The originator of the Kamehameha Wave, Master Roshi, is considered as strong and wise. However, the legendary Master Roshi has more than one name in the Dragon Ball universe. Not even his closest people in the anime knew that Roshi was also recognized by the name Jackie Chun. Why did he choose that name and how did he get it?

This name, Jackie Chun, is indeed a reference to Jackie Chan. However, there is a strong reason why Master Roshi chose the name and became that persona. He fought in the World Martial Arts Tournament against Goku and Krillin. That was when he decided to hide his identity. He competed in the 21st and 22nd WMA Tournaments solely because he wanted to beat his own students in the disguise of Jackie Chun. Though it seems a little cruel, Master Roshi had a solid reason for it.

As his students became powerful, they used to think the tournament was about defining who was the best among them. Therefore, they thought if they could fight anyone and beat them, the world would know them as the strongest. However, it was not how Master Roshi thought. Because for him, the competitions were about finding out how much more one still needed to improve. Thus, if the students of Turtle School won, they would not work for their betterment. Instead, they would become arrogant and surpass any chance of improving themselves.

So, why did Master Roshi become Jackie Chun?

The reason for Master Roshi becoming Jackie Chun in the Dragon Ball universe

Master Roshi wanted his students to know that there would be a stronger opponent always. Therefore, to win against them, the students needed to continue their training. Thus, to teach the students a general life lesson, Master Roshi decided to change his name and appearance and beat his students. If the students knew it was their master whom they were fighting, they would not have given their 100%.

To break them free and fight with everything they had; Master Roshi hid his true identity and became Jackie Chun. He became totally unrecognizable and beat his students in the 21st WMA Tournament, which ultimately led them to continue their training. However, once again, in the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament, Master Roshi participated and fought against Tien Shinhan.

Although leaving things in Shinhan’s hand, Master Roshi told him everything about keeping the boys’ training. This is how and why Master Roshi changed his name to Jackie Chun.

Were you aware of this difference identity of Master Roshi? Let us know in the comments.