Watch Kenichi the Mightiest Disciple

Kenichi the Mightiest Disciple is a 50-episode Japanese anime television series produced by TMS Entertainment that aired from October 2006 to September 2007. The series is based on a manga by Syun Matsuena and follows the martial arts journey of a timid high school student named Kenichi Shirahama, who seeks to toughen up and defend himself from bullies. The show stylistically blends various genres, with elements of action, comedy, drama, and romance.

The show begins with Kenichi being repeatedly bullied at school and feeling helpless. Hoping to learn self-defense, he joins a dojo where he meets five masters, each with their own unique martial arts style—Karate, Judo, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Kung Fu. They take Kenichi under their wing and start training him. Kenichi works hard to improve his skills, facing various challenges along the way, including enemies who try to defeat him.

Throughout the series, Kenichi fights with opponents who become his friends after the fight. These opponents include other martial artists, street gangs, and international criminal organizations. Kenichi learns various techniques and strategies of martial arts, using them to overcome his enemies. He develops his own fighting style which he calls "Kenichi-style". Kenichi also has a romantic interest in Miu Furinji, a martial artist who is also a classmate.

The show features a great deal of action, with intense and thrilling martial arts battles. The animation is well-done, showcasing a wide range of martial arts styles with fluid and dynamic movements. The scenes are full of action, with characters demonstrating their moves and techniques, which are often accompanied by sound effects that enhance the visual impact of the actions.

The show also highlights the importance of mentorship, with the five masters helping Kenichi develop not only his physical abilities but also his mental strength and courage. The show beautifully portrays how these mentors not only impart knowledge and techniques but also guide their students to achieve personal growth.

The characters are well-developed, with each having their motivations and goals that drive their actions. Kenichi is a relatable protagonist, who starts out as weak but is determined to become the strongest fighter. Miu is a strong character who uses her martial arts skills to fight off threats against herself and her loved ones. The five masters are all unique, with their personalities clashing but ultimately working together for a common goal.

The voice acting is impressive, with Josh Grelle lending his voice to the protagonist Kenichi and Carrie Savage voicing Miu. The voice actors do an excellent job of bringing the characters to life and conveying emotions during intense battles.

The music of the show is particularly noteworthy, featuring catchy and memorable opening and closing theme songs. The sound effects add to the overall experience, creating a visceral impact on the viewer as the characters’ fists and feet collide.

Overall, Kenichi the Mightiest Disciple is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys martial arts anime, action, and coming-of-age tales. The show is not only entertaining but also inspiring, portraying the journey of a timid student who becomes a confident fighter with the help of his mentors. The show is a masterful blend of different genres, showcasing intense action sequences, comedy, romance, and drama. The well-developed characters, impressive animation, and exceptional music make this show a standout.

Kenichi the Mightiest Disciple is a series that is currently running and has 4 seasons (62 episodes). The series first aired on October 7, 2006.