Everyone needs a few teachers, trainers, and mentors so they can learn some new skills and in so doing, learn something about themselves, too. The anime world is no different, where there are all sorts of teachers and mentors ready to nurture and hone the talents of the protagonist.
A good teacher will not only train you and refine your skills, but also act as a role model and encourage you to be your best possible self at all times. In fact, some mentors and trainers might go on the front lines of evil and risk their lives for their students or for a cause. With all that in mind, who are some of the finest teachers and guides in the anime world?
10 Gran Torino (My Hero Academia)
The retired pro hero known as Gran Torino has all kinds of credentials in the My Hero Academia hero world. Not only was he a powerhouse hero in his youthful prime (and taller), but he is the one who trained the world's top hero, All Might!
It says a lot if the top hero owes his career to you, and Gran Torino proves a better instructor for Izuku than All Might did. Though at the top of the hero world, All Might couldn't draw out Izuku's potential like Gran Torino did. This little old man has the right cunning and instinct to vastly improve Izuku's skills in no time. Impressive!
9 Jiraiya (Naruto)
A second quirky old man arrives on this list, and the Sanin ninja known as Jiraiya is a sight for sore eyes once the Third Hokage lost his life in battle. Yes, there are some reasons why Jiraiya might also be considered among the worst teachers out there. But credit is due, since Jiraiya's obnoxious exterior hides a cunning and deeply affectionate older man.
Jiraiya accepted Naruto like a father, and he taught this young ninja to master the Rasengan with unorthodox means. And off-screen between part 1 and Shippuden, Jiraiya's training transformed Naruto into a serious powerhouse of a ninja, on par with any Jonin out there.
8 Izumi Curtis (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
For the most part, the Dublith resident known as Izumi Curtis doesn't identify with alchemists, usually introducing herself as a mere housewife instead. But don't be fooled by her modesty! Mrs. Curtis is a highly skilled alchemist, enough to become one of Father's chosen sacrifices on the Promised Day.
Though reluctant to take on the Elric brothers as students, she transformed them, into brilliant alchemists, as she thoroughly understands the philosophy and basics of alchemy. "One is all, and all is one." She also taught the boys some top-tier martial arts skills, which saved Ed's life more than once.
7 Erina Nakiri (Food Wars!)
This may seem like an odd choice at first, since Erina is herself a Totsuki student. But she's no ordinary schoolgirl. She has the God Tongue and a nearly bottomless knowledge of cooking and ingredients, which makes her a master chef. At first, she and Soma really butt heads, but they slowly become friends and partners.
Erina teaches Soma all sorts of things about food, and she's an expert taste tester and food critic to boost Soma's skills further. To top it off, she masterfully instructed the Polaris Dorm students on cooking before some major exams, both with cooking and hitting the books.
6 Rukia Kuchiki (Bleach)
The Shonen series Bleach has other, more experienced teachers such as Yoruichi and Zangetsu, but none are as fun to watch as Rukia! And to her credit, she has no experience as a teacher, but she did a fine job raising Ichigo as a substitute Soul Reaper once he gained Rukia's powers.
Under her tutelage, Ichigo was a fine Hollow hunter, given his level of experience. Rukia is also a kido expert, and no doubt she will make a fine kido teacher now that she is Squad 13's new Captain.
5 Kanao Tsuyuri (Demon Slayer)
The new hit anime Demon Slayer shows sword fighters clashing with monsters in a high fantasy setting, not unlike InuYasha or Bleach before it. Now we get another young lady like Rukia, in the form of Kanao Tsuyuri.
She doesn't talk much, but this girl went all the way from a downtrodden slave to a sword-fighting expert among the Demon Slayers. Her training regimen is harsh and demanding, but it doesn't always look or feel like work. Practice with her, and you'll master demon-slaying technique just like Tanjiro did.
4 Negi Springfield (Mahou Sensei Negima!)
He also appears in the spoof series Negima?!, but let's focus on the main story. This is a 1o-year-old Welsh boy who graduated top of his class at wizard school, but he didn't stop there. To become a master wizard, he must perform mundane work to help others. In this case, teach at an all-girls junior high school on the sprawling Mahou Academy campus!
He's polite, friendly, and professional as a teacher, and under his tutelage, class 3-A gets the top grades by the year's end. Don't forget how he teaches some of the other girls magic to defend themselves from kidnappers, dragons, vampires, and more!
3 Minamo Kurosawa (Azumanga Daioh!)
The world of Azumanga Daioh! is populated with wacky and fun high school students, from the loudmouthed Tomo to the child prodigy Chiyo to the athletic tomboy Kagura. Even their homeroom teacher, Yukari Tanizaki, is totally nuts. Fortunately, we also get Minamo Kurosawa (often known as Nyamo) to act as a foil.
She's calm, friendly, responsible, and absolutely loves her students. Even when her class loses every yearly athletic festival, she is openly proud of them and rewards them anyway. She's not nearly as given to pettiness as Yukari is, but they're both best friends all the same.
2 Lisa Lisa (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)
What's not to like about Lisa Lisa? She is a master of Hamon (ripple), an energetic fighting style that uses the power of life to destroy vampires. She's beautiful, tough, elegant, and kind, and a great teacher to both Joseph Joestar and Caesar Zeppeli. With her, both boys learned to master Hamon to an extent they didn't even realize was possible, and in just a few days.
Her methods are harsh, and they could potentially end in death! But she had faith in her students, and that faith was rewarded. Later, Lisa Lisa fearlessly went to the front lines with JoJo and Caesar, squaring off against the dreaded Pillar Men.
1 Homare (Are You Lost?)
This high school girl is more of an instructor than a conventional teacher, but she does a fine job. In this short animated series, four girls are washed up on a deserted island, and Homare, who learned survival from her father, puts this expertise to work.
She's fearless and kind, and she teaches the other three girls everything there is to know about survival. Hunting, foraging, starting fires (pictured), building shelter... she'll teach you anything if it keeps you alive in the wild. Listen closely!
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