Also known as: 史上最強の弟子ケンイチ
Shijou Saikyou no Deshi Kenichi (史上最強の弟子ケンイチ, literally "History's Strongest Disciple Ken'ichi" but localized as "Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple" in the United States) is a 2002 martial arts manga written and illustrated by Matsuena Shun. The story follows Shirahama Kenichi, a good-natured boy who is constantly bullied. Tired of being weak, he joins his school's karate club to grow stronger, only to end up as a punching bag. However, the beautiful transfer student Fuuriniji Miu introduces him to the Ryozanpaku dojo.
The manga is essentially a remake of an earlier work by Matsuena, the 1999 Tatakae! Ryouzanpaku Shijou Saikyou no Deshi (戦え!梁山泊 史上最強の弟子, Fight! Ryouzanpaku, History's Strongest Disciple), which was serialized in Shougakukan's Shounen Sunday Super.
The series was published in Shougakukan's Weekly Shounen Sunday from August 9, 2002 to September 17, 2014. A sequel, Shijou Saikyou no Deshi Kenichi 2: Tatsujin-hen (史上最強の弟子ケンイチ２〜達人編〜), began publishing in Sunday Webry on March 25, 2026. An anime adaptation by TMS Entertainment aired from October 8, 2006 to September 30, 2007, which subsequently spawned several OVAs. A video game adaptation, Shijou Saikyou no Deshi Kenichi: Gekitou! Ragnarok Hachikengou (史上最強の弟子ケンイチ 激闘!ラグナレク八拳豪), was released on March 15, 2007 for the PlayStation 2.
Characters
- Apachai Hopachai
- Fuurinji Hayato
- Fuurinji Miu
- Jennifer Gray
- Kouetsuji Akisame
- Kousaka Shigure
- Kugatachi Kaname
- Kushinada Mikumo
- Ma Kensei
- Ma Renka
- Nanjou Kisara
- Rachel Stanley
- Sakaki Shio
- Shirahama Honoka
- Shirahama Ken'Ichi
- Shirahama Saori
