Master Shifu is one of the main supporting characters of the Kung Fu Panda franchise, making his debut in the first film as the deuteragonist. He is the current senior master of the Jade Palace and trainer of many kung fu warriors, including Tai Lung, the Furious Five, the former Dragon Warrior Po, and the currently Dragon Warrior Zhen.
A former student of Master Oogway, Shifu became a highly skilled master of kung fu who hoped that his first student, Tai Lung, would become the legendary Dragon Warrior. Some time after Tai Lung's betrayal, however, Shifu went on to train Tigress, Mantis, Monkey, Viper, and Crane, the Furious Five. Though these students became well-known for their heroics, none of them were selected to be the Dragon Warrior, and Shifu was outraged when Po was chosen instead. Witnessing the panda's potential and determination however, Shifu eventually came to believe in him, successfully teaching Po the skills needed for him to ultimately save the Valley of Peace. He now acts as a mentor to Po.
