When we think of action anime, it’s easy to imagine the high-flying, energy-blasting spectacles of Dragon Ball Z or the intense weapon-based duels in Sword Art Online and Vinland Saga. These shows have their place, but for fans who crave gritty, visceral fights that rely purely on raw strength and martial arts skills, there’s a whole different world of anime waiting to be discovered. These hand-to-hand combat-focused anime may not always feature flashy powers or mystical weapons, but they make up for it with incredible choreography, emotional stakes, and plenty of bone-crushing action.
Here are seven of the best anime that showcase pure, unadulterated combat:
7. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple
From a Shrimp to a Fighting Machine
First Appearance: Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple (2006)
Kenichi starts as a timid, frequently bullied kid, but his life takes a dramatic turn when he trains under the legendary martial artists at Ryōzanpaku dojo. This series blends humor and martial arts, often with mid-2000s fanservice, but what it gets right are the fight sequences. Kenichi’s growth from an underdog to a skilled fighter is both fun and inspiring. While the show sometimes leans into over-the-top gags, it also features plenty of grounded, realistic martial arts moves that feel rewarding as Kenichi’s abilities progress.
6. The God of High School
A Mortal Fighter Who Takes on the Divine
First Appearance: The God of High School (2020)
Based on the popular Korean webcomic, The God of High School follows Jin Mori, a high schooler competing in a tournament where fighters can tap into borrowed powers from gods and mythological creatures. While many of the competitors use supernatural powers, Jin sticks to his own skillset: Re-Taekwondo. The anime’s fight scenes are fast-paced and full of jaw-dropping choreography, with heavy hits and acrobatic moves that make every battle feel like a showdown of epic proportions. Jin’s rise through the ranks, relying solely on his martial arts expertise, makes for an action-packed watch.
5. Fist of the North Star
Exploding Fists and Decimated Villains
First Appearance: Fist of the North Star (1984)
As one of the original action anime, Fist of the North Star is packed with brutal hand-to-hand combat. The protagonist, Kenshiro, fights with the ancient martial art of Hokuto Shinken, a technique so powerful it can cause opponents’ bodies to explode from within with a single touch. While the animation is dated, there’s something charming about its simplicity and raw energy. The fight choreography is iconic, especially Kenshiro’s signature Hokuto Hyakuretsuken, a multi-punch flurry that would go on to influence countless other anime heroes.
4. Kengan Ashura
Underground Fights With High Stakes
First Appearance: Kengan Ashura (2019)
Kengan Ashura takes place in the world of underground fighting tournaments, where companies hire fighters to battle it out in intense one-on-one matches. The story follows Tokita “Ashura” Ohma, a fighter who uses his incredible strength and martial arts to rise through the ranks. While the use of 3D animation in the series is divisive, it’s done well enough that the fights remain dynamic and exciting. The action is hard-hitting, with each punch and kick delivering a satisfying impact. Whether it’s a knockout blow or a grappling submission, Kengan Ashura doesn’t pull any punches.
3. Baki the Grappler
Insane Fighters, Even More Insane Fights
First Appearance: Baki the Grappler (2018)
Baki the Grappler is all about extreme, larger-than-life martial arts action. The plot centers around Baki Hanma, a young fighter training to defeat his nearly indestructible father, Yujiro Hanma. This anime is known for its over-the-top fights that defy logic, with insane feats of strength, speed, and agility. However, despite the exaggerated action, the martial arts themselves are grounded in real-life techniques, and Baki’s journey is driven by his determination to surpass his father. If you’re looking for a show with outlandish combat and psychological battles, Baki delivers in spades.
2. Megalo Box
Where Sci-Fi Boxing Feels Realer Than Ever
First Appearance: Megalo Box (2018)
While Megalo Box features fighters using mechanical exoskeletons called “Gear” to enhance their punching power, at its core, it’s a show about boxing. The series follows Junk Dog, a scrappy boxer who rises through the ranks without the help of Gear, relying on his pure strength and skill. Despite the sci-fi setting, the boxing feels raw and gritty, capturing the true emotional toll the sport takes on its fighters. The action is intense, the stakes are high, and every punch lands with a gut-wrenching realism that’s hard to ignore.
1. Hajime no Ippo
The Ultimate Boxing Anime
First Appearance: Hajime no Ippo (2000)
There’s no better example of hand-to-hand combat anime than Hajime no Ippo (also known as Fighting Spirit). The story follows Ippo Makunouchi, a shy and bullied teenager who discovers boxing as a way to stand up for himself. What makes this series stand out is its attention to detail in the boxing techniques, offering a deep dive into the sport’s mechanics. The action is thrilling and well-paced, with each fight drawing on Ippo’s growth as a boxer and his personal struggles. The anime’s portrayal of boxing isn’t just about punches—it’s about the heart, the willpower, and the intense physical and emotional toll the sport takes on its fighters. If you want a hand-to-hand combat anime that delivers both action and emotional depth, Hajime no Ippo is a must-watch.
For fans of intense, no-holds-barred combat, these anime deliver some of the best hand-to-hand action sequences in the medium. Whether you’re watching a fighter rise from nothing, or a battle between gods, these shows prove that sometimes the most thrilling fights don’t need any fancy weapons—just fists, grit, and determination.
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