the "Dream 9" special where he competed in a Food Tournament for Carat Sizzled Cattle.

Did You Know?

Master Roshi was voiced by Kōhei Miyauchi, who also voiced Kami-sama in Dr. Slump, but Jōji Yanami filled in for episode #137 due to unavailability.
In Dragon Ball Super's Universe Survival arc, Master Roshi eliminated himself in the anime after excessive use of the Mafuba technique nearly killed him during an altercation with Frost.
Hiroshi Masuoka took over voicing Kame-Sennin from episode 288 of Dragon Ball Z onward, including Dragon Ball GT and the 2008 Jump Super Anime Tour film.