As the growing number of anime in medieval and early modern times comes, the anime industry is not lagging behind when it comes to producing the best anime swordsmanship moments. Nowadays, anime is based in both Edo and modern times. They include sword wielders as their main plot armor, and this sword-fighting action genre is not only popular among creators and animators but also among anime fans.
This admiration for them comes from the root of Japan’s history, where Samurai were looked upon as the bravest and greatest warriors. Since then, sword wielders have become more influential figures in Japan and are highly regarded as well. Similarly, Japanese culture has continued to take part in the making of anime, whether it’s about warriors or assassins.
There are also many popular characters and anime that portray real swordsmanship and what the Japanese heroes were supposed to be. Berserk, Inuyasha, and Vinland Saga are some anime that are based in medieval times while Black Clover, Demon Slayer, and Attack On Titan are based in modern times. The anime swordsmanship moments shown in them are also worthy of appreciation for anyone who fancies swords and their wielders. As each of these moments has a special place in the hearts of anime fans, get to know some of the most skillful sword wielders and their anime swordsmanship moments.
Do you want to know the best anime swordsmanship moments? Following are the most skilled anime swordsmen and their bold impact as sword wielders.
12. Yami vs Licht — An Epic Fight Between A Side Character and The Main Antagonist
When Yami faced Licht in the tunnel, he made sure to give him a good fight. He also managed to buy time fighting three of the strongest enemies at the same time while keeping his cool demeanor. Not to forget that he also taught his student Asta, the main character, in between these fights. Later the three other powerful magic users arrived to help them but could barely hold out until the tunnel collapsed. Him, fighting the three strongest members of the enemy clan, was a sight to see and can be put out as one of the best anime swordsmanship moments.
11. Kenshin vs Shishio — Kenshin Won’t Just Lose Hope
This is for the high-stakes battle of Kenshin against the main villain, Makoto Shishio, of the Kyoto Arc. The battle was epic as it captured the hearts of the fans. How Kenshin managed to hold out until Shishio due to his weakness of extreme hyperthermia catches fire and dies at the end. It is undoubtedly one of the top 5 fights of Rurouni Kenshin. The way Kenshin fought as he balanced his vow never to kill again, fans sensed an unbreakable swordsmanship spirit. This had to be on our list of top anime swordsmanship moments due to Kenshin’s exemplary skills as a warrior.
10. Clare vs. Rigaldo — Here Clare Pushes Past Her Limits
In a battle between Clare and Rigaldo, she uses her technique, called “Quick Sword,” which allows her to unleash rapid attacks. But the overwhelming power and speed of Rigaldo seem too much. However, Clare, who can turn into a Yoma, manages to control her power just enough to gain an edge, ultimately defeating him after a fierce battle. The fight was amazing, showcasing Clare’s growth as a swordsman as she pushed her limits which contributed to her increased swordsmanship.
9. Future Trunks vs Frieza — Trunks Shows How Capable A True Swordsman Is
Future Trunks confronts Frieza, the main antagonist of the DBZ series in a brutal fight. Since Future Trunks was equipped with his swords he immediately overwhelmed Frieza after his Super Saiyan transformation. He cuts through Frieza slicing him into precise pieces before blasting him out of existence. The scene held a memorable swordsmanship moment in an anime where the focus is usually on hand-to-hand combat and energy blasts.
8. Levi vs Beast Titan — Here The Hunt For Vengeance Begins
To defeat the powerful Beast Titan with immense strength, Erwin, the commander along with other scout members volunteered to become bait. Despite knowing it was suicide they gave up themselves to a greater cause and let Levi make a surprise attack on the opponent. Then out of thin air, Levi in the ferocity of losing his squad and his friend Erwin landed blows. But they were not just any blows, they were full-power rapid blows that instantly took down Beast Titan within a few frames. The impact was so hard on the host of the Titan, Zeke was left incapable after that but was later saved by Cart Titan. Levi until the very end hunts for Zeke and finally gets to avenge his friends.
7. Nanami vs Mahito — There’s Still Some Fight Left In Him
The best anime swordsmanship moment of Nanami would be the one when he fought Mahito, a curse known to be most hated in the anime. As a one-grade sorcerer, Nanami along with Yuji made sure to have Mahito severely injured. However, Sukuna was the one who scared him away when Yuji entered Mahito’s domain expansion causing Sukuna to appear. The fight showed the power of a man who left Jujutsu High behind while he still held a massive amount of strength.
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6. Tanjiro vs Rui — The Arc’s Main Villain Is Dead But Why Am I Crying?
This battle was Tanjiro vs Rui, which is considered the best fight of Tanjiro. It started as Rui’s constant attempt to put Tanjiro in despair at not being able to save Nezuko. However, it turned out to be a huge failure for him since Tanjiro managed to break through his evil schemes and beheaded him. Rui’s backstory was also shown in the end which teared up the viewers. It gave them a rollercoaster ride of emotions they felt for both Tanjiro and Rui. The battle has become notable and Tanjiro made a name for himself for the swordsman spirit.
5. Akame vs Esdeath — Did The Suffering End or Did It Not?
Akame had been losing her friends in one way or another to many antagonists throughout the anime. Esdeath who is the main antagonist of Akame Ga Kill! and also the perfect example of Femme Fatale. She killed Tatsume, in whose POV we were watching the anime. Not until then did many viewers realize that Akame is the main protagonist. The last battle of Akame Ga Kill! took place after Tatsume’s death which was the last straw for Akame. In Akame’s uncontrollable fury, her overwhelming strength can’t be measured when she completely crushed Esdeath. She embraced the powers of her sword for the sake of her friends, using a fragment of her swordsmanship for a good cause.
4. Zoro vs Dracule Mihawk — Not The Best But The Most Impactful Fight Of Zoro
When Zoro came across Mihawk, he immediately challenged him in a face-off although he was no match against the Greatest Swordsman. And as expected Zoro stood no chance and was shown mercy by Mihawk, who sensed potential so he left him severely injured instead of eliminating Zoro. The episode was great not in terms of Dracule Mihawk’s bold appearance but Zoro’s concrete goal as a sword-wielder that kept him on his feet for much longer. And like that, not only Mihawk but we also felt Zoro’s courage enough to name this as one of the best anime swordsmanship moments.
3. Tengen vs Gyutaro — How Flashy Can A Fight Get?
The Upper Moon Six Demon and the Hashira fought diligently with no indifference. Their fight overshadowed Tanjiro’s presence as the main antagonist. However, due to his interference, Tengen loses his hand mid-fight while parrying an attack intended for him. Yet the technique of the Mist Hashira was truly admirable as he still held out against the powerful demon. As Tengen distracts the demon, Tanjiro due to his both arms broken, holds a sword in his mouth and pierces in Gyutaro’s neck. The battle soon ends when Tanjiro gradually decapitates Gyutaro, making up for his previous mistake. The clash between one of the fan-favorite Demon and Hashira represented a swordsmanship moment in a flashy way.
2. Guts vs Griffith — A Battle For One’s Honor
To follow his own path, Guts had to leave the band of the Hawks. However, Griffith who wanted to have Guts all by himself couldn’t bear to see him leave the band. So he defied Guts for a duel; as Griffith knew he was stronger than him. After an incredibly fierce but short fight, Guts was finally able to defeat Griffith, leaving him in despair. The battle was quickly done yet it well demonstrated the honor of a true swordsman. This along with other swordsmanship moments in the manga are truly jaw-dropping yet this duel between them was the turning point of the plot.
1. Ichigo vs Byakuya — Here Ichigo Was Determined To Defeat The Strongest
The battle between Ichigo and Byakuya is a fan-favorite battle for a reason in the entire series. Ichigo along with his newly learned Bankai fought with the strongest swordsman, Byakuya. The battle was indeed intense as Byakuya dropped his Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi over Ichigo. This caused him to bring out his Hollow Form which happened to completely beat Byakuya before he finally retained consciousness as he made the final blow. The fight was beautifully animated and hands down one of the best Bleach fights showing Ichigo’s determination and evolution in swordsmanship.
