Ash Ketchum, has officially established himself as a Pokémon Master after winning the Manalo Conference in the Alola League and then the Masters Eight Tournament. With these accolades, Ash proved to be elite. However, throughout his twenty-five year-run as a ten-year-old boy, Ash has already proven himself to be one of the best Pokémon trainers out there, and here’s why!
As a young boy, Ash has developed a growth mindset attitude and is always open to learning about Pokémon. Yes, the tournaments aided in his strategic and technical battle skills; however, obstacles and personal friendships with Pokémon and others allowed his Pokémon trainer role to flourish.
The Friends and “Enemies” Ash Met Influenced Him
In every episode, Ash and his friends had to deal with Team Rocket’s attempts to capture his Pikachu. One can assume that Ash has raised his Pikachu well, and that’s why Team Rocket wants his Pikachu. Even though Ash never evolved Pikachu to Raichu, Ash’s Pikachu is quite powerful due to winning numerous battles. By dealing with Team Rocket, Ash gains battle experience, which helps Ash in his Pokémon training. His Pokémon has ample opportunities to practice new skills and attacks by having Team Rocket as test dummies.
Aside from Team Rocket, Ash’s traveling companions contributed to Ash’s growth as a Pokémon Trainer. For example, Ash’s friend, Brock (also known as Takeshi), a former Gym Leader of Pewter City and a Pokémon breeder, helped Ash raise his Pokémon. Brock taught Ash about nutrition for Pokémon and a regime to curate specific traits and skills into a Pokémon.
Ash also had an opportunity to learn about the role of a Pokémon Coordinator through his traveling companion, May. A coordinator competes in “beauty pageant-like” contests, feeding their Pokémon snacks to strengthen their appearances or teach them specific moves for aesthetic appeal. Ash saw a different side of the world of Pokémon. Ash learned to care for the well-being of his Pokémon in a more fun and brighter way.
Love & Patience Are Qualities of a Great Pokémon Trainer
Furthermore, Ash has shown a strong love and devotion towards his Pokémon. In Pokémon: The First Movie, Ash selflessly stops the fighting between Mew and Mewtwo, resulting in his body becoming petrified after being struck by psychic blasts. Mewtwo acknowledges Ash’s noble efforts and decides not to cause any more destruction. In this scene, Ash shows empathy toward Pokémon, proving that he is willing to sacrifice himself for his vision of a peaceful world between Pokémon and humans.
As a trainer, Ash has a strong sense of patience when caring for his Pokémon. One of the most challenging Pokémon that Ash trained was Charizard. When Chameleon evolved to Charizard, Charizard was quite disobedient. Yet even though it was challenging to train Charizard, Ash never gave up. In Episode 105, “Charizard Chills,” Ash finally earns Charizard’s trust. When Tad’s Poliwrath freezes Ash’s Charizard with an ice beam, Ash nurses Charizard back to health. While caring for Charizard, Ash humbly admits that he isn’t the best trainer but hopes one day they can battle alongside each other. Unknowingly, Charizard listens to Ash’s confession and starts to trust him. Charizard is one of Ash’s most challenging Pokémon to train, but through this experience, Ash learned to be understanding with Charizard. This experience increased Ash’s confidence in training other Pokémon with edgy personalities.
Being a Pokémon Trainer requires more than just winning tournaments. A Pokémon Trainer must be patient and understanding when raising Pokémon, and those qualities are developed through overcoming obstacles and bonding experiences. Ash’s love for Pokémon and willingness to learn and grow made him a great Pokémon Trainer.
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