Master Roshi (Kame Sennin) — Turtle Hermit from Dragon Ball

Appearance and personality

Roshi is typically depicted as bald with a white beard, wearing sunglasses and a turtle shell on his back. He keeps a pet sea turtle and enjoys a laid‑back island lifestyle. A recurring gag is his lecherous reaction to attractive women (often shown by exaggerated nosebleeds), balanced by moments of stern instruction and perceptive insight. He sometimes disguises himself under the alias Jackie Chun to compete anonymously.

Abilities and techniques

Master Roshi founded the Turtle School of martial arts and is credited with inventing the signature energy attack known as the Kamehameha. Though elderly in appearance, he retains considerable physical strength, speed and ki control; in battle he can adopt a greatly enhanced, muscular state. Notable techniques include:

• Kamehameha (energy wave)
• Physical conditioning and pressure‑point knowledge
• Tactical experience from many years of training disciples

History and role in the series

Introduced early in the series, Roshi trains protagonists during their formative years and enters the World Martial Arts Tournaments to test students and teach humility. As Jackie Chun he defeats his own pupils to prevent overconfidence. He appears throughout later sagas as an adviser and occasional combatant.

Legacy and cultural notes

Master Roshi is an iconic mentor figure in anime: a mix of comic folly and genuine mastery. His creation of the Kamehameha made that move a cultural touchstone among fans. For more on the series and related characters see Dragon Ball (anime), Bulma-related episodes and creator interviews at official character pages.