2010 TV Series (episodes 27-38). DVD, bilingual, $49.98. Distributor: FUNimation.

In part one, Kenichi was your normal scrawny teenager; the perfect target of high school bullies. But all that changed when Miu entered his life. Don’t let the tight outfits and buxom figure fool you. It’s not the curves that are dangerous. It’s the fists! Well, that’s what happens when you live with six martial art masters. Luckily, she invites Kenichi over and the training begins.

Now, tougher and more skilled, Kenichi's troubles aren’t over. The word is, he can fight. And the goons in Ragnarok can’t wait to get a piece of him. Whether it be kung fu, jiu-jitsu, or even muay thai, he’ll have to train even harder. And that’s not too difficult when you’re trying to impress a hottie that can kick your ass!

Kenichi

A total knockout! Kenichi is about one thing and one thing only: the sweet science of fighting. Seriously, this ain’t the choreographed impossibility of most shows. These six masters take one technique and break it down into every nuanced detail: timing, foot position, distance, weight shifting, etc. You feel like a disciple yourself as you watch Kenichi train!

I like it. I like it a lot.

The best part about this show is its simplicity. From his very first lesson, you watch Kenichi train and improve. And as he “levels” up, challengers are lurking in every alley, waiting to test these new skills. So, with each episode comes a great fight. Nope, there’s no weak or painfully slow story arc. No monsters. No magic. No great secrets. No other worlds. There’s only pure pugilistic indulgence. And with Miu, a delectable dish cooked in the kitchen of fan service, there’s plenty of sexual comedy to deflate all this fist-pounding testosterone.  

Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple is just easy to watch. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.