The best martial artists in Dragon Ball

Key takeaways

• Dragon Ball's focus on martial arts made it a popular battle shonen series.
• Characters such as Chiaotzu, Yamcha, Krillin, Tien Shinhan, Goten, Roshi, Gohan and Goku are decisive in the martial arts performance.
• Goku's relentless pursuit of strength and martial arts skills have made him an enduring and legendary warrior.

Dragon Ball One of the most iconic shonen IPs of all time is one that anime fans can't get enough of. Akira Toriyama's passing was a huge shock, and many are still mourning the loss of the manga genius who created some of the most popular and recognizable characters in pop culture history.

His focus is on fighting and promoting martial arts Dragon Ball Helped transform the series from an adventure manga to one of the most popular battle shonen series of all time. While the essence of martial arts may have taken a backseat to the power fantasy that dominated the series, this should take nothing away from the series' origins in helping Goku on his path to becoming a battle-hardened warrior.

8 Chiaotzu

A member of the Crane School and a constant friend of Tien

• Sensei: Master Shane
• School: Crane School

It is a shame that Chiaotzu failed to rack up any meaningful wins on the course Dragon Ball. Introduced to Tien Shinhan as one of the promising fighters of the Crane School, Chiaotzu only had a chance to lose to Krilling during the tournament.

After this moment, Chiaotzu played his last major role in the Saiyan Saga, where he sacrificed himself to take out Nappa. Unfortunately, his selfless act didn't work, but props must be given to Chiaotzu for embodying the spirit of a true martial artist to the end.

7 Yamcha

Wolf Fang Fist Master

• Sensei: Self-taught
• School: N/A (practiced with Turtle School after meeting Goku and Krillin)

In the Saiyan arc, Yamacha has become a laughing stock after all the humiliation he suffered at the hands of Vegeta and Nappa. It's easy to label him as someone who would die at the hands of Saibaman, but there was a time when Yamcha surprised many with his prowess in the Wolf Fang Fist technique.

He was easily one of the stronger martial artists introduced early in the series but failed to make an impact as the series introduced bigger threats that dwarfed him. until the time Dragon Ball Super Turns out, Yamcha is so weak that he isn't even considered to join the team representing Universe 7 in the Tournament of Power.

6 Krillin

A gifted student at Turtle School

• Sensei: Master Roshi
• School: Turtle School

The Saiyans were dominating most of the battles Dragon Ball ZPeople like Krillin had to take a back seat. However, that shouldn't take anything away from the time when he was initially strong enough to be considered Goku's rival. Dragon Ball.

Both recruits enrolled in the Turtle School and learned the art of fighting under Master Roshi. Krillin was quite powerful in the early goings Dragon BallBut Goku's natural talent helped him surpass his opponents and then some.

5 Tien Shinhan

A strong member of the Crane School by a country mile

• Sensei: Master Shane
• School: Crane School

Tien is easily one of the strongest people in the series, and the fact that he's one of the few people that shines. Dragon Ball Z Shows how much power he has. With his life force-draining tri-beam, he pinned Cell down and nearly managed to knock him out.

It's an incredible moment that proves Tien as one of the best fighters ever Dragon Ball ZExplaining why he was chosen to be a part of Universe 7's team at the Tournament of Power. His fight with Goku provides one of the best moments in the original run Dragon Ballwhich allows him to see the light and abandon the teachings of his corrupt master and join the heroes.

4 Son Goten

A gifted child who learned martial arts with Chi-Chi

• Sensei: chi-chi
• School: N/A

It's a testament to Goten's natural talent that learning martial arts under someone who hated fighting led him to become one of the youngest Super Saiyans in the series. However, at the end of the day he was just a kid, he didn't bother strengthening himself as the series progressed.

Aside from the battles he has as Gotenks against Buu, there isn't much to speak of Goten's achievements as a martial artist. However, he is still an entertaining character and a strong fighter who can pull his weight when needed.

3 Master Roshi

Master of the Tortoise School

• Sensei: Master Mutaito and Korin
• School: Turtle School

The fact that Master Roshi was able to fight off waves of fighters in the Tournament of Power shows how important this sensei's role was in helping people like Goku and Krillin become stronger. Without his input, everyone's favorite hero would never have learned the iconic Kamehameha that became a staple of the series.

Meeting Roshi was a turning point for Goku, who decided to join the Turtle School and hone his skills as a martial artist alongside Krillin. He might be a little too perverted for his own good, but Roshi can impress fans when he decides to take things seriously.

2 Son Gohan

Naturally talented and picks up fighting skills in no time

• Sensei: Piccolo and Son Goku
• School: N/A

Gohan has a mild personality, which explains why he is unsuited for combat and regularly neglects his training. However, throughout Dragon Ball ZThis boy showed glimpses of his abilities that could rival, if not exceed, his father's power.

After enduring some harsh training at the hands of Piccolo and Goku, Gohan was able to unleash his inner strength in a battle against Cell, where he achieved the Ascended Super Saiyan form. It's an amazing moment in the series that fans can't get enough of.

1 son goku

One of the greatest martial artists in anime history

• Sensei: Master Roshi
• School: Turtle School

It was only the best that was given Strong martial artists in the Dragon Ball Goku will be himself. This iconic hero has become a permanent part Dragon BallRefusing to let it go, he repeatedly beats his enemies to a pulp against his opposition and reaches new heights of power.

Of course, being a Saiyan means Goku always has a thirst for battle, but he also treats his opponents with the respect a martial artist deserves. His relentless pursuit of strength combined with his gentle heart has allowed him to unlock many transformations and become a legendary warrior who has saved the Earth and the universe time and time again.

• 

  Dragon Ball

  Release date

  February 26, 1986

  Studio

  Toei Animation

  the creator

  Akira Toriyama

• 

  Dragon Ball Z (1989)

  Release date

  26 April 1989

  Studio

  Toei Animation

  the creator

  Akira Toriyama

• 

  Dragon Ball Super

  Release date

  July 5, 2015

  Studio

  Toei Animation

  the creator

  Akira Toriyama