Top 10 Must-See Martial Arts Anime You Shouldn't Miss

Kengan Ashura (The Ashura Fighter) is set in a fictional modern world where business tycoons hire fighters to participate in a no-weapons tournament called Kengan. The winner gains control of the global economy.

Yamashita Kazuo, a 56-year-old employee at the Nogi Corporation, and Tokita 'Ashura' Ohma, a super-strong fighter discovered by the company’s CEO, are selected to compete in the Kengan tournament. Here, they face the strongest opponents, where even the smallest mistake could cost them their lives.

DETAILS:

Genre: Martial Arts

Studio: Larx Entertainment

Release Date: July 31, 2019

Episodes: 24

Duration: 24 minutes per episode

If you're a martial arts enthusiast, the anime Hinomaru Zumou, which tells the story of a small yet determined boy's dream of becoming a sumo wrestler, is a perfect choice. The story follows Hinomaru Zumou, a first-year high school student with a small stature but extraordinary strength. Despite his size, Hinomaru is determined to join the sumo club and help it grow from its humble beginnings.

Upon entering Oodachi High, Hinomaru meets Ouzeki, a chubby student who is the only member of the school's sumo club. Due to the common belief that sumo requires immense size, the club is practically deserted. Hinomaru faces disdain from other clubs and the ridicule of his peers, but when the sumo club's training room is overtaken by a gang of bullies, Hinomaru uses his sumo skills to defeat the leader, reclaim the space, and earn the respect of the school for sumo.

DETAILS:

Genre: Martial Arts, Sports
Studio: Gonzo
Release Date: October 5, 2018
Episodes: 24
Duration: 24 minutes per episode

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is a Japanese anime series produced by David Production. Based on the manga by Hirohiko Araki, it follows the mysterious adventures of the Joestar family across generations, from the late 19th century to modern times. The series first aired on Tokyo MX before being broadcast on JNN, BS11, and Animax.

The story revolves around the members of the Joestar family, who bear a star-shaped birthmark that grants them the ability to transform their spiritual power into a unique form of superhuman strength. They are tasked with eliminating the members of an ancient vampire race. Known for its dynamic fight scenes, the show also became a sensation in the anime community thanks to its striking and unconventional character designs.

DETAILS:

Genre: Adventure, Action
Studio: David Production
Release Date: October 6, 2012
Episodes: 152
Duration: 24 minutes per episode

Katanagatari follows Shichika Yasuri, a swordsman who fights without a sword (kyotouryuu, the swordless style), and Togame, a young and ambitious strategist aiming to collect 12 legendary swords for the Shogunate. Shichika, the son of an exiled war hero and the seventh generation master of Kyotouryuu, lives on the isolated Fushou Island with his sister, Nanami.

One day, Togame approaches him with a proposal to help her gather the 12 swords. She believes that since Shichika doesn't rely on a sword, he won't be corrupted by the power they possess. Together, they embark on a journey across Japan, encountering enemies with the same goal.

DETAILS:

Genre: Martial Arts, Romance
Studio: White Fox
Release Date: January 25, 2010
Episodes: 12
Duration: 24 minutes per episode

Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple is an anime series based on the manga by Matsuena Syun. The story follows 15-year-old Shirahama Kenichi, a weak, small, and timid high school student who is constantly bullied and belittled by his peers. However, his life takes a positive turn when he meets Furinji Miu, a strong, kind-hearted girl who helps and respects others.

Encouraged by Miu, Kenichi joins the Ryozanpaku dojo, where Miu’s grandfather serves as the master. Determined to stand up to his bullies and protect others, Kenichi undergoes intense training and gradually hones his martial arts skills, defeating increasingly formidable opponents.

DETAILS:

Genre: Martial Arts, Comedy, Romance
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Release Date: October 7, 2006
Episodes: 50
Duration: 24 minutes per episode

Directed by Hayato Date and produced by Studio Pierrot along with TV Tokyo, the anime series Naruto premiered its first episode on October 3, 2002, and ran for a total of 220 episodes, concluding on February 8, 2007.

Naruto follows the incredible journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young boy who is shunned by his village because of the Nine-Tails Fox sealed inside him. Over time, Naruto rises to become the greatest ninja, earning the respect and admiration of everyone. The series is renowned for its high-intensity martial arts action and the unique techniques of its protagonist, such as the Shadow Clone Jutsu and teleportation, making it a legendary anime that left a lasting impact on fans worldwide.

DETAILS:

Genre: Adventure, Action, Martial Arts
Studio: Pierrot
Release Date: October 3, 2002
Episodes: 220
Duration: 23 minutes per episode

Hajime no Ippo is an anime based on the manga of the same name by George Morikawa. Premiering in 2000, it was produced by Madhouse Studios and is widely considered one of the most iconic sports anime, especially in the genre of boxing.

The series follows Ippo Makunouchi, a shy and weak young man, on his journey from an ordinary life to becoming a legendary boxer. Ippo begins his training and competitive career in boxing with the help of Mamoru Takamura, a famous boxer. Throughout his career, Ippo faces numerous battles, showcasing his growing skills as he climbs the ranks to reach greatness.

DETAILS:
Genre: Martial Arts, Comedy
Studio: Madhouse
Release Date: October 4, 2000
Episodes: 76
Duration: 24 minutes per episode

Baki is one of Japan's most iconic action and martial arts anime. The story follows Baki, a young boy raised and trained in martial arts by his wealthy mother, Akezawa Emi. She hopes he will become a powerful warrior capable of rivaling his father, Hanma Yujiro. To achieve strength, Baki rejects traditional training methods and chooses to endure the harsh regimen his father once went through.

After facing powerful opponents in battle, Baki challenges his father, only to suffer a crushing defeat. Undeterred, Baki travels the world to train, and many years later, he stumbles upon an underground martial arts arena beneath Tokyo. Here, he encounters the strongest fighters, each skilled in different styles, and continues his journey to hone his martial arts skills.

DETAILS:
Genre: Martial Arts
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Release Date: June 25, 2018
Episodes: 39
Duration: 24 minutes per episode

Tenjou Tenge - Heaven's Above, Heaven's Below follows the extraordinary stories of students at Toudou Academy, an institution unlike any other high school. Known for its rebellious students and gang-like atmosphere, Toudou encourages physical confrontations to settle disputes. The school also attracts individuals with extraordinary powers, such as shape-shifting, flying, and invisibility. When two new students, Nagi Souichiro and Makihara Bob, enter the school, they mistakenly think they are the strongest. Their first goal is to take down anyone who challenges them. However, they quickly learn they are out of their depth.

One day, they encounter Natsume Maya, a seemingly innocent girl, and try to intimidate her. But Maya effortlessly uses her powers to neutralize the pair with ease. Souichiro's dream of becoming the school's top dog is crushed when he faces Masataka Takayanagi and Maya Natsume, who easily overpower the newcomers. Rather than stopping their aggression, the defeat only fuels their competitive spirit. Who are the strange and powerful fighters at Toudou Academy? Is anyone stronger than Masataka and Maya? And why is Maya's younger sister so intrigued by Souichiro? Discover the answers and more in Tenjou Tenge!

DETAILS:
Genre: Martial Arts, Adventure
Studio: Madhouse
Release Date: April 1, 2004
Episodes: 24
Duration: 24 minutes per episode

Sengoku Basara is set in Japan's Sengoku period, where powerful warlords and high-ranking generals are fighting for dominance over the country. The story focuses on the threat posed by Oda Nobunaga, the 'Demon King of Owari.' Young warlords Date Masamune and Sanada Yukimura, hailing from rival domains, become bitter enemies but are forced to form an uneasy alliance with other warriors to defeat Nobunaga. The first season revolves around the characters' introductions and their battle against Nobunaga, who seeks to conquer all of Japan and will destroy anyone, even his allies, to achieve his goal. Ultimately, the plot ends with Nobunaga's defeat at the hands of Masamune and Yukimura.

The second season introduces Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who aims to unify Japan, though in contrast to historical accounts, he is not related to the Oda clan. Hideyoshi is eventually wiped out, bringing the first arc to a close. The anime concludes with Japan descending into chaos once again as Ishida Mitsunari, a former servant of Hideyoshi, unleashes his wrath on the nation, seeking vengeance for his fallen master, while other warlords vie for peace. Masamune and Yukimura must fight against Mitsunari to restore order as dark forces work behind the scenes.

DETAILS:

Genre: Action, Martial Arts
Studio: Production I.G
Release Date: July 11, 2010
Episodes: 12
Duration: 24 minutes per episode