Monkey D. Garp is famous for training some of the finest Pirates and Marines… sort of. A sensei, a term rooted in Japanese culture, represents much more than a mere teacher or instructor; rather, they embody a profound wellspring of wisdom, guidance, and mentorship. There are a number of characters in One Piece that embody these values. Monkey D. Garp is arguably above most. His values only waver for the sake of compassion, and that tends to shine through his past pupils. With that in the old noodle, who has Monkey D. Garp trained in One Piece? How has this panned out? Let’s take a quick look.
Monkey D. Luffy
As the protagonist of our story, Luffy doesn’t need much of an introduction; the Straw Hat pirate seeking to be king. Despite their differences and often clashing viewpoints, it is evident that both Luffy and Garp deeply care for each other. Garp’s love for Luffy is unmistakable as he has shown concern for his safety and well-being numerous times throughout the series. He has also expressed pride in Luffy’s accomplishments as a pirate. At least to a degree.
One of the central tensions in their relationship is their conflicting values. Garp is a high-ranking Marine Vice Admiral who upholds the law and justice of the World Government. In contrast, Luffy is a notorious pirate whose actions often challenge the authority of the World Government. This fundamental difference in their chosen paths puts them on opposing sides of the law. At the very least Garp’s views on justice and loyalty have rubbed off on Luffy. He cares alot for his friends, and a lot of that can be attributed to his upbringing.
Portgas D. Ace
This teacher-student relationship is tragic at it’s end but touching at the start. Monkey D. Garp adopted Ace, fulfilling a request made by Roger before the Pirate King’s execution. Ace consumed the Mera Mera no Mi, gaining the ability to transform into and control flames. He initially resents Garp for being part of the Marine organization that led to the death of his biological father, Gol D. Roger. This resentment is fueled by the knowledge that Garp could have intervened but didn’t during Roger’s execution. However, as the series progresses, Ace’s feelings toward Garp become more complex.
Tragically, Ace’s life takes a devastating turn during the Marineford War when he sacrifices himself to protect Luffy from Admiral Akainu’s attack. Garp is forced to witness the death of his beloved grandson. In a way, Garp lessons made Ace the kind of pirate that even a pure Marine could look at with respect and admiration.
Helmeppo
This was the “sort of” from the introduction. Lieutenant Commander Helmeppo is a Marine officer, and he childishly takes advantage of his father’s ex-Marine Captain “Axe-Hand” Morgan’s reputation and status. Well, at least originally. That all changed when Monkey D. Garp started to train him.. Also, in some capacity, Garp acts as a catalyst for the friendship that forms between Helmeppo and Koby.
Monkey D. Dragon
Garp and Dragon are related by blood; Dragon is Garp’s son. Despite this family connection, their paths have diverged dramatically. Garp is a high-ranking Marine Vice Admiral who upholds the World Government’s law and justice, while Dragon is the revolutionary leader seeking to challenge the world’s oppressive order.
Like Ace and Luffy, the core tension in their relationship stems from their radically different ideologies. Garp is a staunch supporter of the Marine organization and government, while Dragon is a revolutionary who opposes the World Government and seeks to bring about a revolution to liberate oppressed people. Despite their opposing roles, there are hints in the series that suggest Garp may understand Dragon’s motivations and even sympathize with them to some extent. He has been seen expressing concern for Dragon’s safety and well-being, and there is a sense that he may grapple with the implications of his son’s actions.
Admiral Aokiji: Kuzan
We address this relationship briefly in Who is Admiral Aokiji: The Marine Who Turned Away. Garp and Kuzan have a profound respect for each other’s abilities and dedication to their duties as Marines. They recognize each other as formidable opponents and comrades in the pursuit of justice. This mutual respect is grounded in their shared experiences and their unwavering commitment to their principles. That is, until they are significantly challenged.
Another point of connection between Garp and Kuzan is their admiration for Monkey D. Luffy, Garp’s grandson. Both have recognized Luffy’s potential and have been impressed by his journey and accomplishments as a pirate. Although now a member of the Ten Titanic Pirates, it’s clear Kuzan still retains some of the Marine-based ethical conduct that was inevitably passed on through Garp.
Koby
Garp’s initial interaction with Koby occurs when he rescues Koby from captivity on the Alvida Pirates’ ship. Garp recognizes Koby’s desire to change his life and pursue his dream of becoming a Marine. Seeing potential in Koby, Garp takes him under his wing and becomes his mentor. Garp takes Koby to Marine Headquarters, where he undergoes rigorous training to become a Marine. Under Garp’s guidance, Koby’s physical abilities, confidence, and determination grow significantly. Garp’s tough love and strict training methods push Koby to reach his potential.
Whether through a sense of justice or love, Garp quite literally puts his life on the line for Koby’s safety. The confluence of their journeys reaches its climax when Garp sacrifices himself to save the Marines, as well as the student he trained so masterfully. As far as we know, this was his last act as a teacher.
