Fighting Spirit_
Original: はじめの一歩
"The moment you back down is the moment you lose!"
Makunouchi Ippo is an ordinary high school student in Japan. Since he spends most of his time away from school helping his mother run the family business, he doesn't get to enjoy his younger years like most teenagers. Always a target for bullying at school (the family fishing business grants him a distinct odor), Ippo's life is one of hardship. One of these after-school bullying sessions turns Ippo's life around for the better, as he is saved by a boxer named Takamura. He decides to follow in Takamura's footsteps and train to become a boxer, giving his life direction and purpose. Ippo's path to perfecting his pugilistic prowess is just beginning...
Network
Nippon TV
Episodes
126
Updated Feb 16, 2026
WHERE TO WATCH
Netflix
18 countries
Prime Video
FREE
5 countries
Crunchyroll
2 countries
Retrocrush
FREE
2 countries
Plex
FREE
2 countries
A
AsianCrush
FREE
2 countries
ALL REGIONS
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Overview
Fighting Spirit has 3 seasons with 126 episodes spanning 2000-2014.
Kohei Kiyasu →
Rating
With a 8.6/10 rating from 1,157 votes, Fighting Spirit is considered highly rated.
Year context
Fighting Spirit first aired 26 years ago in 2000.
CAST (8)
SEASONS (3 seasons, 126 episodes)
SEASON 1The First Step
01
The First Step
Ippo is a high school student who works full time at his mother's fishing though. Because of this, he gets bullied on by the kids…
02
Fruits of Labor
Ippo succeeds in catching 10 falling leaves, and is granted his first sparring session.
03
Tears of Joy
Ippo loses his first sparring session, but shows enough potential to be accepted into the gym.
04
Shadow Boxing
Ippo practices shadow boxing.
05
3 Months to Counter
Ippo trains for a rematch.
06
The Opening Bell of the Rematch
Ippo and Miyata face off in a rematch.
07
The Destructive Force Of One CM
Ippo and Miyata are in the last round of the rematch
08
Promise to Meet Again
Ippo trains with Takamura and discovers the hardship of pro boxing.
09
C Class License
Ippo takes the License Test and meets Mashiba.
10
Debut Match!
Ippo and his opponent Yusuke train for Ippo's debut match.
11
Obsession for Victory
Ippo defeats Yusuke via K.O.
12
Becoming a Bully's Buddy
Ippo fights and wins his second match via K.O.,After the fight he was befriended by Umezawa, his former bully.
13
The Eastern Japan Rookie Championship Tournament Begins
Ippo and his opponent Jason prepare for the first match of the Rookie King Tournament.
14
Powerful Arms! Hooks vs. Uppercut!
Start of Ippo vs Jason match, both men exchange powerful punches but neither goes down.
15
Test of Endurance
Ippo defeats Jason via K.O. after a tough match.
16
Premonition of a Hard Battle
Ippo watches the fight videos of Kobashi and Hayami, his future opponents.
17
Ippo on the Beach
Ippo joins Takamura, Kimura, and Aoki in a training camp near the beach.
18
Clinch
Start of Ippo vs Kobashi match, Ippo is loosing by points because of Kobashi's strategy.
19
K.O. Dream
Kobashi abandoned his strategy and loses the match to Ippo via K.O.
20
Threat of Shotgun
Takamura wins the Japanese Middleweight Championship belt, Ippo trains with Aoki to counter Hayami's Shotgun punch.
21
The Way to Capture a Prodigy
Start of Ippo vs Hayami fight, Hayami takes the advantage during the early rounds.
22
Forward! Forward!!
Ippo defeats Hayami via K.O. Ippo's training with Aoki and Kimura's help Ippo win the match.
23
Another Semi-Final
Ippos day off. Miyata and Mashiba face off.
24
To the Place We Promised...
Miyata and Mashiba continues to fight. Ippo is angred by the outcome.
25
Every Emotion
Ippo trains for Mashiba flicker jabs.
26
Battle for Distance
Ippo VS Mashiba Round 1
27
Death Match
Ippo VS Mashiba continues.
28
Victory or Defeat
Ippo defeats Mashiba for Rookie King of Eastren Japan.
29
Rocky of Naniwa
Sendo goes to Japan to meet Ippo and make him go to All Japan and gets a chance to spar with Takamura.
30
To Enemy Ground
Ippo learns how to heal his right fist and gets ready for the All Japan but something happens his powerful right punches!
31
Traces of Intense Battles
Episode 31 is a retrospective on the hope that managed Ippo championship. It is made in the form of a newspaper article commented and written…
32
Throw Your Right!
After two straight missed Ippo, the sparring match is abandoned. Meanwhile, Sendo, the great favorites of the match, continues to train. Just before the game,…
33
Smash Force
Makunouchi takes the smash improved Sendo, and crashed into the ropes, but do not fall! Alas, his legs tremble, Sendo and the opportunity to boost…
34
The Rookie King
Sendo Makunouchi and continues to cast powerful blows to turn, but neither weakens, they are very determined !! But after a few moments, Sendo eventually…
35
The Continuing Journey
It is the day of graduation, Ippo has also obtained his. At his high school, he became The Star, Idol of all students. This awareness…
36
The Champ and I
Ippo finally meets the champion in its class, Eiji Date. The latter is there to comment on the evening's matches as a guest. It turns…
37
A Thing to Strive For
Ippo gets to get up, the game resumes. Date returned, and hardly the match resumed, Ippo is again stuck in the ropes. Date then returns…
38
Two Rookies of the Year
Okita also control the blow that had allowed Date set down Ippo 2 times !! Ippo, panicked, took distance, and Okita feints put the uncomfortable,…
39
Challenge in a Foreign Land
In Thailand, Miyata a draw against a second-class boxer. Decision of the arbitrator although debatable, the Japanese are not welcome there, and Miyata seems to…
40
A Counter to Surpass All Counters
The boxing stadium tremble with excitement, the crowd goes wild and wants to see only one thing, the victory of Jimmy Sisfer, and the defeat…
41
Barf-michi's Big Fight
At sunset, While Ippo's mother prepares the material for fishing, it can hardly his training, sorry for being late to help his mother. The next…
42
Sharing a Dream
Ippo thinks of quitting boxing.
43
The Speed Star
Ippo gets ready for his match against Saeki the Speed Star.
44
Blind Spot in the Ring
Ippo fights Saeki.
45
The White Fangs of the Wolf
Gero-michi leaves and has to move away.
46
Be the Gazelle
Aoki, Kimura & Ippo train hard for their next match of the tournament class A. They linked together jogging, sparring and Shadow Boxing to be…
47
The Fighting Spirit Within
The tactics of the coach against Vorg is based on a succession of sudden melee after which the least enduring two boxers will drop his…
48
The Red Wolf
The match between Volg and Ippo begins.
49
The Courage to Believe
Volg and Ippo continue to duke it out in a hard-fought and long battle.
50
Something to Convey
The end of the Volg match.
51
Group Date
Group date, literally. Ippo walks Mashiba's Kumi home.
52
The Challenger
Recap episode.
53
So That I Can Be Myself
Background episode for Date Eiji.
54
Fists of the Champ
"The champions have special powers! "That is what was said to Takamura Ippo before his defense of the title match. But after weight problems and…
55
The Japan Featherweight Title Match
The episode begins the day before the match for the title of Ippo, during training with mittens. But the latter is shortened, the coach looks…
56
The Power that Stands in the Way
During the break, Ippo is concerned, he has not had the sensation he usually hit when Date but his coach made him regain confidence in…
57
Conclusion
"What should I do?". This is the question that arises while Ippo Date street shots, then he remembers that he told Takamura just give the…
58
Heartbroken
While the coach Okita Date and congratulated the champion, Ippo wishes to thank for this game then goes on a stretcher to applause from the…
59
Look of Determination
The match between Sendou Takeshi and Volg Zangief starts.
60
Rival
Sendou wins the match versus Volg.
61
Comeback Anxiety
Miyata Ichirou defeats Li Chou Bil.
62
Revival
Coach returns from the hospital, and Makunochi "hits without being hit".
63
Youth of Fire
The past of Aoki and Kimura is shown.
64
Hot Rod Era
Second part of Aoki's and Kimura's past.
65
The Summer of the Kamogawa Corps
The group go to training camp in the mountains.
66
Mr. Takamura's Tears
Takamura fights a bear.
67
The Kamogawa Gym Swings Into Action
After this strong hectic camp, we find our boxers at the gym. While the coach told them all to go to rest, two men have…
68
The Chief's Peril
Finally the day of the games of our boxers happens, Kimura very fit explodes his opponent, when Aoki to beat his opponent but as usual…
69
The Trap of the Southpaw
Ippo and coach arriving in the city where the featherweight champion, Takeshi Sendo must defend his title against Shigeta Akira, 4th category. At the beginning…
70
The Young Punk
We find our hero in him, in his room, he can not help thinking about the game he has just seen in Osaka, acceleration Sendo,…
71
Time for the Showdown
While the title match approach Ippo trains again and again. As it enters its footing, a crowd gathered in front of the room, there are…
72
Lollapalooza
What wonder what Dempsey Roll early in the 1st round, Ippo sends his best and most powerful blow while Sendo had not yet had time…
73
Surpass That Moment
Ippo happens somehow to join his corner. This end of the second round was very rude for the challenger, the 3rd round starts in exactly…
74
Mixup
Takamura has noticed, Ippo has had enough it is burnt and courage in this game is like a time bomb because if Sendo quite put…
75
One Step Further
Ippo and Sendo's match concludes.
SEASON 2New Challenger
01
The New Step
The first episode of the second season starts with mostly the match of Miyata against Arnie. Shows Kimura sparring with Miyata and then the Weigh-in.…
02
Bloody Cross
The second episode of the second season starts off on Miyata's OPBF Title Match. With it Arnie showing his special weapon called Bloody Cross and…
03
To a Promise
The third episode of the second season continues on the OPBF Match with Miyata against Arnie. With almost everytime Miyata is about to fall down…
04
Towards The World
Miyata Ichirou wins the title of OPBF Featherweight Champion, but now Ippo feels even further from him than before. After his match, Date Eiji's second…
05
The Strength of the World
Ippo comes to the sparring match against Ricardo Martinez as focused as if it were a real match, and he is determined to land at…
06
A Figure to Chase After
After seven years Eiji Date will finally have his rematch with Ricardo Martinez, the world featherweight champion. The title match begins, Date starts the match…
07
The Advent of the Devil
The world featherweight title match has begun, in the first round, neither Date or Martinez use their rights. The second round is more exciting than…
08
Spirit For One Last Attack
Date tries the heart-breaker shot but Martinez blocks it with his elbow breaking Date's hand. By the end of the round Date's hand, jaw, and…
09
Inheritance Qualifications
The Kamogawa Boxing Gym gets a new recruit: Itagaki Manabu, the inter-high national runner up who happens to idolizes Ippo. Meanwhile, Ippo is hit with…
10
Biting Dog
Ippo is reluctant to fight Nao, who used to be his junior and friend. Nao faces his fear of fighting Ippo and resolves to let…
11
Ippo vs. Hammer Nao
The match begins. Ippo goes on an all-out offensive, hoping to end this match as soon as possible, but Nao refuses to stay down until…
12
Requirements for a Pro
Ippo lowers his guard and it becomes a blow-for-blow confrontation, with Ippo winning out and knocking Nao down. Nao reflects on his past with Ippo…
13
Ippo At The Beach 2
14
Two Spars
15
Itagaki's Debut Fight!
Takamura and Ippo's next matches are finalized. Itagaki has a jarring introduction to the world of pro boxing when he fights a boxer desperate enough…
16
The Two Hawks
Takamura's light punches and decreased stamina have put him at a great disadvantage, but when he sees a familiar and taunting face, his anger allows…
17
Wild Kid
Takamura attacks Hawk in a fit of anger, but Hawk effortlessly blocks his attack, stunning everyone. The Kamogawa gang reviews Hawk's previous matches and learn…
18
Extreme Weight Control
Takamura resolves to reach the top of the world for the sake of his friends and for the coach. In order to do so, he…
19
Critical Situation
The coach and Nagi see Hawk's devastating boxing firsthand. Takamura barely makes weight and is taunted by Hawk for his skinny appearance. Later, when a…
20
Junior Middleweight World Title Match
Ippo manages to win his title defense with a 1-round KO as per his promise and rushes back to see Takamura. There, he sees all…
21
Battle of Hawk
Takamura takes the pace at the beginning of the match, but Hawk unveils his unique style that allows him to dodge and attack simultaneously! After…
22
Brawl
Takamura is outsped once more and knocked unconscious, but manages to recover just in time. Relying on what he has learned from the coach, he…
23
Supporting Hand
Despite using all of his remaining energy, Takamura cannot break through Hawk's defense and is left with no way to fight back. Hawk's wild bloodlust…
24
The King
Takamura is knocked unconscious while standing yet again, and remembers all of the pain, suffering, and disrespect he faced for the sake of this match.…
25
Please Accept This Bronze Statue
After a gruesome fight, Takamura becomes the WBC Jr. Middleweight World Champion, and orders a giant bronze statue of himself to celebrate. Itagaki wins his…
26
New Challenger
When Miyata confronts Ippo about their promise, it is revealed that Miyata has risen far above Ippo's level due to his over-reliance on the Dempsey…
SEASON 3Rising
01
The Strongest Challenger
Makunouchi Ippo defeated Sendou Takeshi with his Dempsey Roll and became the Japanese Featherweight Champion! Reflecting on his recent title defenses, Ippo reminisces about his…
02
The Dempsey Roll Destroyed
With his title on the line, Ippo goes toe-to-toe with Shimabukuro. The battle is so intense Ippo doesn’t even have room to breathe, to the…
03
A Woman's Battle
Ippo emerges victorious after a vicious war with Shimabukuro, and Itagaki’s sister Nanako comes to pay him a visit at home while he rests. Meanwhile,…
04
The Goddess of Victory
After an infuriating face-off with Imae, Aoki turns to his girlfriend Tomiko for comfort. Meanwhile, Imae chooses to focus all his energy on boxing and…
05
100% Fake
Imae’s long hours of research quickly pay off as he decimates Aoki by countering every one of his trademark attacks, even the Frog Punch! As…
06
The Distance Between Me and Glory
Imae, cowed by Aoki’s fearsome new move, suddenly realizes what it is Aoki has that he lacks. Summoning up all the energy he has left,…
07
Cheese Champion
Sendou Takeshi, the "Naniwa Tiger," returns to the ring! But it's his sparring partner, Sawamura Ryuuhei, who knocks Ippo for a loop when he calls…
08
The Mad Dog and the Red Wolf
Ippo's next title defense is confirmed to be against Sawamura Ryuuhei, and after realizing the Dempsey Roll is vulnerable to counter punches, Ippo realizes he…
09
A Savage Scenario
Volg has return to Japan to take back his boxing gloves from Ippo. He hopes to travel to America, but with no contacts there he…
10
The Face Of Determination
As the fight with Sawamura draws near, Ippo has pinned all his hopes on the newly-evolved Dempsey Roll, to the point where practicing it has…
11
Fearless Challenger
Sawamura's blatant fouls and bullet-like left jabs leave Ippo scrambling to establish some kind of rhythm. He stubbornly forces his way inside, but is he…
12
The Anti-Dempsey Perfected
Ippo mounts a desperate, full frontal assault as Sawamura continues to toy with him. Determined to take back the pace, Ippo begins to dodge the…
13
A Fist That Picks You Up
The evolved Dempsey Roll saved Ippo from the jaws of defeat. Bolstered by the cheering fans, he chases down Sawamura. But with Sawamura more willing…
14
Empowering Words
Ippo visits Dr. Yamaguchi and learns the full extent of the damage caused by the evolved Dempsey Roll. As he walks home on crutches, Umezawa…
15
A Storm Descends on Makunouchi Fishing Boat
To celebrate Ippo's win and recovery, the whole gym gang hops aboard the Makunouchi Fishing Boat for a fun fishing trip. Yagi suggests they liven…
16
Golden Eagle
While Takamura approaches his physical limits as he cuts weight for his upcoming world title match, the American champion David Eagle arrives in Japan. Talented,…
17
Eleki's Shocker and Papaya's Coconut
It's time for Kimura and Aoki to step into the ring at the Yokohama Arena! Kimura's up first, and nerves come into play as he…
18
The Unfinished New Counter
It's the semifinal match, Miyata vs. Dachboy, and the Miyata camp recognizes a familiar face in the opponent's corner... Mister Sakaguchi, the former manager of…
19
Hawk vs. Eagle
It's finally time for the main event, Takamura Mamoru vs. David Eagle! The challenger is full of vim and vigor, but even in the face…
20
A Lesson Never Forgotten
Despite being stymied by Eagle, Takamura assures his corner he has a plan for victory. Just as he seems to be making progress, a shocking…
21
The End of the Death Match
Blood sprays across the ring as Takamura and Eagle pound at each other's cuts. Takamura's good eye is quickly swelling shut, and the ringside doctor…
22
Flower of Hope
And old photo and a little prodding from Ippo and Aoki prompts Coach Kamogawa and Nekota to take a trip down memory lane. Theirs is…
23
The Courage to Live
Prizefighting turns out to be no match for boxing as Sergeant Ralph Anderson easily manhandles Kamogawa and Nekota. The two fighters redouble their training even…
24
Iron Fist
Kamogawa breathes a sigh of relief as he watches Nekota run circles around Anderson with his spectacular footwork... Until round four, when the soldier's frustration…
25
A Vow
Kamogawa resorts to pounding a log with his bare fists as he trains to face Anderson and avenge Nekota. Anderson rediscovers his pride as a…
SERIES INFO
3
Seasons
126
Episodes
24 min/ep
Per Episode
Ended
Status
NETWORKS (1)
Nippon TV
DETAILS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Fighting Spirit about?
Makunouchi Ippo is an ordinary high school student in Japan. Since he spends most of his time away from school helping his mother run the family business, he doesn't get to enjoy his younger years like most teenagers. Always a target for bullying at school (the family fishing business grants him a distinct odor), Ippo's life is one of hardship. One of these after-school bullying sessions turns Ippo's life around for the better, as he is saved by a boxer named Takamura. He decides to follow in Takamura's footsteps and train to become a boxer, giving his life direction and purpose. Ippo's path to perfecting his pugilistic prowess is just beginning...
Where can I watch Fighting Spirit?
Fighting Spirit is available on Netflix, Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Retrocrush, Plex. Availability varies by region.
How many seasons does Fighting Spirit have?
Fighting Spirit has 3 seasons with 126 episodes total.
Who stars in Fighting Spirit?
The cast of Fighting Spirit includes Kohei Kiyasu, Rikiya Koyama, Wataru Takagi, Keiji Fujiwara, Jurota Kosugi.
What is the rating of Fighting Spirit?
Fighting Spirit has a rating of 8.6 out of 10 based on 1,157 votes on TMDB.
Is Fighting Spirit still running?
Fighting Spirit has ended. The final episode aired on .
GENRES (4)
Animation
Comedy
Drama
Action & Adventure
