When was Roshi at his prime?

[GSM123]

Did he peak in his years with Mutaito? I’d imagine Roshi’s prime was after he invented the Kamehameha, but that’s at least several decades after the Piccolo Wars.

 

[Power Level Guy]

I think he peaked during his time with Mutaito. Mutaito is spoken of like a next level guy, I don't think Roshi ever surpassed him.

 

[Fantastische Hure]

When he defeated a number of Raditz-tier opponents.

 

[Gracedavis]

Roshi was probably at his prime during his younger days, like when he fought in the World Martial Arts Tournament. Even later, he still showed he’s super strong and wise. Gotta respect how much he’s done over the years!

 

[Scott]

Although he was at his physical prime when he was young, he's still at his strongest as an old man. He'd become stronger if he regained his youth, but he's still stronger than he was during his youth.

 

[Power Level Guy]

Although he was at his physical prime when he was young, he's still at his strongest as an old man. He'd become stronger if he regained his youth, but he's still stronger than he was during his youth.

It doesn’t seem likely. Old men get weaker, not stronger typically. He most likely peaked against Piccolo Daimao and Mutaito is probably peak human level.

The students never outshined the master here imo.

 

[Scott]

It doesn’t seem likely. Old men get weaker, not stronger typically. He most likely peaked against Piccolo Daimao and Mutaito is probably peak human level.

He's clearly stronger in DBS than he was in OGDB famalam

 

[Power Level Guy]

He's clearly stronger in DBS than he was in OGDB famalam

Sure, but regarding the DB/Z period. In Super he's dodging punches from Jiren lol. That's clearly his prime.

 

[Scott]

Sure, but regarding the DB/Z period. In Super he's dodging punches from Jiren lol. That's clearly his prime.

If he was younger, he'd be even faster.

 

[Power Level Guy]

If he was younger, he'd be even faster.

Sure, but his power prime is right now.

 

[Scott]

Sure, but his power prime is right now.

If he was younger, he'd be even stronger.

 

[Power Level Guy]

If he was younger, he'd be even stronger.

When he was younger, he never had the skills, the training, or anything to pull this off. So sure, in a hypothetical world where he had all the same knowledge he has now, sure. But he couldn't acquire that kind of knowledge in the hundreds of years he was alive.

So it's a bit of a moot point. Roshi is currently in his prime right now.

 

[Scott]

When he was younger, he never had the skills, the training, or anything to pull this off.

If he wished to become young with the Dragon Balls, he'd be stronger and faster than he is now. Not the same thing as wishing to be as strong as he was when he was first young.

 

[Power Level Guy]

If he wished to become young with the Dragon Balls, he'd be stronger and faster than he is now. Not the same thing as wishing to be as strong as he was when he was first young.

Sure.

But the fact remains. Roshi is stronger than he's ever been. If a fighter doesn't develop into his best version until his 40s, his prime is still considered his 40s. Not his 20s, not his 30s. But his 40s.

This happens with lots of fighters. Sometimes people are just better when they are a bit older and more seasoned.

But the idea that Roshi isn't somehow in his prime right now because of his age is false.

 

[Scott]

He's the strongest he's ever been, but not the strongest he could be. If he regained his youth, he'd be stronger famalam

 

[ahill]

Well, Roshi is basically as strong as he decides to be. So I guess whenever he feels like being stronger than ever, he is in his prime.

 

[Warmmedown]

If I had three wheels I'd be a tricycle

If 18yo Ronaldo had already trained an extra 20 years he'd be even better.

 

[ahill]

If I had three wheels I'd be a tricycle

If 18yo Ronaldo had already trained an extra 20 years he'd be even better.

Toriyama said though that Roshi is as strong as he feels like. Basically he said when Roshi feels like it, he can be as strong as anyone.

 

[Animelover5487]

Toriyama is just trolling

 

[SSJ2]

Given that he references his and Tsuru's younger selves fighting Piccolo Daimao, it's logical to assume that was his peak as far as the original series goes. It's likely he could have surpassed that if he continued training for the 23rd Budokai, but he lost the drive.

Obviously not including Super here.