Ken Masters was born of an American father and a Latina mother, and into wealth, his father being a hotel tycoon in America. Because of this, Ken was somewhat spoiled, his parents worried he would remain so for the rest of his life and just leech of the Masters' fortune. Soon after when young Ken turned 12, his parents drew the line on Ken's troublemaking and decided to send him to Japan and to Gouken who was a good friend of his father's. While reluctant at first, Ken soon comes to like and embrace Gouken and his adopted son, Ryu, and together they study under Gouken on his martial art, Ansatsuken. Ryu and Ken growing up together becomes best friends, so far as to be called as brothers.