Martial arts in anime and games

Which real arts are behind your favourite series and games, and what is pure fiction. Our own text; the images are Wabukan’s art images, never from the series.

Baki the Grappler

Keisuke Itagaki · 1991–

Real arts:

KarateKyokushinAikidoBoxingSumoWrestlingKung Fu

✅ Real: Several characters are based on real people: Doppo Orochi on Kyokushin founder Mas Oyama, and Gouki Shibukawa on aikido master Gozo Shioda (Yoshinkan). The author trained in Kyokushin karate.

❌ Fiction: Superhuman strength, impossible muscles and fighters surviving anything. No real technique does what is shown.

Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple

Syun Matsuena · 2002–2014

Real arts:

JujutsuKarateKung FuMuay ThaiKenjutsu

✅ Real: Each master of the Ryozanpaku dojo stands for a real art: jujutsu (Akisame), karate (Sakaki), Muay Thai (Apachai), Chinese kenpō (Ma Kensei) and weapons (Shigure). The basics shown (falling, guard, repetition) are real.

❌ Fiction: The extreme, dangerous training and “master” levels with near-magical powers (visible ki).

Hajime no Ippo

George Morikawa · 1989–

Real arts:

Boxing

✅ Real: The most realistic fighting anime: real boxing rules, weight classes, weight cutting and real styles. The peek-a-boo style comes from Cus D’Amato and Mike Tyson, and the liver shot is a real punch.

❌ Fiction: The “Dempsey Roll” is named after real boxer Jack Dempsey, but the endless figure-eight as drawn is exaggerated. Fighters absorb far more punishment than is safe.

Naruto

Masashi Kishimoto · 1999–2014

Real arts:

NinjutsuKung FuJeet Kune Do

✅ Real: Shinobi existed in feudal Japan as spies and saboteurs. The hand seals echo Buddhist mudras and kuji-in. Rock Lee’s and Might Guy’s taijutsu is a homage to Bruce Lee and kung fu films.

❌ Fiction: Chakra, jutsu and clones are fantasy. Real ninja wore no orange suits and avoided open fights; modern “ninjutsu” schools have disputed historical lineages.

Street Fighter

Capcom · 1987–

Real arts:

KarateKung FuWrestlingSamboSumoBoxingMuay ThaiJeet Kune Do

✅ Real: Ryu and Ken fight with karate; Chun-Li with Chinese kung fu; Zangief with wrestling; E. Honda with sumo; Balrog with boxing; Sagat with Muay Thai; Fei Long is a Bruce Lee homage. Stances and some moves start from real techniques.

❌ Fiction: Energy balls (hadouken), helicopter kicks, Dhalsim’s stretching limbs. Yoga is real, the powers are not.

Tekken

Bandai Namco · 1994–

Real arts:

TaekwondoCapoeiraJeet Kune DoKung FuSamboKarateBajiquanWrestling

✅ Real: Tekken uses motion capture of real practitioners. Hwoarang and Baek use taekwondo; Eddy Gordo and Christie, capoeira; Marshall Law, a Bruce Lee-inspired style; Lei Wulong, several kung fu styles; Dragunov, sambo; Leo, bajiquan; King, pro wrestling.

❌ Fiction: Endless juggles, a fighting bear and robot, demons. Chained moves do not work like that against a resisting opponent.