10 best anime to watch if you like Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple

Kenichi Shirahama, also known as "The Mightiest Disciple," is an iconic anime character from Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple, which epitomizes the journey of a weak but dedicated individual to become a powerful martial artist.

He trains arduously under a group of highly skilled masters he meets by chance, going through intense regimes and battling rival groups to hone his skills. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple is packed with epic martial arts battles, training montages, character growth, and comedic moments.

For fans who have grown fond of Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple and want similar anime that capture the spirit of underdogs striving to achieve mastery in martial arts, this list has covered a diverse selection from across genres and eras.

10 best anime for fans of Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple

1) Hajime no Ippo

An all-time classic, Hajime no Ippo chronicles the journey of Ippo Makunouchi, a timid high school student who is invited to join a boxing gym by a professional boxer, Mamoru Takamura, who notices his potential.

Initially bullied for his meek nature, Ippo transforms into a formidable boxer through rigorous training under his coach, Kamogawa Genji. Hajime no Ippo features endearing characters, intense boxing sequences, comedy, character progression, and emotional moments.

The master-disciple dynamic in both anime is a shared theme, as the students go through grueling training regimes to grow stronger. Fans who related to how Kenichi found purpose through martial arts in Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple would enjoy Ippo's underdog story.

2) Naruto

Though Naruto revolves around ninjas with special abilities battling in a fantastical setting, parallels can be drawn between Naruto Uzumaki and Kenichi from Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple as determined underdogs striving to improve themselves.

They start out as youths looked down upon by their peers but slowly gain acknowledgment through their unwavering dedication to training.

From learning to mold chakra and summon ninja techniques to Kenichi mastering various martial arts, their journeys mirror each other as they overcome adversity with the guidance of supportive masters. Fans can expect plenty of training arcs, exciting battles, emotional drama, and uplifting moments from Naruto's epic saga.

3) Baki the Grappler

The fierce delinquent Baki Hanma shares some core similarities with Kenichi despite their differing personalities. Both undergo specialized training that sculpts their bodies into formidable fighting machines.

Baki aims to become stronger and surpass his father, Yujiro Hanma, who is considered the world's strongest creature, facing deadly opponents in no-holds-barred hand-to-hand fights.

The gritty underground tone of Baki the Grappler contrasts with Kenichi's lighter mood, but it delivers hard-hitting martial arts action scenes that fans would certainly appreciate. The theme of overcoming inner demons and weaknesses through intense physical conditioning resonates in both anime.

4) Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z (Image via Toei Animation)

While Dragon Ball Z ramps up the fantastical elements with planet-bursting warriors and magic, Goku's journey from a Saiyan boy with a monkey-like tail to the defender of Earth resonates strongly with Kenichi's growth in Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple.

Through Master Roshi's tutelage and later King Kai's grueling training regimes, Goku constantly strives to break his physical limits, harnessing his ki energy to face escalating threats.

The series shares themes of dedication, self-betterment, teacher-student relationships, rivalry, and participating in high-stakes martial arts tournaments—quintessential pillars that anchor Kenichi's story. Dragon Ball Z intensifies the action, but fans will appreciate the hero's resolve to face any challenge.

5) Ikkitousen (Battle Vixens)

Ikkitousen (Battle Vixens) (Image via J.C. Staff)

For another anime with a martial arts academy setting led by an overpowered female protagonist, fans can check out Ikkitousen. The series takes place in modern-day Japan, where gifted fighters possess "sacred beads" that house the spirits of legendary warriors from the famous novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

The series follows the fierce Hakufu Sonsaku, who attracts constant street fights and skilled rivals. With special abilities and techniques based on the characters from Romance of the Three Kingdoms, each battle pays homage to the beloved novel in a spectacular over-the-top fashion.

Fans who enjoy Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple’s mix of school hijinks with intense rivalries and some eye-catching fanservice should check out Ikkitousen. Watch Hakufu crush her competition as she strives to become the strongest fighter of all.

6) Hunter x Hunter

Though Hunter x Hunter is not centered around traditional martial arts dojos, it focuses heavily on self-improvement through overcoming extreme environments and learning new abilities. Protagonist Gon's unwavering resolve to become a Hunter to find his father mirrors some of Kenichi's stubborn dedication.

The power system draws from various disciplines like Kenichi's fighting styles in Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple. Gon and his friends must pass rigorous exams and learn from experienced martial artists like Wing, who teaches them Nen.

Fans who love watching characters constantly striving to improve themselves by learning new techniques would find Hunter x Hunter's adventure appealing.

7) The God of High School

The God of High School (Image via MAPPA)

When confident high schooler Jin Mori attempts to claim a mysterious prize, he soon finds himself battling ruthless fighters from around the globe in a massive tournament.

However, Jin is revealed to be a representation of the Monkey King Sun Wukong, hiding unbelievable power linked to this legendary figure. Visually stunning while packing immense high-octane thrills, The God of High School echoes Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple's focus on martial arts prodigies with exceptional talents.

For fans who were impressed by Kenichi's development under his skilled masters, wait till you witness Jin Mori awaken his divine martial arts abilities. With electrifying fight scenes rooted in real Taekwondo skills, this anime is sure to satisfy Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple fans.

8) Yu Yu Hakusho

When delinquent Yusuke Urameshi dies while saving someone's life, he gets recruited by the Spirit World. He takes on cases involving supernatural beings harming humans.

With his new spirit powers and energy attacks, Yusuke fights alongside allies with unique abilities against all manner of demons, apparitions, and villains. Like Kenichi, Yusuke is already a strong fighter, and he gradually gains more power and skill through intense battles.

Iconic fight scenes, flashy special moves, and interesting rival characters are also similarities Yu Yu Hakusho shares with Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple. Its mix of action, supernatural elements, and humor make it easy to recommend for Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple fans.

9) Ranma 1/2

This martial arts rom-com features abundant awkward humor, slice-of-life antics, and intense showdowns—perfectly matching some of the fun appeal of Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple. It follows Ranma Saotome, who transforms into a girl when splashed with cold water due to a curse, leading to chaotic situations and hilarity.

He gets engaged to Akane Tendo, leading to numerous suitors challenging him and trying to break up his existing relationships, all while going through martial arts training and facing powerful adversaries.

With martial arts centered around everything from tea ceremony to takeout delivery, weird and fantastical fighting styles and abilities, and lighthearted rivalries, Ranma 1/2 shares the comedic martial arts charm seen in Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple.

10) Kengan Ashura

Kengan Ashura (Image via Larx Entertainment)

Set in the world of wealthy corporations and underground fight clubs, Kengan Ashura follows "Ashura" Ohma Tokita as he competes in brutal hand-to-hand battles for money and power.

Hired by business owners to represent them, Ohma uses his mastery of the Niko-style martial arts along with other adapted techniques to overwhelm opponents with incredible speed, strength, and strategy. Each fight introduces more eccentric and dangerous fighters with their own distinct fighting styles.

Like Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple, Kengan Ashura has beautifully choreographed, hard-hitting martial arts battles alongside wacky humor. The high-stakes corporate warfare narrative also adds an extra layer of drama and intrigue to this thrilling martial arts tale.

Conclusion

Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple's charm lies in the protagonist's zero-to-hero underdog journey, growing from a talentless weakling to a respected fighter through pure effort and the guidance of eccentric experts supporting his dreams.

These selected anime embody similar themes of self-betterment, teacher-student bonds, intense training methods, and captivating fight scenes that made Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple's story an inspiration for many fans.

There is something for old and new viewers alike, ranging from emotional boxing tales to ninja fantasy adventures rich with martial arts action. If fans ever feel unmotivated, channel the inner Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple spirit and overcome life's challenges through hard work and an openness to learn.