The best fighting masters in Dragon Ball

Key conclusions

• Dragon Ball's focus on martial arts has made it a popular fighting shounen series.
• Characters such as Jiaotsu, Yamcha, Krillin, Tian Shinhan, Goten, Roshi, Gohan and Goku are key in the martial arts display.
• Goku's relentless pursuit of power and martial arts skills made him a durable and legendary warrior.

Dragon ball is one of the most iconic shounen IPs of all time that anime fans can't get enough of. The death of Akira Toriyama was a huge blow, 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 promoting battles and martial arts in Dragon ball helped the series evolve from an adventure manga to the most popular battle shounen series of all time. While the martial arts essence may have taken a backseat to the power fantasy that has dominated the series since then, that should not take away from the series' origins, which helped set Goku on the path to becoming hardened in battles as a warrior.

8 Jiaotsu

A member of the Crane School and Tian's faithful friend

• sensei: Master Shen
• school: Crane school

It's a shame that Jiaotsu wasn't able to get any significant victories during this time Dragon ball. Introduced alongside Tian Xinhan as one of the up-and-coming fighters of the Crane School, Qiaotsu barely got a chance to shine and lost to Kriling during the tournament.

After this point, Jiaotsu played his last major role in the Saiyan Saga, where he sacrificed himself to try and destroy Napa. Unfortunately, his act of self-sacrifice didn't work out, but props should be given to Jiaotsu for embodying the spirit of a true martial artist to the hilt.

7 Yamcha

Wolf Fang Fist Master

• sensei: Self-taught
• school: N/A (practiced with school turtles after meeting Goku and Krillin)

Yamcha became the subject of all the jokes given the humiliation he suffered at the hands of Vegeta and Nappa during the Saiyan arc. It's easy to call him the man who died at the hands of Saibaman, but there was a time when Yamcha impressed many with his prowess in the Wolf Fang technique.

He was easily one of the strongest martial artists introduced early in the series, but failed to impress as the series introduced more serious threats that overshadowed him. By time Dragon Ball Super comes out, Yamcha is so weak that he is not even considered as a candidate for the team representing Universe 7 in the Tournament of Power.

6 Krillin

A talented student of the turtle school

• sensei: Master Roshi
• school: Turtle school

Saiyans dominate large-scale battles in the Dragon Ball Zpeople like Krillin had to take a back seat. However, that shouldn't take away from the time when he was strong enough to be considered a rival to Goku early on Dragon ball.

Both recruits joined the Turtle School and learned martial arts under Master Roshi. Krillin was quite powerful in the beginning Dragon ballbut Goku's natural talent helped him surpass his opponent and then some.

5 Tian Shinhan

The strongest member of the school of cranes on the village mile

• sensei: Master Shen
• school: Crane school

Tien is one of the strongest people in the series and the fact that he is one of the few people who shines Dragon Ball Z shows what power he possesses. With his life-draining tri-beam, he pinned down Cell and almost managed to take him out.

It's an incredible moment that cements Tien as one of the best fighters in the world Dragon Ball Zgiving insight into why he was chosen to be part of Team Universe 7 in the Tournament of Power. His fight with Goku is one of the best moments in the original series Dragon ballwhich allows him to see the light and join the heroes after rejecting the teachings of his corrupt master.

4 Goten's son

A talented child who learned martial arts in a short time with the help of Chi-Chi

• sensei: Chi-Chi
• school: N/A

It's a testament to Goten's natural talent that learning martial arts under the tutelage of a man who hated fighting allowed him to become one of the youngest Super Saiyans in the series. However, since he's just a kid after all, he didn't care too much about making himself stronger as the series progressed.

Aside from the battles he fought as Gotenks against Buu, there isn't much to say about Goten's accomplishments as a martial artist. However, he is still an interesting character and a strong fighter who can pull his weight when required.

3 Master Roshi

Master of the turtle school

• sensei: Master Mutaito and Korin
• school: Turtle school

The fact that Master Roshi managed to fend off a wave of fighters in the Tournament of Power shows just 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 about the iconic Kamehameha, which has become a staple of the series.

The meeting with Roshi was a turning point for Goku, who decided to join the Turtle School and improve his skills as a martial artist with Krillin. He may be too quirky for his own good, but Roshi can impress fans if he decides to take things seriously.

2 Gohan's son

Talented by nature and instantly acquires combat skills

• sensei: Piccolo and Son Goku
• school: N/A

Gohan has a fragile personality, which explains why he is unfit for battle and regularly neglects his training. However, through Dragon Ball Zthis boy showed glimpses of his potential that could rival, if not surpass, his father's strength.

After some grueling training at the hands of Piccolo and Goku, Gohan was able to draw out his inner strength in a battle against Cell, where he reached his 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 given that one of the best and the strongest martial masters in the Dragon ball would be Goku himself. This iconic character has become a permanent fixture Dragon ballrefusing to back down against his opposition and reaching new heights of power time and again to defeat his enemies to the core.

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

• 

  Dragon ball

  Release date

  February 26, 1986

  Studio

  Toei animation

  Creator

  Akira Toriyama

• 

  Dragon Ball Z (1989)

  Release date

  April 26, 1989

  Studio

  Toei animation

  Creator

  Akira Toriyama

• 

  Dragon Ball Super

  Release date

  July 5, 2015

  Studio

  Toei animation

  Creator

  Akira Toriyama