Sports anime have captivated audiences for years, continuously releasing new series every season. Whether it’s baseball, soccer, running, basketball, or even horse racing featuring female athletes, there’s no shortage of competitive tales for fans to enjoy. Interestingly, a passion for the specific sport is not always necessary for viewers to connect with these narratives.
However, when it comes to combat sports anime, options become much scarcer. This genre is distinct from mainstream battle shonen series that incorporate martial arts, such as Dragon Ball Z. Despite the limited choices, several standout series focus on boxing, judo, MMA, or wrestling. Here, we will explore the top combat sports anime that deserve recognition.
10 “Ippon”Again!
A Charming and Authentic Judo Anime
Incorporating elements of humor and character-driven experiences, “Ippon”Again! delivers a serious and heartfelt approach to judo. Centered in a high school setting, the series follows a diverse group of girls who band together to create a new judo club, each with varying levels of experience.
While it culminates in an intense 5v5 tournament, the series truly shines in its portrayal of the girls’ training and their blossoming friendships. Despite its brief run and a future sequel now seeming uncertain, “Ippon”Again! ends on a note of promise just as it gains momentum. The relationships among the girls are genuine, punctuated by relatable banter and brief glimpses into their backgrounds.
9 Keijo!!!!!!!!
A Unique Fanservice Challenge in Combat Sports
At first glance, Keijo may seem absurd, both in concept and execution. However, the series manages to subvert its own silliness, evolving into a surprisingly engaging combat sports anime. The premise involves girls engaging in absurd competitions where they must use their bodies to force opponents into a pool.
While fanservice is the main draw, Keijo successfully tells a significant sports narrative. The characters display unwavering dedication to their craft, and the high-energy fights take place in bustling stadiums. Moreover, the animation quality is commendable, adhering to industry standards for ecchi anime.
8 Tiger Mask W
A Classic Manga Tribute to the World of Pro Wrestling
Professional wrestling may not be universally recognized as a combat sport due to its scripted nature. Nevertheless, Tiger Mask W remains true to its roots, opting not to expose the industry’s behind-the-scenes realities. This decision aligns well with its original manga and anime, which debuted in 1968 during a time when wrestling sought authenticity.
Together with “Tomorrow’s Joe,”Tiger Mask stands as one of the most impactful combat sports anime. While the earlier iterations from 1969 and 1981 may feel dated, the 2016 series serves as an accessible entry point for newcomers, filled with nods to Japan’s wrestling culture.
7 Yawara! A Fashionable Judo Girl
A Distinctive Judo Anime Featuring an Unconventional Lead
A lesser-known gem, Yawara! presents an intriguing narrative that deviates from typical sports anime tropes. While most protagonists embody fierce ambition and drive to excel in their sport, Yawara resists this mold. Her judo practice is more about fulfilling her grandfather’s wishes than personal passion, as she longs to escape the sport to lead her own life, facing familial and societal pressures along the way.
This refreshing take delves into complex themes surrounding identity and societal expectations, while also delivering lighter, slice-of-life moments, ensuring it remains an engaging watch without overwhelming heaviness.
6 Hinomaru Sumo
The Pinnacle of Sumo Anime
Unlike more common sports like baseball, combat sports have a limited representation in anime. Despite this, sumo has garnered some attention over the years. Among those, Hinomaru Sumo stands out as the most prominent example, based on an exceptional shonen manga.
It follows Ushio, a talented sumo wrestler, whose short stature presents challenges in pursuing a professional career. Undeterred, he aspires to make a mark in high school sumo, confronting numerous trials that test his skills and resilience. Although the pace can feel rushed, the series excels during its vividly animated matches that encapsulate the high-octane intensity of the sport in a unique way.
5 Baki
MMA’s Over-The-Top Adventure
Baki straddles the line between combat sports and battle shonen, particularly with its later Netflix iterations veering more into fantastical territory. Nevertheless, the core narrative revolves around martial arts, showcasing a myriad of fighting disciplines.
Notable for its depiction of mixed martial arts tournaments resembling the exuberant competitions of the ’90s, Baki the Grappler manages to balance outlandish concepts with enough authenticity to keep audiences engaged. The action sequences are strikingly brutal, visceral, and unforgettable.
4 Megalo Box
An Inspiring Fusion of Boxing and Sci-Fi
Crafted as a homage to one of the most significant sports anime, Megalo Box manages to create its own identity while blending tradition with science fiction. The concept of Megaloboxing, which involves fighters using mechanical arms, highlights the commercialized nature of the sport.
The first season narrates the journey of Joe, an impoverished fighter seeking glory through the Megalonia competition. While it follows a traditional hero’s journey, the sequel delves deeper into Joe’s character through an emotionally rich exploration of personal growth.
3 Kengan Ashura
The Apex of MMA Anime
Kengan Ashura epitomizes the essence of martial arts anime, featuring a no-holds-barred tournament showcasing elite fighters. Despite a convoluted backdrop involving corporate machinations and personal agendas, the series’ focus remains steadfast on the gripping action of the kengan battles.
The show centers on a 32-fighter elimination tournament where each fight is presented in its entirety. While many characters lack depth beyond their fighting styles, each duel feels like an epic showdown between dedicated combatants determined to seize victory, enhancing the dramatic stakes of the matches.
2 Tomorrow’s Joe
The Pinnacle of Combat Sports Anime Legacy
Unquestionably, Tomorrow’s Joe reigns supreme as the most significant combat sports anime ever produced. Originating from Asao Takamori’s manga, the series debuted in 1970, spurring nearly 80 episodes over subsequent years and even receiving a well-received sequel in 1980. Its narrative stands the test of time, transcending animation style constraints.
Tackling themes of dedication, sacrifice, that resonate deeply, the series captures the challenges of boxing without flinching from the gritty realities it entails. Despite its vintage animation, Tomorrow’s Joe remains a classic and one of the greatest sports stories ever told.
1 Fighting Spirit/Hajime No Ippo
The Ultimate Combat Sports Anime
Hajime no Ippo shares many characteristics with Tomorrow’s Joe, possibly drawing inspiration from its predecessor. Its more contemporary accessibility, coupled with exceptional animation quality, makes it a favorite among newer audiences. The story follows Ippo, a bullied and introverted boy who discovers boxing through a chance encounter with seasoned fighter Takamura.
Displaying raw potential rather than refined skills, Ippo captures the attention of the Kamogawa gym’s trainer, setting him on a path toward professional boxing stardom. Despite minor pacing issues in certain matches and an occasional off-color joke, Hajime no Ippo stands out as nearly flawless. It features intense matches with stellar animation, clear strategies easy to digest for viewers, alongside relatable character arcs and humor that makes it a well-rounded and enjoyable anime experience.