Martial arts anime combines the grace of combat techniques with captivating storytelling, creating a genre that has enthralled fans for decades. The stories built around the multitude of martial arts not only showcase the physicality of the sports but also explore the mental and emotional aspects of the warriors who wield them.

From traditional techniques to intense combat sequences, these anime showcase the art of hand-to-hand combat and often feature protagonists who strive to become martial arts masters. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best martial arts anime in existence. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Hitori no Shita: The Outcast

Hitori no Shita’s origin country is not Japan whatsoever, but it doesn’t make it any less entertaining given it boasts some of the best animated martial fights in anime. Originally, Hitori no Shita is a Chinese anime that follows the misadventures of a mysterious martial artist named Chou Soran.

One day, after being attacked by a horde of zombies, Chou discovers that he possesses a very rare inborn skill which is drawing the attention of numerous dark martial arts factions to him. Eventually, he gets drawn into their world where he needs to protect himself from the many dangers that lurk in the shadows.

9. Sword Of The Stranger

Released in 2007, Sword Of The Stranger is a critically acclaimed action-adventure anime film that follows young orphan Kotaro and his dog who’re on a run after a group of assassins from the Chinese Ming Dynasty attacks them. However, things take a turn when they meet an unknown Ronin named Nanashi.

Haunted by his past, Nanashi had earlier forbidden to withdraw his sword again in his life, but destiny puts him on the same path where he left off, and this time he vows to protect the two at any cost. Sword of the Stranger offers a cinematic experience with its fluid fighting sequences that stay with you forever.

8. Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z is the most influential anime by Toei Animation that is still regarded as the epitome of demonstrating hand-to-hand martial arts fights with high intensity. Whether it’s Goku or other mortal warriors of the Saiyan race, they’re all well-trained in martial arts skills and use them in sync with their ki energy to bring out the best.

The Dragon Ball anime series is originally about the adventures of Goku, a young Saiyan who trains in martial arts and searches for the seven Dragon Balls, which can grant any wish. Along the way, Goku meets many other allies and together they prevent the Earth from being conquered.

7. God Of High School

The God of High School is a South Korean anime based on the manhwa by Yongje Park. Produced in collaboration with Naver Webtoon, Crunchyroll, and Studio MAPPA, the series debuted in 2020 and was praised for its EDM soundtrack, clean-cut action sequences, and flawless fight choreography.

The series follows 17-year-old Mori Jin, who is invited to attend a martial arts tournament called “The God of High School” along with the strongest high schoolers all over Korea. Featuring the strongest individuals from all over the country, Mori Jin must prove his worth in a tournament of wild possibilities.

6. Afro Samurai

The core plot of Afro Samurai is to hold the number one headband as it is considered to be the biggest honor a warrior can have. Afro’s father, Rokutaro was number one for quite a while until his old friend, Justice showed up to take the headband which resulted in Rokutaro’s death.

Filled with a vengeance and a raging heart, Afro sets on his quest for revenge. Afro Samurai has something that most martial arts anime are unable to deliver which is – the incredible mix of Japanese and American influences that makes it a stylish yet historical series full of breathless fight scenes.

5. Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin is a historical fantasy martial arts anime that follows an Ishin assassin whose skill and brutality became near legendary in the age of restoration. One day, he vanishes without a trace, only to resurface eleven years later as a wandering swordsman, Himura Kenshin.

Now staying at a dojo and surrounded by new friends, Himura seeks to carry out his vow to protect the weak without killing to atone for the lives he’s taken. It’s not long, though, before this vow is put to the test, and the shadows of his past return to haunt him.

4. Kengan Ashura

Kengan Ashura lays down different forms of martial arts together to bring forth a thrilling storyline packed with well-choreographed 3D CGI brutal fistfights. The story of Kengan Ashura takes place in a world where corporate disputes are settled in brutal gladiator bouts known as Kengan matches.

Tokita Ohma, a mysterious young fighter who is known as the “Ashura”, and his manager Yamashita Kazuo are invited to the Kengan Annihilation Tournament in order to prove themselves and win a seat of power in the prestigious Kengan Association.

3. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple

Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple is one of its kind as unlike other martial arts anime the series brings comedic elements with it as well, but without trimming the gripping and youthful journey of the protagonist who’s on a quest to learn martial arts to stop being bullied.

Kenichi Shirahama decides to train at a dojo to become stronger and protect those he cares about. There he meets other martial arts trainers who help him to become a full-fledged warrior with each passing day. The realistic portrayal of martial arts makes Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple quite a fun watch.

2. Baki

Netflix’s original martial arts anime, Baki is based on Keisuke Itagaki’s manga and has spawned multiple sequels over the years. Lauded for its pure and brutal take on combat, the original story follows Baki Hanma who sets off to defeat his father, Yuujirou, the strongest man in the world.

To surpass his father, Baki enters into a fighting tournament where esteemed martial artists from around the world face each other in a deadly matchup. The introduction of a wide variety of martial arts techniques like karate, boxing, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu adds diversity to Baki’s over-the-top violent world.

1. Fist Of The North Star

Martial arts stories often deal with fist fights and intense duels in an arena or open space in a modern-day setting however, Fist of the North Star is oddly unique for its post-apocalyptic theme. The anime takes place in a world that has been decimated by nuclear war with only a handful of survivors left.

The series features Kenshiro, the successor to the deadly martial art “Hokuto Shinken”, who dedicates his life to fighting against the morally corrupt gangs, bandits, and warlords as well as rival martial artists to protect the defenseless and innocent from their evil jaws.

Manga recommendation: Holyland

Holyland is a martial arts-based manga that’s yet to receive an anime adaptation despite its huge success in other media forms. The story follows Yū Kamishiro, an outcast abused by his peers at school. Tired of getting beaten day after day, Kamishiro starts practicing punches from a boxing guide.

With his new knowledge, he takes to the streets, hoping to find a place for himself in the gang violence of Tokyo at night. His fighting skills progress and he begins to find his first friends, and with them a place to protect, his own “Holyland”.

Which one of the following martial arts anime is your favorite? Feel free to comment down your thoughts and make sure to recommend some other anime like the ones listed above, also don’t forget to share this article with your fellow otaku friends.

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