Some of the best martial arts movies feature an enlightened sensei with unmatched skill, which takes a struggling protagonist and helps guide them through their training and become their best self. While many of these films obviously focus on the leading role and their own journeys of self-mastery, the sensei masters are an integral component that deserves more spotlight. The sensei don't just put them through days, months, or even years of dedicated training to learn epic finishing moves to win a single fight, but to learn the skills to transform their lives as a whole.

Some of the most influential martial arts films, such as The Karate Kid and Kill Bill, showcase the incredible yet intense bond that forms between a master and student. The legendary Mr. Miyagi's laid back and unassuming 'wax on, wax off' produced one of the best training montages of all time, or the almost sadistic Pai Mei who puts the Bride through hell in order to achieve mastery. These masters are not just another background character but one of the most critical roles of the films that often provide the heart and soul of the movie.

10 Sho'nuff - The Last Dragon (1985)

Portrayed By Julius Carry

The Last Dragon is a legitimate cult classic martial arts flick directed by Michael Schultz, which features the underrated Julius Carry as "Sho'nuff" aka The Shogun of Harlem. Sho'nuff earned his name by the repetitive agreeable chant he drills into his students and his bitter rivalry with the film's young protagonist, Leroy Green, forms the basis for much of the film. He is a self-proclaimed martial arts master who shows his true power at the end of the film by revealing he has harnessed the power of the infamous 'Glow' with his hands pulsating a red aura.

Though Sho'nuff is unique compared to every other sensei master discussed in the fact that he doesn't actually train the main character of the film; instead, he is the enemy seeking to be defeated. His over-the-top, larger-than-life persona and look make him an unforgettable master and the main highlight of the film, with the ending fight sequence being spectacularly choreographed with wonderful effects and sound design. His charismatic behavior, intense delivery, and martial arts skills set him apart as one of the most interesting sensei masters in film.

9 Leung Bik - The Legend Is Born: Ip Man (2010)

Portrayed By Ip Chun

The Legend Is Born: Ip Man is a biographical film based on the real early life of the famed Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man, who has a storied legend about his martial arts skills. The film follows Ip Man as a child as he learns Wing Chun from Master Chan Was-shun, and in later years, how he meets and learns from Leung Bik, who was the son of Leung Jan, Chan Wah-shun's teacher. Leung Bik is an instrumental figure in helping polish Ip Man's Wing Chun skills, as he helps train him in new ways.

Ip Chun, the actor and martial artist who played Leung Bik, is one of Ip Man's real-life sons (Bruce Lee's Wing Chun teacher).

Unlike many senseis in martial arts films, Bik focuses on moving away from strictly traditional practices and encourages Ip Man to modernize his techniques, his flow, and his training. Though compared to most, his screen time is relatively limited, his assured guidance and helpful wisdom help steer Ip Man onto the right path and help him become a true martial arts icon. His reserved and quiet demeanor, compared with a master like Sho'nuff, exemplifies the quietly confident, less is more approach that can be so effective.

8 Senzo Tanaka - Bloodsport (1988)

Portrayed By Roy Chiao

Jean-Claude Van Damme stars as U.S. Army Captain Frank Dux in one of his most famous breakout roles in the popular martial arts film Bloodsport. In his youth, Dux broke into Sensei Senzo Tanaka's home with some friends in order to steal a Katana sword. Impressed by the skills he showed when apprehending him and his honor in returning the sword, Tanaka decided to train Dux alongside his son. The film follows Dux alongside his training as he prepares to compete in a brutal underground Kumite tournament in which he has to go AWOL from the army.

Tanaka shows a remarkable training routine, with grueling methods of both martial arts skills and physical conditioning that put Dux through hell. Van Damme is able to show his flexibility, skills, and physical abilities. The sensei shows remarkable kindness in allowing Dux to train under him, but also a ruthless touch when needed, as he sets Dux onto a path that sees him putting himself in real danger. Tanaka also arrives at the tournament just in time, as he mentors Dux - illegally blinded during a fight - to his training blindfolded, allowing him to grab victory from almost certain defeat.

7 Splinter - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

Voiced By Kevin Clash

In the 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film, as well as countless other comics and series, Master Splinter is not just the turtle's sensei and master but also their adoptive father, who took them into his loving sewer. In the film, a radioactive ooze flows down into the sewer, creating four walking, talking, crime-fighting martial artist turtles who, with the guidance of Splinter, help fight crime in New York. The plot follows the turtles as they face off against one of Splinter's rogue former pupils, who has taken him hostage.

Even though it's a production mainly performed through in-suit performers, Splinter's portrayal of a Master who trains and cares for his beloved sons turned students is incredible to watch. Splinter is everything that could be expected of an old martial arts sensei; being humble, wise, fearless, and above all, calm, never raising his voice even in anger. Master Splinter's instruction taught the turtles all the ninjutsu and techniques they needed to face off against any villains below or above the city streets, though some of their skills seemed to be on a slightly lower level than some other expert practitioners.

6 Xian Chow - Kickboxer (1989)

Portrayed By Dennis Chan

Jean-Claude Van Damme features in another epic, underrated martial arts film; this time, it sees JCVD play Kurt Sloane, the overshadowed younger brother of the heavyweight kickboxing world champion Eric, in the movie Kickboxer. The plot follows Kurt as he trains with Master Xian Chow as he vows revenge on an opponent called Tong Po, who paralyzed his brother in the ring after refusing to acknowledge a concession in the bout. Kurt must learn the same skills as his brother and go above and beyond his tremendous athletic ability to avenge Eric's honor.

Xian Chow is a master who operates with many unorthodox and unusual practices, such as training in the wilderness and using spiritual guidance to aid in his abilities. He helps transform Eric from a young fighter to a competent and confident champion, capable of fighting under extreme pressure, even after the serious injuries that were dealt to his brother. Though his skills and teachings are never in question, his emotional guidance leaves some room for improvement, as he seemed to mainly focus on the craft and not the man himself.

5 Pai Cheng-tien - Snake In The Eagle's Shadow (1978)

Portrayed By Yuen Siu-Tien

Snake in the Eagle's Shadow is an action comedy directed by Yuen Woo-ping, who impresses in his directorial debut, that stars Jackie Chan as an orphan adopted by a martial arts school who is overworked and underappreciated. Chien befriends a lowly old beggar by offering him a free meal and a place to stay, but it's soon revealed the beggar is actually Pai Cheng-Tien, one of the last surviving practitioners of the Snake-style of kung fu. Pai is hiding from the evil Eagle Claw clan, which is finding and killing anybody associated with the rival Snake-style martial art.

Pai Cheng-Tien helps Chien when he is at his lowest, being abused and beaten by those in his school, and sees his kindness and potential shine through. Pai's teaching is intricate and, at times, comical as he ruthlessly trains his young protégé but humbly insists on never being called "sifu" ("master"). Pai Cheng-Tien's skill is at an incredible level, and he helps Chien defeat his enemies but also encourages him to add unique and various techniques to the Snake-style art to create a new style he calls the titular Snake in the Eagle's Shadow.

4 Beggar So - Drunken Master (1978)

Portrayed By Yuen Siu-Tien

Drunken Master sees director Yuen Woo-ping collaborate again with Jackie Chan and other cast and crew to create another beloved martial arts classic. The film sees Chan and Yuen Siu-tien portray a fictionalized depiction of real-life martial artists Wong Fei-hung and Beggar So in a story that sees a disrespectful young man forced to train under a brutal master. At the start, Wong is terrified of Beggar So and his reputation for crippling his students who step out of line, but he soon comes to respect and revere the stern master.

Beggar So's drunken fighting style is both hilarious and effective, as the flailing and unpredictable motions provide a unique and unexpected base for both offense and evasion. He adds humor and comedic timing to all his sessions, but his methods are still grueling and long-lasting, and he turns Wong from an insolent young man to a respected, capable martial artist. Though the drunken fighting system may not work for all occasions, Wong uses it to relentless success, and it's in no small part to the wise and eccentric ideas of Beggar So's mastery.

3 Master Shifu - Kung Fu Panda (2008)

Voiced By Dustin Hoffman

Kung Fu Panda is an animated comedy that has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs about its titular hero, a giant panda named Po Ping (Jack Black). The film follows Po as he is accidentally prophesized as the Dragon Warrior (the kung fu master who can read the Dragon Scroll - leading to limitless power) by Master Oogway. Master Shifu begrudgingly takes on Po as a student after he beat out his 'Furious Five' students, who all expected to be Dragon Warrior. When the evil Tai Lung escapes from prison and plans to take revenge, it's up to Po to stop him.

Master Shifu is the embodiment of a traditional martial arts sensei who learns to quietly respect his students. He initially subjects Po to torturous training and brutal methods in order to force him to quit, but instead instills in him a steely resolve, and is able to work out that tempting Po with food is the best way to train him to be the best martial artist. Master Shifu takes a complete novice and trains him to become one of the most feared fighters in the area, able to understand the scroll and defeat Tai Lung with ease.

2 Pai Mei - Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)

Portrayed By Gordon Liu

Kill Bill Vol 2, directed by Quentin Tarantino, sees the Bride (Uma Thurman) reprise her vicious revenge campaign against Bill and the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad after they attempted to kill her and her unborn daughter. After she is apprehended and buried alive, the Bride flashes back to Bill taking her to legendary Master Pai Mei for training using the techniques and mental fortitude learned under his guidance to break free from the coffin and pull herself out of certain death.

Without doubt, Pai Mei is the most twisted and cruel out of all the sensei masters in cinematic history. He also appears to have the most deadly skill set, being an expert at the fatal Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique and also the three-inch punch, which the Bride utilizes in a situation where she needs it the most. Pai Mei's training methods are brutal and destructive, all in the name of humbling and strengthening those brave enough to endure it, and he shows kindness and loyalty to those who gain his respect through their dedication to his methods.

1 Mr. Miyagi - The Karate Kid (1984)

Portrayed By Noriyuki "Pat" Morita

In most martial arts films, the sensei is an integral part of the protagonist's training, but in The Karate Kid, Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki "Pat" Morita) IS the training. Mr Miyagi was working as a maintenance man at the apartment complex of bullied teen Daniel Larusso (Ralph Macchio) and reluctantly agreed to teach him his karate skills. The lessons went far beyond the basic chops and kicks, and into deep philosophies about life, practice, patience, and mentorship.

Mr. Miyagi became more than a martial arts sensei to Daniel; he became like a father figure who guided him through the most difficult points of his life. His unorthodox 'wax on, wax off', meditative, and laid-back style of training was essential to pay off only those who were willing to put the time into seemingly mindless tasks. His iconic master role inspired a generation to take up karate, and the film's impact and his character have a depth and genuine cultural impact rarely present in a martial arts film.