Master Roshi

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Master Roshi (龟仙人)
Alias(es)	Jackie Chun; Master Mutian
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Turtle School
Occupation/Role	Martial arts master; Earth’s Martial Arts God; mentor to Son Goku and Krillin
First Appearance	Chapter 10

Appearance

Master Roshi is an elderly man who usually presents himself as a relaxed, seemingly lecherous old master, though his bearing changes markedly when he reveals his true identity and authority. 10 23

• Floral Hawaiian shirt
• Dark sunglasses
• Walking cane
• Uses a fake beard while disguised as Jackie Chun 10 12
• Carries himself with the immovable poise of a grandmaster when acting as Master Mutian. 23

Personality

Roshi often behaves frivolously, particularly around beauty photo collections, and is openly called an “old pervert” by Bulma. 10 Beneath that persona, he is observant, patient, and highly serious when assessing martial artists or threats to Earth.

He values ingenuity over straightforward force. During his tests at Kame House, he recognizes that Lin Fan has found loopholes in the rules rather than trying to overpower him, which leaves Roshi intrigued rather than dismissive. 10 11 He later offers Lin Fan direct, incisive criticism about the weakness of relying on refined technique without sufficient energy reserves. 23

His long life has made him unusually receptive to extraordinary claims and dangers. Although Bulma and Krillin doubt Lin Fan’s warning about the Saiyans, Roshi advocates preparing for the possibility rather than being caught unaware. 41

Abilities & Skills

Martial Arts Mastery

Roshi possesses exceptional control of his body, positioning, distance, and ki. His casual-looking movements are sufficient to stop Bulma, Goku, and Krillin from taking objects placed within reach.

• Blocks Bulma’s attempts to take a photo collection through precise footwork, cane placement, and balance disruption. 10
• Avoids Goku and Krillin’s coordinated attempts to take a Milk Candy with minimal movement. 11
• Keeps his immense ki contained, though Lin Fan perceives it as “ocean-like.” 11
• Understands that Lin Fan’s unfamiliar energy system is distinct from conventional ki. 23

Testing and Instruction

Roshi uses deceptively simple tests to evaluate judgment, patience, and practical skill rather than raw strength.

• Sets a ten-count test requiring Bulma and Lin Fan to retrieve a photo album. 10
• Tests Goku, Krillin, and Lin Fan by challenging them to take a Milk Candy from his palm. 11
• Prevents Goku from disturbing Lin Fan while he cultivates during the flight to Papaya Island. 12
• Identifies Lin Fan’s insufficient energy reserves and advises him to prioritize building a stronger foundation. 23

Insight and Threat Assessment

Roshi can recognize unusual fighting methods and assess dangers beyond ordinary martial arts.

• Closely observes Lin Fan’s cultivation state and notes its still, inward-focused quality differs from ordinary ki training. 12
• Watches Lin Fan’s unconventional tournament techniques with growing curiosity. 13 17
• Accepts the possibility of extraterrestrial threats after hearing Lin Fan’s warning, citing his knowledge of powerful forces beyond Earth. 41
• Expresses curiosity and approval upon learning of Lin Fan’s formation-based plan to draw on Earth’s terrain. 42
• Calls Lin Fan’s formation warfare unlike anything he has encountered in his three hundred years of life. 49

Relationships

• Son Goku — Student; Roshi trains Goku and continues to support his growth, including sending greetings through Fortuneteller Baba’s contact with the Other World. 9 11 46
• Krillin — Student; consoles Krillin after his defeat by Chiaotzu and later assists in Earth’s preparations against the Saiyans. 11 19 46
• Lin Fan — Initially tests and investigates Lin Fan’s unfamiliar techniques; later recognizes his potential while warning him that his foundation is dangerously shallow. 10 11 23
• Bulma — Longtime acquaintance who openly calls him an old pervert; he works with her and Lin Fan during preparations for the Saiyan threat. 10 41 46
• Fortuneteller Baba — Has enough rapport with her to request help contacting Goku, though she mocks him as a penniless old lecher. 46
• Z Fighters — Supports their response to the Saiyan invasion and observes the construction of Lin Fan’s defensive array. 46 49 50

Story Role / Major Arcs

Kame House Trials

Bulma and Lin Fan arrive at Kame House seeking Roshi’s help reaching the World Martial Arts Tournament. Roshi, initially disguised as Jackie Chun, tests them by demanding they retrieve a photo album before he counts to ten. Lin Fan passes by subtly moving the album off its armrest, allowing him to pick it up from the ground. 10

Roshi then expands the test to include Goku and Krillin. He effortlessly avoids their attempts to take a Milk Candy, but Lin Fan’s minute interference creates an opening for Goku to seize it. Roshi is unable to identify the technique and becomes intensely curious about Lin Fan. 11

World Martial Arts Tournament

Roshi accompanies the group to Papaya Island, monitoring Lin Fan’s cultivation during the flight and preventing Goku from interrupting him. 12 At the tournament, he discreetly observes powerful competitors and takes particular interest in Lin Fan’s ability to disintegrate a stone slab without using ordinary ki. 13

After the finals, Roshi drops the Jackie Chun disguise and speaks to Lin Fan as Master Mutian. He praises Lin Fan’s unique potential but compares his available true energy to a small puddle facing a river or ocean, emphasizing that technique cannot compensate indefinitely for a weak foundation. 23

Saiyan Preparations

When Lin Fan warns the group about the future arrival of Vegeta and Nappa, Roshi treats the claim with greater seriousness than Bulma or Krillin. He agrees to seek information from Kami and monitor unusual overseas activity. 41

He later observes Lin Fan and Bulma’s plan to build a global formation, expressing admiration for its use of ancient knowledge and the power of Earth’s terrain. 42 Roshi joins Bulma and Lin Fan in visiting Fortuneteller Baba, helping establish contact with Goku on King Kai’s Planet. 46

During the final preparations, he witnesses the completion of the Lesser Five Elements Origin Array and remains with Bulma, Oolong, and Puar at a safe distance as the Saiyans arrive. 49 50

Notable Quotes

“Your ‘foundation’ is too shallow.” 23

“Better to believe it and be prepared than to be caught off guard.” 41

“Gathering the power of heaven and earth to form an array... ancient wisdom indeed. Kid, the surprises you bring just keep on coming.” 42