Izumi Curtis

Izumi Curtis is a major supporting character in the Fullmetal Alchemist anime (both the 2003 series and the 2009 Brotherhood adaptation, though Brotherhood is more faithful to the manga). She is the master alchemist who trained Edward and Alphonse Elric in their youth.

In the anime, Izumi is portrayed as a short, muscular, middle-aged woman with dark brown hair (often tied back), sharp brown eyes, and a commanding, intimidating presence. She has a distinctive scar across her chest (hidden under her clothing) from a failed human transmutation attempt years earlier.

She is a strict, no-nonsense, and extremely powerful alchemist who teaches the brothers the core principles of alchemy (including the taboo of human transmutation) through brutal, hands-on training. Her signature style is alchemy without transmutation circles—using only hand claps—showing her mastery.

Personality-wise, Izumi is tough, intimidating, and often terrifying (she frequently punches or throws her students when they mess up), but she is deeply caring and maternal toward Edward and Alphonse. She runs a butcher shop with her husband Sig Curtis, and despite her fearsome exterior, she has a softer, more vulnerable side tied to her past trauma (she lost her unborn child in a transmutation attempt).

She is voiced by Miki Itō (2003) and Yūko Satō (2009 Brotherhood) in Japanese, and Christine M. Auten (2003) and Colleen Clinkenbeard (2009) in English. She's one of the most respected and feared teachers in the series, known for her strength, wisdom, and emotional depth.