Top10 Combat Sports Anime That Pack a Punch!

Anime centered around sports continue to be widely appreciated, boasting several series within each season catering to this genre. Whether it’s baseball, soccer, running, basketball, or even horse racing (for girls), viewers seeking narratives with a competitive flair won’t have trouble finding something that appeals to them, and usually having an affinity for the sport itself isn’t necessary.

Despite their prevalence in pop culture, finding high-quality combat sports anime can be quite challenging. If we exclude popular battle shonen series that feature martial arts such as Dragon Ball Z, the selection becomes even more limited. However, the genre has still produced some exceptional series centered around boxing, judo, mixed martial arts (MMA), and wrestling. We’ll shine a spotlight on the cream of the crop in this discussion.

10. “Ippon” again!

A Cute And Relatively Grounded Judo Anime

Incorporating aspects reminiscent of “cute girls doing cute things” genre, the anime titled “Ippon” maintains a serious approach towards its chosen martial art, judo. The story unfolds within a high school setting, focusing on a group of girls establishing a new judo club. They boast a wide range of expertise levels in this sport.

The series gradually escalates towards a thrilling 5-versus-5 tournament, but undeniably, “Ippon” shines brightest when it delves into the girls’ training routines and friendships. With no hint of a second season at present, “Ippon” concludes abruptly as it begins to gain momentum. The characters are endearing and engage in authentic dialogue, while the anime offers brief glimpses into their backgrounds and personal lives.

9. Keijo!!!!!!!!

The Ultimate Fanservice Fictional Combat Sport

Sure thing!

At first glance, Keijo might seem like a silly concept. And in truth, it can be a bit goofy at times. But somehow, this anime manages to transform its outlandish premise into a genuinely engaging combat sports series. So, what is Keijo? It’s an anime where girls compete against each other in battles that require them to use specific body parts to push their opponents into a pool.

In this instance, the appeal lies primarily in fan service, but what sets Keijo apart is its sincere effort to craft a compelling sports narrative. Each character pours their heart and soul into their chosen profession, making every contest seem monumental as they unfold within bustling stadiums. Moreover, the animation quality is commendable, particularly for an ecchi anime genre.

8. Tiger Mask W

A Manga Sports Classic And A Celebration Of Pro Wrestling

Professional wrestling is often not considered a true combat sport because of its scripted elements, but this statement isn’t intended as criticism. In contrast to other works that might expose the inner workings of the wrestling world and challenge the illusion, Tiger Mask sticks to the straight narrative, reflecting the 1968 manga and original anime’s debut when professional wrestling was trying to maintain an air of authenticity.

Apart from “Tomorrow’s Joe”, it’s widely believed that “Tiger Mask” holds the title as one of the most impactful combat sport anime series ever made. However, the 1969 and 1981 versions may be challenging to rewatch in today’s era, despite retaining a certain appeal. Luckily, new viewers can explore the 2016 version called “Tiger Mask W”. Though it’s a sequel to the initial series, the plot is straightforward to understand, and it boasts numerous references to Japan’s professional wrestling world.

7. Yawara! A Fashionable Judo Girl

A Best Judo Anime With A Unique Protagonist

In a unique twist for the sports genre, the series Yawara presents a protagonist unlike most others. While sports characters are often driven by an intense desire to succeed in their chosen field, undeterred by criticism and mockery of their dreams, Yawara finds herself compelled to judo purely because her grandfather encourages it. She yearns for freedom from the sport and the chance to live life on her own terms, but is frequently held back by both family obligations and societal expectations.

Taking a sports anime in this innovative direction, Yawara delves deep into its characters’ mindsets as well as the societal norms that foster such conduct. Although it may seem realistic and at times heavy, this anime is balanced with cheerful and everyday-life scenes, ensuring it doesn’t become a somber viewing experience.

6. Hinomaru Sumo

The Best Sumo Anime

Unlike baseball, which has numerous animes associated with it, combat sports typically only get one or two, if any at all. On the other hand, sumo wrestling has been fortunate enough to have several animated adaptations throughout its history, although many of them have become obsolete over time (for instance, a ’90s anime titled Aa Harimanada). However, due to its immense popularity and widespread availability, the anime adaptation of the shonen manga, Hinomaru Sumo, undeniably stands out as the quintessential sumo anime.

Although Ushio boasts an abundance of talent fit for a professional sumo wrestler, his diminutive stature appears to have dashed his prospects. Yet, he refuses to give up and finds solace in excelling within the high school circuit. The anime Hinomaru Sumo chronicles Ushio and other aspiring wrestlers as they grapple with adversities that seemingly surpass them, all while striving to break into a sport that often overlooks their potential.

Although the plot moves swiftly and follows typical patterns, Hinomaru Sumo truly excels during its exhilarating fight scenes. Given the essence of sumo, these conflicts are brief bursts of intensity rather than prolonged contests, thereby distinguishing it from other well-known anime centered around combat sports.

5. Baki

MMA Battle Shonen Spectacle

Because the story becomes incredibly exaggerated, Baki often straddles the boundary between combat sports and shonen battle series, and the Netflix episodes share more similarities with the latter rather than the former. However, it’s worth noting that the anime primarily focuses on martial arts, with many different disciplines being showcased throughout.

In the renowned “Baki: The Grappler” sequence, an entire season is dedicated to a martial arts tournament that resembles an exaggerated, yet captivating, depiction of ’90s mixed martial arts competitions. Despite some plotlines becoming increasingly bizarre in later episodes, “Baki” manages to stay grounded enough to avoid being overwhelmed by its more outlandish ideas. Significantly, the fights are thrilling, violent, unsettling, and indelible.

4. Megalo Box

A Masterful Mix Of Boxing, Mecha, And Introspection

Paying homage to what’s widely regarded as one of the greatest sports anime ever made, Megalo Box, effortlessly carves its own niche while interweaving classic themes with futuristic elements. This innovative spin on boxing, known as Megaloboxing, has gained widespread popularity and predictably, financial backing. The narrative unfolds around Joe, a man living on the streets who engages in underground fights. His ambition leads him to participate in the prestigious Megalonia tournament, with the ultimate goal of dethroning its champion.

2018’s season was exceptionally good, but it followed a traditional “rags-to-riches” storyline without many narrative risks, featuring an appealing protagonist and top-notch choreography in the combat sports genre. However, the sequel, Megalo Box, is its most significant accomplishment, as it leads Joe on a more complex and emotionally engaging journey of self-exploration.

3. Kengan Ashura

The Best MMA Anime

Without a doubt, Kengan Ashura stands out as one of the most authentic martial arts anime ever produced, immersing viewers in an intense battle royale where the world’s elite fighters face off without any restrictions. While the narrative may get complicated with corporate scheming, political intrigue, betrayals, personal fixations, and a secondary protagonist who isn’t particularly action-packed, these elements don’t detract from what truly sets this anime apart – the exhilarating kengan fights.

Skipping over the initial details, the story of Kengan Ashura centers around a 32-fighter competition, where each fight is depicted in full detail. While many characters lack distinct identities beyond their martial arts skills, these encounters feel like clashes between two seasoned warriors who will stop at nothing to secure victory. Except for a handful of characters, it seems that any participant could potentially lose, and this sense of unpredictability significantly adds to the overall enjoyment.

2. Tomorrow’s Joe

The Most Influential Combat Sports Anime Of All Time

Undeniably, “Tomorrow’s Joe” stands head and shoulders above other anime series focused on combat sports, with its significance and impact unparalleled. To be precise, the “combat” aspect is more of an implication rather than a necessity in this context. First published as a manga by Asao Takamori in 1968, the anime made its debut in 1970, airing close to 80 episodes over the subsequent two years. Remarkably, “Tomorrow’s Joe” reappeared in 1980 for a sequel season that eclipsed its original in every aspect, maintaining its relevance even today despite its age.

Setting aside its vintage animation, which was remarkable for its time and remains enjoyable today, the anime delivers a potent narrative marked by dedication, sacrifice, sorrow, and victory. It offers a thrilling glimpse into the glamorous realm of boxing, without flinching from the raw truths that accompany this profession. Disregarding its age, Tomorrow’s Joe is a masterpiece and unquestionably one of the most outstanding combat sports anime ever made.

1. Fighting Spirit/Hajime No Ippo

The Best Combat Sports Anime

In essence, both “Hajime no Ippo” and “Tomorrow’s Joe” share similarities, with the latter possibly serving as an influence for the former. However, given its recent production, “Hajime no Ippo” is more approachable, particularly because Madhouse’s animation remains relevant. A shy and bullied boy named Ippo takes up boxing following encounters with Takamura, a determined fighter eyeing the championship title. Despite having no combat experience, Ippo’s raw physical power, sincere character, and determination catch the attention of Kamogawa gym’s coach, who decides to train the greenhorn. This decision sets them on a journey towards greatness together.

Apart from occasional prolonged conflicts and occasionally debatable humor, Hajime no Ippo is almost flawless as a sports anime. The matches are intense brawls featuring exceptional animation, making each punch impactful and strategies clear, even for viewers unfamiliar with boxing. Outside the ring, Hajime no Ippo boasts solid and relatable characterization, coupled with some of the wittiest humor found in shonen genre.

2025-03-30 04:25