When it comes to kicking butt in the anime world, there’s no one quite like martial artists. These guys go above and beyond, showing off their insane skills that even leave those fancy sword-wielding anime characters in the dust.
You see, these days, anime has taken a turn for the extreme. We’re talking eye lasers and planet-busting powers. It’s like everyone’s got some crazy ability up their sleeve. So, it’s no wonder that martial arts have taken a back seat in the anime realm. But hey, we’re not complaining! We still gobble up all the awesome anime content that comes our way. And every now and then, we get a taste of the good ol’ martial arts action.
Anime martial artists that we all love are listed below.
10. Spike Spiegel (Cowboy Bebop)
Cowboy Bebop is a show that speaks volumes on its own. This anime classic has got all the fans and critics going crazy with intense praise.
Now, let’s talk about our main man, Spike Spiegel. He’s not just some gunslinger, no sir. This dude is a total badass when it comes to martial arts too. You should see him in action, taking on foes in up-close and personal combat. It’s like a dance, and we’ve been eating up every single moment of it.
9. Hei (Darker Than Black)
Let’s talk about the awesome anime Darker Than Black, shall we? It first appeared on television in 2007, and man, did it create a sensation. Imagine a sci-fi thriller that takes place in the not-too-distant future. You know, it has that futuristic feel about it.
Let’s move on to Hei, the main character and the center of the narrative. He is a contractor with exceptional electric abilities. But he’s not like the standard anime protagonists who only rely on their superpowers. No, he can also fight back in a traditional fistfight. He’s got some crazy martial arts moves up his sleeve, and watching him hurl punches is amazing.
8. Annie Lionheart (Attack on Titan)
You don’t want to mess with skilled martial artists. And this chick is an absolute beast. You see, Annie is a fierce fighter with the ability to disarm even the most resilient enemies. You’ll be in awe of Annie’s techniques, which range from her devastating punches to her incredible gymnastics.
But Annie is more complex than first appears. She is not merely a one-dimensional figure. Her layers are there. You will start to wonder about her true motivations and allegiances as you watch Attack on Titan.
7. Ling Yao (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
One of the best anime series out there is without a doubt Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The alchemy system in this show is absolutely incredible and unique in the anime universe. The plot, the characters, and the overall universe it offers have us completely engrossed.
Let’s now discuss Ling Yao, the 12th and current Xing crown prince. He’s the real stuff. Ling Yao is not just any prince; rather, he is also incredibly skilled when it comes to Chinese martial arts. This means that he can effortlessly slash through opponents. All in all, it’s a real delight to meet someone this powerful and knowledgeable.
6. Shoto Aizawa (My Hero Academia)
Shoto Aizawa, a professional hero also known as Eraserhead, teaches class 1-A’s homeroom. His quirk, Erasure, enables him to momentarily cancel out someone else’s ability.
Aizawa is one of the strongest heroes out there, despite the fact that this quirk may not be extremely effective in battle.
5. Baki (Baki the Grappler)
Baki, Yujiro Hanma’s son, serves as the show’s protagonist. Following in his father’s footsteps, he began martial arts instruction at an early age and later undertook his own rigorous training.
He can adapt to varied settings and opponents according to the way he fights, which combines techniques from several different martial arts. Because of his adaptability, he has an advantage in battle because he can quickly change between various tactics and approaches to take the initiative.
Overall, Baki’s strong fighting style is the product of his commitment, tenacity, and the synthesis of several martial arts tenets. It’s evidence of his persistent love of martial arts and his unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
4. Ohma Tokita (Kengan Ashura)
The Niko style, which was first developed by Gaoh Mukaku, is influenced by a number of martial arts styles. Jujutsu, Okinawan karate, and even certain contemporary mixed martial arts and street fighting tactics are all included in it. It’s a special blend that illustrates the varied education and expertise of its practitioners.
It’s also important to recognize that the Niko technique has been inspired by Kuroki’s Sensei, who most likely specializes in Kaiwan-style karate. This infusion gives the already varied mixture a dash of kung fu heritage.
We can observe how the Niko style integrates both conventional and modern combat maneuvers by looking at Ohma’s fighting style. It demonstrates a combination of deft blows, grappling techniques, and the flexibility needed for varied fighting scenarios.
3. Bang (One Punch Man)
When it comes to badass martial artists, Garou takes the cake. But hold on tight because his former master, Bang, is no pushover. This anime taught us never to underestimate the old-timers, and Bang is living proof.
Bang, aka Silver Fang, is a pro hero with skills that will leave you speechless. His signature technique, the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist, is the stuff of legends. It’s a martial art that combines flawless offense and defense, making him a force to be reckoned with.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Garou is no slouch when it comes to strength and skills. But compared to Bang, he still has a long way to go. Bang’s experience and power put him on a whole different level. It’s like comparing a rookie to a seasoned pro.
2. Might Guy (Naruto)
When it comes to taijutsu, there’s one name that stands above the rest: Might Guy, the ultimate powerhouse in the series (well, at least in his prime).
But here’s the cool part: Guy wasn’t born with all the fancy ninja talents. Nope, he had to work his butt off to get where he is. His journey to becoming a top-notch ninja took a more unconventional route, but boy, did it pay off. He didn’t let his lack of natural talent hold him back.
To top it off, Guy went toe-to-toe with the mighty Madara, a demigod in his own right. Despite the odds stacked against him, Guy unleashed a can of whoop-ass on Madara that came pretty darn close to finishing him off. Talk about defying expectations!
1. Son Goku (Dragon Ball)
We can’t talk about anime and martial artists without mentioning the iconic Dragon Ball franchise. It’s the OG that revolutionized the anime world and left a lasting impact on the entire industry. It’s no surprise that it inspired other incredible manga series, like the epic adventure of One Piece.
Now, let’s focus on our beloved protagonist, Goku. This guy is a martial arts master, but not your average one. His style is next-level, pushing the boundaries of what we consider traditional martial arts. We’re talking about moves that defy gravity, unleash explosive energy blasts, and even transform into powerful Super Saiyans. Goku takes martial arts to a whole new level of extreme and radical.
