The exhilaration of fighting and violence appeals to primal passions everyone possesses to some degree, but must be restrained to effectively integrate into society. For most, entertainment choices provide a sufficient thrill to satiate such desires, but growing up, many young people become fascinated by the martial arts as well. The discipline required by the martial arts makes the hobby a fleeting whim for many, while others find a rewarding lifestyle that provides them with the means to defend themselves and those they care about.

In Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple, Kenichi Shirahama is a completely unremarkable kid about to begin High School and is hoping to shed the “weak knees” moniker of his earlier years by joining the Karate Club and making a fresh start. The mundane existence of a thoroughly average High School Freshman hoping for a new beginning would not necessarily make an interesting story, though. Thankfully there’s more in store, as a girl no one has ever met before and a bunch of bullies are about to combine to make Kenichi’s life a whole lot more eventful.

On his very first day of school, Kenichi bumps into Miu Furinji, a transfer student new to the area. The accidental meeting results in Kenichi arriving to school wet and tardy, but also lands him his first real friend. When Miu is later harassed by a group of thugs, Kenichi further endears himself to her by haplessly coming to her defense, only to discover she hardly needed his help taking care of the problem.

His confidence doesn’t get any better, when upon admittance to the Karate Club, Kenichi is informed by a fellow freshman that he is not welcome and is challenged to a duel to determine who will stay and who will leave the group. When Kenichi divulges his dilemma to Miu, she takes him home with her to Ryozanpaku, a mysterious dojo inhabited by six masters of various disciplines of the martial arts. While the masters and Kenichi are initially reluctant of each other, Kenichi’s sincere desire to protect others wins out and he becomes the first disciple of Ryozanpaku.

The hardships of training reveal that while Kenichi has no natural talent for the martial arts, his steadfast determination and hard work are capable of gradually transforming him into the man he wants to become. As the caliber of his opponents escalates, Kenichi’s ability to win over opponents with his fists becomes secondary to his ability to sway their hearts, as his earnest desire to safeguard his principles and the people he cares about makes them realize that there’s better ways to use fighting skill than being a thug. As the first season comes to a close, Kenichi and Miu begin to confront the hierarchy of the Ragnarok gang, whose minions have been plaguing Kenichi since the beginning of the series.

Populated by a number of eccentric personalities, most notably the six masters of Ryozanpaku that include the lecherous Kensei and almost robotic Shigure, the series provides plenty of wacky humor in addition to fighting. There’s also no shortage of fan service if busty heroines and gratuitous fantasies are your thing. Overall, it is a nice mix of comedy and action that doesn’t break any molds, but still manages to entertain.