Fans of anime who are passionate about the genre will likely recall certain series with incredible fight scenes. Whether it involves transformations, power boosts, or flashy moves, some anime, especially shonen anime, are known for their unforgettable battles. Yet, only a few anime truly shine in terms of their martial arts sequences. Unlike typical shounen and action anime, martial arts anime prioritize both fluid motion and real-world applicability. These shows often feature realistic fight scenes that leave a lasting impact. So, which martial arts anime are considered the best martial arts anime of all time?
Let’s scroll down to get details about this list!
1/ Yawara!
Yawara! breaks the mold in the martial arts anime genre by featuring a female protagonist, Yawara Inokuma, who defies expectations with her exceptional talent in Judo. Despite her desire for a normal high school life, her grandfather, Jigorou Inokuma, pushes her to excel in the world of martial arts. Yawara! offers a realistic portrayal of Judo and also serves as a touching coming-of-age story, chronicling Yawara’s journey towards self-acceptance, introspection, and love.
2/ Bamboo Blade
Bamboo Blade is a delightful combination of martial arts sports and a charming school comedy, depicting the journey of an inexperienced high school Kendo club as they prepare for a competition among female students. While Kendo is not as widely featured in martial arts anime as boxing or karate, Bamboo Blade succeeds in captivating the audience’s interest in this unique sport within just 26 episodes.
The Kendo club members vary from the talented Tama-chan to beginners like Sayako, offering a diverse and engaging cast that enables viewers to learn more about this captivating martial art alongside the characters.
3/ Grappler Baki
Grappler Baki stands out as one of the best martial arts anime of all time, portraying a brutal, intense, and captivating homage to combat. The storyline revolves around teenage fighter Baki Hanma’s gradual ascent to the pinnacle of an underground fighting arena called Kourakuen, a ruthless sanctuary for the most determined and rebellious grapplers. The fighters of Kourakuen do not engage in battles for material gain or authority; their sole motivation is the chance to etch their name into the annals of combatants. The MMA-inspired fights in Grappler Baki are intense and merciless, with each combatant pouring their heart and soul into vanquishing their adversaries in the most savage manner possible.
4/ Naruto
In the vein of traditional shonen action series, many of Naruto’s battles showcase extravagant superpowers and high-stakes confrontations. Nevertheless, the early episodes of Naruto are predominantly characterized by strategic one-on-one combat techniques influenced by Aikido, Kickboxing, Taekwondo, and Kung Fu. When crafting unique fighting styles for each character in the series, Masashi Kishimoto dedicated significant time to studying real-world martial arts. This commitment lends an authentic and diverse quality to the fights in the series. Surprisingly, despite being a fantasy anime, Naruto remains committed to grounding its combat in realism, resulting in a captivating blend of tactical fighting and supernatural elements.
5/ Dragon Ball
The captivating essence of Dragon Ball’s plot did not hinder Son Goku’s journey from evolving into an outstanding martial arts anime, all due to the series’ astute integration of Ki manipulation techniques into real-world combat styles. The combat forms in Dragon Ball are influenced by Judo, Karate, American Kickboxing, and Goku’s favored martial art, Kung Fu.
Martial arts hold significant importance within the Dragon Ball universe, with numerous martial arts schools existing on Earth and a World Martial Arts Tournament taking place every three years. Battles in Dragon Ball can range from grand, world-altering clashes to intimate displays of skill and technique, which is what makes them truly breathtaking.
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