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5 Must-Read Hand-to-Hand Combat Manga And Manhwa: The Freshest Fights Of 2025

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The world of pure hand-to-hand combat manga is currently experiencing a renaissance, with major series delivering fresh content and new titles pushing the boundaries of the genre. As of December 2025, the landscape is buzzing with major anime announcements, new manga arcs, and the continued rise of high-stakes martial arts action, proving that the thrill of a fight decided by fists and skill alone remains a dominant force in comics.

This deep dive explores the latest updates on the biggest names in the "pure combat" genre—those stories that shun magic and weapons for raw, visceral fighting—while also examining a specific, controversial title that the keyword "Hand to Hand manga" often refers to: the adult manhwa by Rowoon.

The Titans of Pure Combat: Kengan Ashura & Baki

When fans discuss the pinnacle of hand-to-hand combat manga, two names immediately dominate the conversation: Kengan Ashura and Baki the Grappler. Both series are delivering major, up-to-the-minute updates that keep them at the forefront of the genre.

Kengan Ashura: Anime Hype and Creator's New Venture

The Kengan Ashura franchise, written by Yabako Sandrovich and illustrated by Daromeon, is renowned for its detailed, brutal depiction of underground corporate gladiatorial matches. The series excels in showcasing a vast array of real-world and fictionalized martial arts, from the deadly Niko Style to Formless techniques.

  • Latest Anime Update: The hype is real for the anime adaptation. Kengan Ashura Season 2 Part 2 is officially set to begin its TV broadcast in July 2025, following a "Best Bout" selection of episodes from the first half of the season. This ensures the series remains highly visible throughout the year.
  • Creator's New Project: In a major development, creator Yabako Sandrovich is working on a new manga series, an announcement that was made in late 2024. This signals a continued flow of high-quality combat content from one of the genre's masters.
  • Topical Authority: The series recently had a unique crossover, collaborating with the gambling manga *Kaiji* for a one-shot titled “Gambling Martial Arts Legend Kengan,” further cementing its place in pop culture.

The series’ appeal lies in its detailed fight choreography and the sheer variety of fighting styles on display, including Muay Thai, Judo, Karate, Wrestling, and the fictional Koei Style. The focus on the Kengan matches between powerful figures like Ohma Tokita and Kazuo Yamashita keeps the tension consistently high.

Baki the Grappler: A Global Resurgence and Current Arc

Keisuke Itagaki's Baki Hanma saga is the definitive over-the-top martial arts series, where the concept of "hand-to-hand" combat is taken to absurd, yet compelling, extremes. The series focuses on the titular Baki Hanma and his quest to surpass his father, Yujiro Hanma, the "Ogre".

  • Official English Release: A major update for international fans is the official English release of the original *Baki the Grappler* manga, planned for print and digital starting in October 2025. This move by Kodama Tales introduces the foundational series to a new generation of readers.
  • Current Manga Arc: The manga is currently in its sixth major installment, titled Baki Rahen. This arc continues the tradition of introducing new, formidable opponents and focusing on the evolution of Baki's own fighting prowess and the intense family drama.
  • Anime Adaptation: The popular Baki-Dou arc, the fourth major storyline, is also confirmed to be receiving an anime adaptation, ensuring the franchise’s continued dominance in both print and animation.

Entities like Kaoru Hanayama, Doppo Orochi, and Retsu Kaioh are integral to the series, each representing a different philosophy of combat. The themes of raw strength, psychological warfare, and the definition of a "true fight" are central to the *Baki* universe.

The Historical and Modern Thrills: Tenkaichi and the Murim Wave

Beyond the established giants, the hand-to-hand genre is constantly refreshed by historical epics and the rising influence of Korean manhwa, particularly those set in the Murim (martial arts world).

Tenkaichi: The Greatest Warrior Under the Rising Sun

*Tenkaichi*, written by Yosuke Nakamaru and illustrated by Kyoutarou Azuma, is a historical battle royale that perfectly encapsulates the pure combat genre. It pits 16 of Japan’s most legendary historical figures against each other in a tournament to decide the country’s next ruler.

  • Latest Chapter: The manga is highly active, with Chapter 56 being released as recently as December 19, 2025. This consistent release schedule keeps the narrative momentum high and the action fresh.
  • Key Figures: The series features intense duels between historical entities like Miyamoto Musashi, Oda Nobunaga, and Hattori Hanzō, each utilizing distinct, weaponless fighting styles.
  • Publication Status: As of September 2025, the series has been collected into twelve tankōbon volumes and is available digitally on Kodansha’s K Manga app, making it easily accessible to a global audience.

The manga’s strength lies in its ability to take historical figures and reimagine their martial prowess for a gruesome, no-holds-barred tournament, focusing heavily on samurai combat and unarmed techniques.

The Murim Manhwa Explosion: Pure Martial Arts from Korea

The search term "hand to hand manga" frequently leads to Korean Manhwa, particularly those set in the Murim world. These titles, often focusing on Eastern martial arts like Tai Chi, Wudang Swordsmanship, and various internal energy (Ki) techniques, are immensely popular and offer a fresh take on the genre.

While too numerous to list entirely, newer titles in late 2024 and 2025 continue to dominate recommendation lists, often featuring high-quality color art and deep lore. These stories often follow a protagonist’s journey from weakness to becoming the Strongest Martial Artist or the Martial Arts Leader, offering endless content for fans of pure fighting.

The Controversial Niche: Hand to Hand (Rowoon) and Adult Manhwa

The original search term "Hand to Hand manga" also points to a specific, and often searched-for, title that exists in a controversial niche of the genre. This highlights how the term can be used to search for specific, sensitive content.

Hand to Hand (Rowoon): A Sensitive Keyword Deep Dive

The title Hand to Hand (also known as *Hand to Hand: Riku-gun*) is a Korean Manhwa (Webcomic) created by Rowoon. It is explicitly categorized with the genres of Yaoi (BL), Adult, Smut, and Drama.

  • Plot & Characters: The story revolves around two roommates in the same army unit, Henry and Jesse, and explores themes of physical affection and intense emotional dynamics within a military setting.
  • Genre Conflict: Despite its primary classification as an Adult/Smut/Yaoi title, the manhwa is often noted for featuring "action-packed story with intense hand-to-hand combat scenes," suggesting a blend of explicit content with genuine fighting choreography.
  • Latest Status: The manhwa was originally released in 2024. Its status was recently updated on November 9, 2025, indicating it was "Temporarily" on hold or in an updated state, confirming its recent relevance and continued interest from its fanbase.

This specific title demonstrates the diversity of the "hand-to-hand" genre, showing that the focus on close-quarters combat can be integrated into virtually any narrative framework, including those with sensitive themes. The popularity of this specific manhwa proves that niche audiences are actively seeking out titles that combine intense fighting with explicit, character-driven drama.

Topical Authority and LSI Keywords in Pure Combat

The enduring popularity of hand-to-hand combat manga stems from its focus on the human body as the ultimate weapon. Key entities and concepts that define the genre include:

  • Martial Arts Disciplines: Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Taekwondo, Sambo, Silat, Dim Mak, and Capoeira.
  • Core Concepts: Grappling, Striking, Submissions, Knockouts (K.O.), Internal Energy (Ki/Chi), and Training Regimens.
  • Narrative Tropes: Tournament Arcs, Master-Disciple Relationships, Underground Fighting Rings, and the pursuit of the title "Strongest Man Alive".

Whether you are a fan of the brutal realism of Kengan Ashura’s corporate fights, the superhuman absurdity of Baki’s latest arc, the historical duels of Tenkaichi, or the controversial drama of Hand to Hand (Rowoon), the genre is thriving with fresh, high-impact content in 2025 and beyond.

5 Must-Read Hand-to-Hand Combat Manga and Manhwa: The Freshest Fights of 2025
hand to hand manga
hand to hand manga

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