Bruno

Bruno (Japanese: シバ Shiba) is a Fighting-type Pokémon Master, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest Pokémon Trainers in Kanto or Johto. Bruno is a very large, heavily muscled man.

His English name means "brown haired", but it was probably chosen because it's similar to the word "brawn", or due to being a stereotypical 'strong man' name.

In the Anime

While Ash was preparing for the Pokémon League in Kanto, he found out that Bruno was training in the mountains near Pallet Town.

Brock was enthusiastic about meeting Bruno, so they took Misty and headed towards the mountains. In the local mountains, it was known that Onix grew much larger than usual.

After Bruno saved them from one of the giant Onix, Ash and Brocked begged for Bruno to take them on as students. Bruno aggreed, as long as Ash and Brock would do anything he said.

Bruno had them chop wood, carry water, and carve chopsticks - amongst other chores. Misty began to suspect that Bruno was a phoney.

Brock decided to prove how amazing Bruno was by surprising him with a sneak attack. He assumed that Bruno's reflexes would be so amazing, he'd stop Brock with ease.

Brock nearly ended up knocking Bruno unconscious. Bruno admitted that he didn't know any secret techniques on how to train Pokémon and just wanted to have someone to do chores for him.

Later, the kids were again chased by a giant Onix. Bruno calmed the giant Pokémon, and it decided to join Bruno's team. Bruno then said that the only true secret behind Pokémon training is that trainers and their Pokémon should care for each other.

Bruno has amazing physical power and agility in the anime, and appears capable of using them with almost superhuman expertise.

Pokémon

This listing is for Bruno's Pokémon in the Pokémon anime.

• Onix (Giant)
• Onix
• Hitmonchan
• Nidorino

In the Games

Bruno is a member of the Elite Four. He raises Fighting-type Pokémon, living with them and training with them. He joined the Elite Four out of a desire to challenge the best trainers.

Bruno regularly visits the Sevii Islands. He and his Pokémon use the spa on Knot Island, and he visits Boon Island to buy Rage Candybars.

Brawly is a former training partner of Bruno's.

In Pokémon Silver, Pokémon Crystal, and Pokémon Gold, Bruno continues to be a member of the Elite Four

Pokémon

This listing is for Bruno's Pokémon in the video games in which he has appeared.

Pokémon Red/Pokémon Green/Pokémon Blue/Pokémon Yellow

• Level 53 Onix
• Level 55 Hitmonchan
• Level 55 Hitmonlee
• Level 56 Onix
• Level 68 Machamp

Pokémon FireRed/Pokémon LeafGreen

First Battle

• Level 51 Onix
• Level 53 Hitmonchan
• Level 53 Hitmonlee
• Level 54 Onix
• Level 56 Machamp

Second Battle

• Level 65 Steelix
• Level 65 Hitmonchan
• Level 65 Hitmonlee
• Level 66 Steelix
• Level 68 Machamp

Pokémon Gold/Pokémon Silver/Pokémon Crystal

• Level 42 Hitmontop
• Level 42 Hitmonchan
• Level 42 Hitmonlee
• Level 43 Onix
• Level 46 Machamp

Pokémon Stadium

• Round 1 Pokémon
  • Onix
  • Hitmonchan
  • Hitmonlee
  • Machamp
  • Golem
  • Rhydon

• Round 2 Pokémon
  • Clefable
  • Muk
  • Hitmonlee
  • Machamp
  • Slowbro
  • Rhydon

Pokémon Stadium 2

• Round 1 Pokémon
  • Blastoise
  • Machamp
  • Golem
  • Onix
  • Kangaskhan
  • Heracross

• Round 2 Pokémon
  • Primeape
  • Machamp
  • Golem
  • Exeggutor
  • Granbull
  • Ursaring

In the Pokémon Special Manga

In the Pokémon Special manga, Bruno was primarily a villain. He challenged Red to a Pokémon battle in a remote area. He then offered a position on the Elite Four to Red, but Red refused so Lorelei froze him.

Later, the Elite Four tried to wipe out most of humanity from Cerise Island. Bill, Lt. Surge, and Red teamed up to defeat Bruno.

It was later revealed that Bruno was an unwilling member. Agatha used the mind controlling abilities of her Ghost-type Pokémon to force Bruno to join.

Without any place to go, Bruno formed a new version of the Elite Four in Johto, with three other ex-members of criminal organizations: Will, Karen, and Koga.

Bruno attatches his Poké Balls to the ends of a set of nunchuck. The force of him using the weapon causes his Pokémon to be released at high speeds, giving him the advantage in battles.

Pokémon

This listing is for Bruno's Pokémon in the Pokémon Special manga.

• Onix
• Hitmonlee
• Hitmonchan
• Machamp
• Tyrogue
• Machop

In the TCG

Unknown

Pokémon

This listing is for Bruno's Pokémon in the Pokémon TCG.

• Machamp
• Hitmonlee
• Hitmonchan
• Steelix
• Ursaring
• Hitmontop

Misc

Bruno's design was changed somewhat from Generation I in Generation II. He is larger, and his hair is darker and longer. It's possible this was altered due to many fans getting him confused with Brock.