Turtles evaluated by a Martial Artist

[The Turtle Hermit]

My opinion on the turtles as Martial Artists starting with Michelangelo. Mikey, aka the cute one, has the most natural talent of all the turtles. Despite his raw natural ability he is the least capable turtle of the group. Mikey is never shown training on his own accord outside of Master Splinters mandated lessons. If he does attempt to train on his own it likely doesn't last for long, and he most assuredly has an ulterior motive besides self improvement. For example I can see him using his kusarigama (12 feet of chain with a small sci known as a comma on one end and a metal ball on the other) to retrieve a far away object like the television remote. While he is the least capable turtle he is still a slightly better fighter than Donatello because of his raw speed and ability to act quickly without thinking. Michelangelo’s focus is on having fun, and gives little attention to knowledge and self improvement. He spends his free time skateboarding, eating pizza, watching television, and smoking weed, occasionally with Raphael. He does not put a lot into his everyday thoughts, but they are each of them sincere and from the heart. Despite his intelligence score Mikey is actually the second wisest turtle after Leonardo, this is likely due to brief moments of deep unconventional thought while smoking. This is shown with his interaction with Leatherhead when they first meet. If Mikey were to train as Ralph does he would be as well rounded as Leo, and if he were to train as Leo he would likely rival master splinter himself.

Next let’s discuss Donatello, our most handy and intelligent turtle. While Donny is the group's greatest asset, he is the weakest fighter. This is because he puts entirely to much thought into his actions, on top of that he has the slowest weapon of the four. This combination makes him the slowest fighter among them. In hindsight the bow staff is not the wisest choice of weapon for him, but it is a good representation of his passive character. In fact each of the turtles weapons are a representation of their fighting mind. The chucks are quick, flexible, naturally powerful and the most fun to use, but they can also be self destructive. The sci are a brawling weapon for up close and personal combat, designed to disarm and to be an extension of the natural punch. The katana is an elegant weapon of precision and finesse, they lead the way to understanding most other weapons. Donatello spends his spare time in his laboratory whipping up whatever invention. He likely spends some time training outside of class, and I would guess that he does this in secret because he is slightly ashamed of being the worst fighter.

Now let’s talk about Raphael the least understood among his brothers. Raphael has the second most natural ability after Mikey, and the second most discipline to his training after Leo. This combination makes him the number one fighter in the group. His greatest weakness is his unwillingness to study deeper the philosophy of the arts he is taught. Without said philosophies to guide his ideals, he often blames himself unknowingly for every loss or mistake. Believing that if he is not the strongest he cannot protect the ones he loves. Because he does not understand these feelings he often grows irritable and lashes out at those around him. This holds back his ability to grow as a fighter, and will one day allow Leo to surpass him.

Now let us gab on Leonardo, our most well rounded turtle. Leo pays the most attention to his training, in both the physical and philosophical aspects. He isn’t an over thinker nor a deep thinker, but he is a quick, sure, and effective thinker. He knows how to balance his ideals, but tends to be overly forceful with them. Leonardo does not have the most natural talent, but he is persistent and determined. If he keeps his current path he will be well on his way to equaling Master Splinter. He was the best choice for leader, and knows his brothers capabilities and how to use them effectively as a team.

Lastly I'll briefly touch up on master splinter himself. I suspect that in his youth he was a loose representation of all four turtles. It is easy to think the writers would want Splinter to see himself in each of his sons, and this in itself is a good reason why the turtles are so well trained. TMNT, in my opinion, is one of the greatest cartoons to date and consistently teaches its viewers valuable lessons that have too long been forsaken in our society. From learning discipline, respect, teamwork, trust, emotional control, bravery, sacrifice, honesty, loyalty, and a correct mindset. Not only this, but it is a good source of real life martial arts lessons. I appreciate the effort and thought put into this show, and I hope others will as well.