Top 10 Anime Martial Arts

“Ranma ½” (1989)

We may be cheating a little with this one, but we can’t deny that ‘Anything Goes’ is an entertaining form of Martial Arts. Combining all sorts of styles and techniques it goes without saying this style of fighting is highly unorthodox. Yet, despite the seemingly sporadic nature, it is extremely useful - preaching its philosophy of quick adaptation, using whatever works, and forgetting what doesn’t. Of course, it isn’t just the tools and techniques, but making use of the environment as well, and Ranma is quick to take on these teachings.

“One Piece” (1999-)

Karate is a martial art everybodys heard of, but what about the Fishman’s version? Most commonly used by Jinbe, this fighting style was developed by powerful fishmen for use primarily underwater. While this may sound pretty useless on land, it is quite the fearsome style -using any form of water available, from that in a living being’s body, to the very vapor in the air. Through this manipulation, immense force is directed, creating insanely powerful blows even against the toughest of foes. If only dojos in real life could teach this.

“Katanagatari” (2010)

A swordsman without a sword; what may sound improbable to some is normal for the Yasuri bloodline. Incapable of using swords, the Yasuri family developed the fighting style known as Kyotouryuu, allowing them to use their body in a sword-fighting style - able to slice, thrust, and slash through opponents. Of course, this isn’t an easy technique to master, as Shichika was taught it to become a living weapon - developing enhanced strength and speed, the martial art hones the user to become faster than any swordsman, and their strikes even deadlier.

“Yu Yu Hakusho” (1992-94)

Mastering even a single martial art can be tough, but mastering all arts is astonishing to say the least. For Shinobu Sensui though, he managed to accomplish such a feat relatively easily, unlocking a new fighting style known as Resshūken. A form of kickboxing, the martial art style focuses on extremely powerful kicks, while using the arms as a defense. If the footwork wasn’t intimidating enough with it’s high speed and damage, adding spirit energy is enough to give even the toughest Spirit Detective a run for his money.

“Gundam Build Fighters Try” (2014-15)

Gundams may be able to wield fire-arms, but that doesn’t mean they’re a stranger to getting up-close and personal. A new up-and-comer, Sekai uses his school of martial arts known as Jigen Haoh; honed well before he became a pilot, the school focused on fast decisive strikes, using any and all parts of the body to deal devastating blows. When used in a Gunpla, the school is amped up to 11 -pulling of fantastical techniques, matching the fiery fighting style… quite literally.

“One Punch Man” (2015-)

While we may know Saitama for his single punch death blows, he never really gave a name to his style -and he isn’t the only super strong hero in the association. Bang may seem to be getting on with his old age, but thanks to his martial art style, Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist -whew that’s a long name, he is one badass grandpa. Despite its ridiculous title, it is very similar to Tai chi - focusing on balance and counter attacks, while utilizing extreme force. Best described by Bang, the user acts like a calm stream, moving between enemies to strike like a raging river.

“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” (2012-2016)

When faced with a creature of the night, what is a JoJo to do when the sun won’t come out? Why not bring the sun to them -in the form of Hamon, of course. Part of the ancient Tibetan martial art of Sendo, the style focuses on the control of one’s breathing above all else -granting control over objects, healing arts, and the ability to infuse the power of the sun into fistful blows. Made originally for fighting against the near immortal pillar-men, it works pretty damn well against both the undead and vampires too.

“One Piece” (1999-)

Any good chef knows not to get their hands dirty, and as a pirate chef, this can be tough to accomplish… unless you’re Sanji. Chain smoking and womanizer aside, Sanji keeps blood out of the cooking pot with his leg only fighting style -moving around like a professional acrobat, while delivering kicks that could send the average man flying high up into the sky, and even match against swords. If the opponent is too tough though, Sanji can turn up the heat with his Diable Jambe -setting his legs on fire to add some crispy burns to his enemies.

“Naruto” (2002-17)

The simplest form of combat for Ninjas, Taijutsu requires no hand signs or chakra to perform even the most devastating of blows. While Taijutsu moves are fairly basic, they offer a wide variety of move sets -from basic hand-to-hand, hitting chakra points, and more. With careful control, the use of chakra as an enhancement can make for some scary techniques, as evidenced by Sakura and Tsunade who can easily break through walls with their bare hands. Ninjutsu and Genjutsu may have their fancy looks and power, but never underestimate a ninja with Taijutsu.

“Fist of the North Star” (1984-87)

Oh come on, what else were you expecting? From the legendary fighting anime Fist of the North Star, the equally legendary technique, Hokuto Shinken, is known by all anime fans alike -thanks in part to its immense power. By hitting various pressure points, the user causes it’s target to explode in an extremely gory and bloody fashion. While this is perhaps it’s most infamous use, the martial art has also been known to be able to heal and control another’s body. It is so powerful, that there can only be one practitioner and one successor at any time -and can you blame them? After all, the ones who try to gain the power… are already dead.