Get ready to punch, kick, and grapple your way through this list, because we're ranking the best martial arts anime of all time.

Characters in these anime often spend much of their time training to defend themselves or others, participate in competitions of skill, honor their culture, or develop their health and spirituality. Check out our list of top 10 martial arts anime of all time.

10. Katanagatari

Set in the Edo Peroid (1603-1868), the story follows Yasuri, a well-known swordsman who surprisingly fights without his sword.

On his journey, he comes across the young and ambitious Togame, who wants to help Yasuri on his adventure to collect the deviant blades for the shogunate and fight against other blade-wielders in insane battles.

This anime is sure to be a treat to those who really have a taste for Japanese history, but also who find the art of swordplay to be of interest.

9. Ranma 1/2

Ranma 1/2 tells the story of a sex changing main character Ranma whose curse of turning into a boy/girl is triggered by cold water or hot water.

This is quite a hilarious story, as Ranma is given a chance to choose one of Soun’s three daughters and willfully transforms into a girl to advance his goals.

Comedy, romance, cool fight choreography, and a likeable cast of characters. Ranma 1/2 has enough elements to cast a charming spell on anyone that watches it.

8. Yu Yu Hakusho

One of the most popular shonen anime from the early '90s, Yu Yu Hakusho centers around the hot-headed Yusuke Urameshi as he becomes a spirit detective. His work is to maintain a boundary between the world of demons and humans.

The fights are hardcore and blend martial arts with the unique gifts each character possesses.

7. Rurouni Kenshin

The Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story begins during the 11th year of the Meiji period in Japan. It revolves around a former assassin Himura Kenshin a wandering samurai who protects the people of Japan in a time where there was no law and the lawless were thriving.

However, he had made a vow to never take another life. Can Kenshin stick to his vow or will he be forced to play by his old playbook and unleash the sheen of blood on his sword?

6. Sengoku Basara

The story of Sengoku Basara takes place in the age of warring states, where feudal lords were on a mission to over take the other for the sake of power. One man had an endless hunger to overthrow everyone, and that man was Nobunaga Oda.

The anime really has a nice way of putting all of the pieces together of history, while being able to entertain us with sword play, hand to hand combat, and high flying acrobatics. If you enjoy history with a little slice of action then definitely tune into Sengoku Basara.

5. Tenjho Tenge

For some people, high school represents the opportunity for a fresh start. You can take new classes and make new friends. For Souchiro and Bob, though, high school means something different: the chance to become the top fighters in the entire student body.

The story is fairly generic, but Tenjho Tenge is home to some really exciting fight scenes.

4. Hajime no Ippo

Makunouchi was just your regular student in high school who felt like his life wasn't going anywhere. He was bullied countless times and due to his weak stature, couldn't defend himself which led to him walking home with bruises. It was at that moment, when a person changed his life and inspired him to become the known boxer.

Boxing is an art which requires an immense amount of mental training, but also requires the passion and determination to continue. Throughout the series, we see Makunouchi and his peers battle it out in the leagues to become the number one boxer in Japan.

3. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple

Kenichi is a 16-year-old freshman whose high school is infested with delinquents and thugs. Unfortunately, he's subjected to some long-time bullying.

With help from Miu and several martial arts masters, Kenichi will learn Karate, Muy Thai, Ju Jitsu, and Taichi as he creates his own fighting style.

Kenichi undergoes torturous training but eventually becomes a proficient fighter who faces quite many formidable opponents. Blending humor and some cool fight scenes, Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple is a fun series to watch.

2. Naruto

The main story sees Naruto on his everlasting journey to becoming the number one ninja in the clan, with nothing but action along the way. It incorporates various styles of martial arts ranging from Ninjitsu, swordplay, and even some form of boxing.

Naruto has had a very successful lifespan, with countless movies and merchandise. This is one anime you should most certainly watch, as it will reel you in with its fantastic character design and story. A must watch.

1. Dragon Ball Z

A series that inspired a generation has spanned over three decades, and has seen countless series upgrades over its time. Every character represented in Dragonball has their own list of hardcore fans, ranging from the fierce and determined Vegeta, to the more light hearted and jubilant Goku.

We all can relate to these characters in one way or another, which is what captures the essence of what this anime defines: passion. Martial Arts define passion in all its glory, and for anyone to succeed in whatever endeavor they embark on, having the passion to back it is imperative.