Manga Recommendation #2: Karate Shoukoushi Kohinata Minoru

Alright excuse the super long title, but ya know how weird those Japanese people are with their silly names.
*Waves American Flag*

But in all seriousness, this is for those martial art lovers who likes a good, detailed and sometimes slowly paced hero story. Well perhaps "hero" isn't the best word considering there is no real villain in this manga, rather just a new set of hurdles. So here's the gist: young talented gymnast named Minoru, gets kicked out because of bullying and decides to chill in the background while supporting his childhood friend, Nana. Through their conversation we learn quickly about Minoru's oppression from his seniors which leaves him nearly void of any self esteem. Sounds like the perfect type of person to start a Martial Arts Manga if you ask me!!!
 Despite him being so emo but nice, he still has Nana -who is "super hot"- as a friend. Now this chick has been trying to hop out of that friend zone but as you know in the anime world, boys are the ones either playing hard to get or just too dumb to see these signs. Also regarding this girl, thank goodness this is the anime world because this chick is packing everything physically while if this was real, she would be the little she-man with a rock hard chest - this bothered me the most especially after seeing the Olympics last night. Any who - Minoru gets bullied while trying stand up for the girl but gets owned and all of a sudden this huge guy named Mutou comes on the scene and helps them out.

Now Minoru is not a punk by any means, actually Mutou only jumped in because he saw a spark of potential in his eyes. Mutou punches the boy afterwards for not being able to save Nana and takes it upon himself to bring him to the Karate club and make him a true man!
The story expands from here into a wide variety of challenges, new characters and new opponents who begin to shape Minoru not only as someone learning Karate but also as a person.

As you can see above me the art does not hold back on details of the human body. BABA Yasushi(author) is not afraid of showing how well he knows the human anatomy. As you read, you'll see these amazing full body pictures that just blow you away with its style and beauty!

If you love action that's not all about beams and justus, but more realistic please check this one out! The manga is going strong and is growing stronger!

If you read it let me know what you think!