Ultimate One Piece Garp Students Ranked Guide (March 2026)
Who are the strongest students trained by Monkey D. Garp in One Piece? Garp’s students include some of the most powerful characters in the series, ranging from Marine captains to former admirals, each having learned from the legendary “Hero of the Marines” himself. The ranking from strongest to weakest: 1. Kuzan (Former Admiral), 2. Monkey D. Dragon (Revolutionary Leader), 3. Monkey D. Luffy (Yonko), 4. Portgas D. Ace (Former Whitebeard Commander), 5. Koby (Marine Captain), 6. Helmeppo (Lieutenant Commander).
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my analysis of every single one of Garp’s students, ranking them from weakest to strongest based on their current abilities, achievements, and the impact of Garp’s brutal training methods. Having watched One Piece since the East Blue saga and following every manga chapter, I’ve witnessed these characters grow from rookies into powerhouses.
| Student Rank | Current Position | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Top Tier | Former Admiral/Yonko Commander | World-changing power |
| High Tier | Revolutionary/Pirate King Level | Global influence |
| Mid Tier | Marine Officers | Rapid advancement |
Garp’s Legendary Training Methods
Before diving into the rankings, I need to explain why Garp’s students are so ridiculously strong. Having seen the training flashbacks throughout the series, Garp’s methods are absolutely insane – and that’s exactly why they work.
The Battleship Bag Training
Garp’s signature training involves punching battleship hulls with bare fists – no Haki, no Devil Fruit powers, just pure physical strength. When I first saw Koby and Helmeppo doing this in the Diary of Koby-Meppo cover story, I thought it was impossible. But that’s exactly the point. Garp pushes his students beyond human limits, forcing their bodies to adapt or break.
This training method has produced results that speak for themselves. Every single one of Garp’s students has developed extraordinary physical strength, even those who later gained Devil Fruit powers. It’s this foundation that sets them apart from other powerful characters in the series, as demonstrated by characters who rely purely on Haki mastery over Devil Fruit abilities.
Mental Fortitude Development
Beyond physical training, Garp instills an unbreakable will in his students. I’ve noticed that whether they remained Marines or became pirates, all of Garp’s students share this trait – they never give up, no matter the odds. This mental conditioning is perhaps even more valuable than the physical training.
Complete Ranking: From Weakest to Strongest
Now let’s get to the main event – ranking all of Garp’s students based on their current power levels in March 2026. I’m including everyone who received significant training from Garp, whether they stayed Marines or chose different paths.
6. Helmeppo – The Rapid Riser
Starting from the absolute bottom as a spoiled brat in Shells Town, Helmeppo has undergone the most dramatic transformation of any Garp student. Currently holding the rank of Lieutenant Commander and serving as a SWORD member, he’s come incredibly far from his cowardly beginnings.
What impresses me most about Helmeppo is his dedication. Unlike Koby who had natural determination, Helmeppo had to build his resolve from scratch. His mastery of dual kukri knives and developing Observation Haki shows real combat prowess. In the recent Hachinosu incident where they attempted to rescue Koby, Helmeppo showed he’s willing to risk everything for his comrades.
However, compared to Garp’s other students, Helmeppo still lacks the raw power and advanced Haki mastery that defines the higher ranks. He’s strong for a Marine officer, but in the grand scheme of One Piece power scaling, he’s still growing.
5. Koby – The Future Admiral
Koby’s placement might surprise some readers, but hear me out. While Koby has shown tremendous growth and possesses abilities remarkably similar to Garp himself, he’s still not at the level of Garp’s more experienced students. As a Marine Captain and SWORD member, Koby represents the future of Marine justice.
I’ve watched Koby evolve from a cabin boy on Alvida’s ship to someone who can use advanced Observation Haki (demonstrated at Marineford) and the devastating Honesty Impact technique – a move directly inherited from Garp. His recent performance at Hachinosu, where he destroyed a giant arm with a technique reminiscent of Garp’s Galaxy Impact, proves he’s rapidly approaching top-tier status.
What holds Koby back in this ranking is experience and the full mastery of advanced Haki forms. He’s incredibly strong for his age and rank, but when compared to former admirals and Yonko-level threats that Garp also trained, he’s not quite there yet. Give him another time skip, and I guarantee Koby will climb this list significantly.
4. Portgas D. Ace – The Fire Fist
This ranking might be controversial since Ace is deceased, but based on his peak abilities, he deserves this spot. Ace was trained by Garp from early childhood alongside Luffy, receiving the same brutal physical conditioning that created monsters.
Ace became the 2nd Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates and possessed the Mera Mera no Mi, making him one of the strongest Logia users of his generation. His Conqueror’s Haki (confirmed in the novels), combined with his Devil Fruit mastery and the physical foundation from Garp’s training, made him a genuine New World threat.
I rank Ace here because while incredibly powerful, he never reached his full potential. His defeat by Blackbeard and death at Marineford showed he still had room to grow. Had he lived and continued developing like other legendary pirates in their prime, he would have climbed higher on this list.
3. Monkey D. Luffy – The Fifth Emperor
Yes, Luffy counts as one of Garp’s students. The Fist of Love wasn’t just abuse – it was training! Garp personally oversaw Luffy’s early development before leaving him with Dadan, and those foundational years created the physical monster we see today.
Currently, Luffy has achieved what seemed impossible – he’s become a Yonko, awakened his Devil Fruit revealing it as the mythical Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, and mastered all three forms of advanced Haki. His Gear Fifth transformation puts him among the absolute strongest characters in the entire series.
I place Luffy at third because while he’s incredibly powerful, the top two students have even more experience and have shaped the world on a larger scale. Luffy’s journey to become Pirate King isn’t complete yet, and recent developments in the manga suggest he still has room to grow.
What’s fascinating is how Luffy embodies Garp’s training philosophy perfectly – incredible physical strength, unbreakable will, and the ability to push beyond limits when protecting others. The grandfather’s influence is clear in the grandson’s fighting style.
2. Monkey D. Dragon – The Revolutionary
Dragon’s exact training under Garp isn’t fully shown, but as Garp’s son and a former Marine, he undoubtedly received the full treatment. Currently the World’s Most Wanted Man and leader of the Revolutionary Army, Dragon represents perhaps Garp’s greatest “failure” from the Marine perspective.
The fact that Dragon commands respect from former Marine Admirals like Kuma and has been actively toppling World Government-affiliated nations for decades speaks to his power. His still-mysterious Devil Fruit abilities (likely weather-related based on Loguetown) combined with confirmed Conqueror’s Haki and the physical training from Garp make him a monster.
I rank Dragon second because his influence and implied power level are world-shaking. The World Government considers him their greatest threat – above even the Yonko. That’s not a title you earn without being absurdly powerful. My theory is that Dragon possesses abilities we haven’t fully seen yet, potentially including advanced forms of Haki that even surpass what we’ve witnessed from top-tier characters.
1. Kuzan (Aokiji) – The Former Admiral
The strongest of Garp’s students is undoubtedly Kuzan. As a former Marine Admiral who fought Akainu for ten days straight at Punk Hazard, Kuzan represents the absolute peak of what Garp’s training can produce when combined with a Logia Devil Fruit.
Currently serving under Blackbeard as the Titanic Captain of the Tenth Ship, Kuzan’s defection shocked me when I first read it. But his power remains undeniable. The Hie Hie no Mi gives him complete ice control, but it’s his physical stats, Haki mastery, and combat experience that make him truly terrifying.
What sets Kuzan apart is his complete mastery of every combat aspect. He has the physical strength from Garp’s training (casually matching Garp’s punches in recent chapters), Devil Fruit awakening (permanently changing Punk Hazard’s climate), and all forms of advanced Haki. His battle with Akainu, lasting ten days, is the longest confirmed fight in One Piece history.
Recent chapters showing Kuzan’s confrontation with Garp at Hachinosu demonstrated he’s surpassed his mentor in raw combat ability, though Garp’s age is certainly a factor. The emotional weight of student versus teacher made those chapters some of the most impactful I’ve read in the series.
The Impact of Garp’s Training on the One Piece World
Looking at this list, I’m struck by how Garp’s students have shaped the entire One Piece world. From Revolutionary leaders to Marine officers to pirates, they’re all major players in the current era. It’s ironic that the “Hero of the Marines” has produced more high-level threats to the World Government than loyal soldiers.
The SWORD Connection
Interestingly, the Marines who remained loyal (Koby and Helmeppo) are both SWORD members – the secret Marine unit that operates independently. This suggests Garp’s influence extends to reshaping Marine justice from within, creating officers who think beyond blind obedience.
Having analyzed how strong figures inspire the next generation, Garp’s legacy through his students is perhaps the most significant in the series.
Current Story Implications
With Garp currently captured after the Hachinosu incident, his students are positioned to play major roles in upcoming arcs. Koby’s rescue and awakening of Conqueror’s Haki, Kuzan’s mysterious motivations with Blackbeard, and the Revolutionary Army’s increasing activity all tie back to Garp’s influence.
Why Garp’s Students Dominate
After analyzing each student, it’s clear why they’re so powerful. Garp’s training creates three crucial advantages:
Physical Foundation: Every student has superhuman strength and endurance, even without Devil Fruits. This base level exceeds most New World pirates.
Haki Development: Garp’s students consistently develop powerful Haki, with multiple confirmed Conqueror’s Haki users. This isn’t coincidence – Garp’s training brings out latent potential.
Unbreakable Will: Whether Marine or pirate, all share incredible determination. They don’t quit, they don’t compromise their beliefs, and they’ll face any opponent regardless of power difference.
Future Power Scaling
Looking ahead, I expect significant changes to this ranking. Koby’s rapid growth suggests he’ll reach Admiral level within the story’s timeline. His Conqueror’s Haki awakening and mastery of Garp’s techniques put him on a trajectory toward the series’ top tier.
If Dragon finally reveals his full power in the Revolutionary Army’s final push, we might see abilities that reshape our understanding of One Piece’s power ceiling. Similarly, Kuzan’s role in Blackbeard’s crew remains mysterious – is he truly loyal, or following his own justice?
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Sengoku train under Garp?
No, Sengoku was Garp’s peer and friend, not his student. They joined the Marines around the same time and rose through the ranks together. Sengoku actually outranked Garp for most of their careers.
Is Smoker one of Garp’s students?
Despite similarities in their justice philosophy, Smoker isn’t confirmed as Garp’s student. He trained at Marine headquarters but under different instructors. The confusion comes from their similar attitudes toward pirates and justice.
Why didn’t Garp teach his students Rokushiki?
Garp’s training philosophy focuses on raw strength and Haki rather than specialized techniques. While Rokushiki is powerful, Garp believes in developing natural abilities to their absolute limit. Interestingly, Koby did learn Soru (Shave) independently, showing these techniques can complement Garp’s training.
Could current Koby beat young Garp?
Based on feats, young Garp was already destroying mountains and fighting Rocks D. Xebec. While Koby has shown impressive growth, he hasn’t reached that level yet. However, Koby’s trajectory suggests he might eventually surpass even prime Garp.
Why do most of Garp’s students leave the Marines?
This pattern reflects Garp’s own complicated relationship with Marine justice. He teaches his students to think independently and follow their own moral compass. When that compass conflicts with Marine orders, they choose their own path – just as Garp himself refused promotion to Admiral to maintain his freedom.
Conclusion: Garp’s Enduring Legacy
Ranking Garp’s students from weakest to strongest reveals the incredible impact one man’s training philosophy has had on the One Piece world. From Helmeppo’s ongoing development to Kuzan’s Admiral-level power, each student represents a different path shaped by Garp’s foundational training.
What impresses me most after this analysis is the diversity of paths these students have taken. Marines, pirates, revolutionaries – all carrying Garp’s strength and will into their chosen roles. As we approach One Piece’s final saga, these characters will undoubtedly play crucial roles in determining the world’s future.
The irony that the “Hero of the Marines” created more threats than allies to the World Government perfectly encapsulates One Piece’s complex morality. Garp didn’t train soldiers – he trained individuals strong enough to change the world, regardless of which flag they fly.
For more One Piece content analysis and character guides, explore our comprehensive coverage of underutilized characters who deserve more spotlight and discover the most inspiring character development arcs in the series.