10 Anime Mentors Like My Hero Academia’s All Might

Explore the influence of how anime mentors shape characters and inspire us, just like how All Might from My Hero Academia did.

The Symbol of Peace All Might
The Symbol of Peace All Might (Source: Studio Bones)

All Might was not only a symbol of hope but also a mentor for UA’s students and had a huge impact on Izuku Midoriya’s life in My Hero Academia. Behind every overpowered character, there is a mentor who pushes them to bring out their best potential.

Anime mentors play a significant role in their respective series, but their teachings impact us so much that sometimes they become our mentors, too. So, here is a list of anime mentors like All Might.

1) Koro-sensei 

Koro sensei as seen in Anime (Image via studio Lerche)
Koro sensei as seen in the anime (Image via studio Lerche)

A former assassin turned teacher at Kunugigaoka Junior High School’s Class 3-E, we fans were clueless as to why a yellow octopus-looking creature with no teaching experience had landed in a classroom.

Throughout the series, we see Koro-sensei not only impart life lessons and shape his students into honest individuals but also learn what it means to be a teacher. As his teaching style evolves, we, as an audience, slowly warm up to him. He initially taught through fear, believing it was the right way. Later, when he realized that his method did not resonate with his students, he chose to be an empathetic and patient teacher. It is not every day that we see a teacher allowing his students to assassinate him while he promises not to hurt them back. This is a very interesting premise.

By the end of the series, he becomes a notable mentor similar to My Hero Academia’s All Might. Koro-sensei connected with every student and had a very wholesome bond with them, which made the final episode deeply emotional for both them and us.

2) Jiraiya

Jiraya as seen in anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)
Jiraiya as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

In the Naruto franchise, we have Ecchi Sensei (aka Jiraiya Sensei). His hobbies include writing novels and peeping on women, but we should not underestimate him. One of the most powerful Sannins of his time, he mentored Naruto, Minato, and Nagato, who all became very powerful characters.

He is always jolly and cracks jokes, but as a teacher, he is highly observant. His method is unique; he tells his students what to do and lets them figure out how to do it. He was a very influential teacher, especially attached to Naruto, to whom he taught the Rasengan. With his extensive knowledge and experience in combat, he was well-respected by everyone. Despite putting on a happy face, Jiraiya was a serious character with great responsibilities, much like All Might.

As a teacher, he did not let his problems affect his students. He imparted life lessons about believing in oneself and the importance of forming bonds with others. He is truly someone we fans respect.

3) Bisky

Bisky seen in anime (Image via Madhouse)
Bisky as seen in the anime (Image via Madhouse)

Biscuit Krueger from Hunter x Hunter, also known as Bisky, prefers to appear as a young, petite girl but is incredibly strong. By the end of the Greed Island arc, she confesses that she sees herself as a guardian for Gon and Killua. When she learns about whose son Gon is, she agrees to become their teacher.

Her teaching style is 100% hard work and hands-on learning, just like My Hero Academia’s All Might. She puts both of them through extreme training to help them master fighting techniques and then trains them specifically according to their Nen type. This is similar to All Might’s approach when training Izuku Midoriya. She constantly supports her students and pushes them toward success.

4) Urahara 

Bleach
Kisuke Urahara as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Kisuke Urahara may claim to be just the owner of a small convenience store, but this is far from the truth. He is an incredibly powerful figure who is highly respected in the Soul Society.

Urahara’s teaching methods often involve practical applications of knowledge. He trained Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends in their battles against various threats, such as the Arrancar and the Vandenreich. He also guided Kon when he took over Ichigo’s body to fight Hollows, equipping him with a special wristwatch to transform into the Karakura-Raizer.

5) Onizuka 

Onizuka as seen In anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)
Onizuka as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Eikichi Onizuka, a former gang member turned teacher, is the protagonist of Great Teacher Onizuka. He taught at Musashino Public High School, where he met equally eccentric students.

He is unpredictable and eccentric—neither the audience nor the students can guess his next move. Though his initial motivation for becoming a teacher was not noble, he became very good at his job, as his dream was to be the greatest teacher of all. This is a comedy show, but Onizuka’s character has depth. His teaching impacted everyone. Fans often say that watching this show changed their lives. He made us laugh and reminded us that being good and hardworking would eventually lead to success. This is an idea that resonates with All Might’s motto in My Hero Academia.

6) Bang

Bang as seen in anime (Image via J.C.Staff)
Bang as seen in the anime (Image via J.C.Staff)

Being a strong martial artist and having his dojo, he is a strong teacher. His student Garou ends up being a big threat. His strong demeanor gives him a scary look; the reality is that he is a fun person. He is also known for his serious and grounded personality, which is well-suited for teaching the ethics of heroism. 

We know he is a good teacher because his dojo is still going on. When Garou chose the path of evil, Bang still wanted to rehabilitate him, showing that he had not abandoned his pupil.

7) Gojo

Gojo as seen in anime (image via Mappa Studio)
Gojo as seen in the anime (image via Mappa Studio)

In Jujutsu Kaisen, Satoru Gojo is an all-powerful being and a beloved teacher. Like All Might, he takes in Yuji Itadori and trains him. Gojo is overconfident because he knows his immense power and is not afraid to flaunt it.

Gojo’s teaching style is unconventional. For example, he made Itadori watch movies as part of his training. He acknowledges his shortcomings and does not hesitate to ask for help. He even asked Nanami to oversee Itadori’s training and become his emotional support. He also encourages his students to relax and enjoy themselves. He too knows he is an unconventional teacher, as unlike others, he has a pretty hands-off teaching approach.

8) Jigoro Kuwajima

Jigoro as seen in anime (Image via Ufotable)
Jigoro as seen in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

Jigoto Kuwajima has trained Zenitsu Agatsuma and Kaigaku. He also was the former Thunder Hashira. Even though we know of him only taking two students, he is notably a great mentor. He is a very strict teacher and appreciates discipline. 

Though his appearance was of a strict person, he had a soft spot for new learners. After being heartbroken about his student Kaigaku betraying him, it still did not make him bitter. Zenitsu was a coward, and yet he did not give up on him. His patience and dedication to teaching brought out the best in Zenitsu. He believed that if you repeat one thing a lot of times, you will gain mastery when it comes to Zenitsu. He has a very fatherly vibe towards his students, just like My Hero Academia’s All Might. 

He does not get a lot of screen time, but with the time he did. We as an audience know his worth, and he earned our respect and a lifetime feeling of indebtedness from Zenitsu.

9) Izumi Curtis 

Izumi Curtis as seen in anime (Image via Studio Bones)
Izumi Curtis as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Bones)

Claiming to be a simple housewife, Izumi Curtis took on the role of mentor to the Elric brothers after discovering that they had performed forbidden alchemy. Throughout the show, she supports them. 

She provided emotional guidance after the Nina Tucker incident, giving them space to grieve and accept their emotions. Her strength and alchemical experience helped the brothers tremendously. Like All Might, she cared deeply for her students and empathized with their struggles.

10) Coach Keishin Ukai 

Coach Ukai seen in anime (Image via Production I.G)
Coach Ukai seen in the anime (Image via Production I.G)

Coach Keishin Ukai is one of the most hardworking coaches in Haikyuu. He is seen as a lazy person, but when it comes to coaching, he is very hardworking and constantly helping the team. Just like All Might, he cares a lot about his students and makes sure he is a good mentor for them.

When it comes to matches, he is patient and has trust in his students that they can win. He can make split-second decisions and knows them well enough to encourage them individually. He is proud of his students, and being a former volleyball player helped him do justice to his job. 

Conclusion

All of these mentors were great teachers in their universe, each with their unique personalities and strengths as mentors. The impact they left behind resonates in our lives as well. Watching them inspires us to become better people, teaching us the value of hard work and perseverance.

The efforts they put into ensuring their students become the best versions of themselves are truly inspiring. Whether it’s All Might or Onizuka, each of them has earned our respect and love. They remind us that a great mentor doesn’t just teach skills; they shape character, instill values, and provide unwavering support in times of struggle.


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