Many people talk about what inspired them to start martial arts training in the first place. Some point to bullying, others to a traumatic event, or simply the desire to get in better shape and learn self-defence in an increasingly unsafe world.
But if we’re being honest, for many people—whether they always admit it or not—the inspiration came from movies or video games.
When it comes to movies, Bruce Lee is still probably the undisputed king. Add in Jackie Chan, The Karate Kid series (and its Cobra Kai spinoffs), the Van Damme and Seagal VHS era, and modern anime like Dragon Ball or Demon Slayer, and the influence is obvious.
When it comes to video games, however, some titles have inspired martial artists more than any others. In fact, it’s even possible to study these games and pick up a trick or two—whether from the originals or their many sequels.
Below are 15 video games (and sadly, we had to leave several out) that helped define martial arts in pop culture and continue to inspire aspiring martial artists today. This list starts with truly old-school classics and works its way to games your kids are probably playing right now.
Karateka
One of the earliest martial arts video game classics, Karateka casts you as a nameless karate warrior on a mission to rescue your love interest from an evil master in a Japanese temple. You begin outside the temple gates—with the very real ability to fall off the mountain you just climbed—and fight your way inward toward the final encounter.
The game has a darker tone and eerie atmosphere as enemies increase in difficulty one by one. You even have to deal with the final boss’s evil bird, which attacks you throughout the game in truly annoying fashion. The biggest twist? If you don’t handle the ending correctly, it delivers one of the most shocking moments in gaming history. Watch it on YouTube—we won’t spoil it here.
Karate Champ
This is the true OG of martial arts video games and holds a special place in many players’ hearts. Back when consoles weren’t common and arcades ruled, Karate Champ was always a fan favourite.
The premise is simple: Karateka A in a white gi vs. Karateka B in a white gi. You compete in a refereed match using half-point and full-point scoring, best two out of three. Between matches, there are bonus challenges—breaking boards, kicking flower pots into the air (yes, really), and even stopping a charging bull.
Each victory earns you an adoring companion, and you get to see your “collection” at the end. If only real life worked that way.
Kung Fu Master
One of the most popular arcade games later ported to the original Nintendo, Kung Fu Master is a classic. You play a kung fu master tasked with rescuing your girlfriend, who is being held on the fifth floor of a temple by the villain Mr. X—who kindly sends you a letter explaining the situation.
You have only a punch, kick, and jump kick, which sounds simple but proves surprisingly challenging. The variety of enemies and creative bosses keep the game fresh, and the fast-paced action still holds up today.
Double Dragon
A true holy grail of martial arts video games, Double Dragon was a gritty street-brawling experience that was actually banned in some countries due to its violence at the time.
Your girlfriend is kidnapped by the ruthless gang leader Willy, and you fight your way through the city using weapons like bats, whips, daggers, barrels, and more. Willy’s machine gun often meant instant death, a concept that influenced countless games afterward. With early traces of blood and a brutal atmosphere, its legacy still holds strong.
Ninja Gaiden
Ninja Gaiden is interesting because it began as a fairly forgettable arcade title before transforming into a legendary NES side-scroller. The Nintendo version featured an eerie, almost horror-like tone, emotional music, and—most importantly—cinematic cutscenes.
These were among the first true story-driven cutscenes in gaming, delivering emotional moments no one expected at the time. The franchise continues today, but this entry remains a true NES classic.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Arcade)
If there’s one game that drained countless quarters from kids everywhere, it’s the four-player TMNT arcade game. One of the first games to support more than two players, it became a cultural phenomenon during the height of the cartoon and toy craze.
Seeing all four turtles on screen at once was chaotic, fun, and unforgettable. Credit Konami for creating an experience that emphasized teamwork and camaraderie—something martial artists understand well.
Final Fight
Final Fight is one of the most iconic beat-’em-ups in arcade history. It devoured quarters, but players gladly paid because it was incredibly addictive.
Often described as Double Dragon on steroids, it featured larger crowds, more weapons, and a slightly more realistic—yet still brutal—tone. Many of its characters became legends and later appeared in other franchises.
Street Fighter II
One of the most popular video games of all time—not just among martial arts fans. Think Karate Champ evolved to perfection. With eight playable fighters (a revolutionary idea at the time), international stages, and iconic characters, Street Fighter II became a cultural phenomenon.
Even today, it remains a staple in competitive gaming with tournaments and cash prizes worldwide. Even if you’ve never played it, you’ve definitely heard of it.
Mortal Kombat
If Street Fighter was Mario, Mortal Kombat was Sonic. It came closer than any game to rivaling—and sometimes surpassing—SF.
Known for its digitized graphics and shockingly violent fatalities, Mortal Kombat changed gaming forever. Rumours became reality when players realized they could perform brutal finishing moves. Yes—kills, not injuries. It remains one of the most controversial and enduring franchises in gaming history.
Perfect Weapon
By far the least known game on this list, Perfect Weapon debuted on PC and received mixed reviews. Still, it deserves credit for creating the blueprint for a true 3D martial arts experience.
You’re captured by an alien entity that abducts martial artists from different planets. The twist? You are unknowingly training the mastermind himself. The execution may have fallen short, but the ambition was ahead of its time.
Tekken
The first major 3D fighting game that truly changed the genre. Before Tekken, fighting games were almost exclusively 2D. This game pushed technology forward and set the standard for 3D combat.
While it never quite reached the cultural heights of Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat, its impact on gaming technology was massive.
Tenchu
In a genre known for fast-paced action, Tenchu slowed things down. You play a ninja assassin relying on stealth, patience, and precision.
If you’re spotted, survival is not guaranteed—much like real life. You can avoid enemies entirely or silently eliminate them. This is a thinking martial artist’s game that rewards intelligence over button-mashing.
Dragon Ball (Series)
We’re grouping the many Dragon Ball games together because once you’ve played one, you’ve played the formula. That said, the fast-paced combat, energy attacks, and over-the-top power fantasy are incredibly fun.
Inspired by one of the most popular anime series of all time, these games succeed at making you feel god-like. They may not be Shakespeare, but they don’t need to be.
Sifu
Sifu is a modern martial arts masterpiece inspired by classic kung fu films. This fully realized 3D brawler features deep mechanics, technical combat, and brutal difficulty.
The unique aging system—where you grow older each time you die—adds real stakes to every fight. Mastering this game genuinely feels like mastering a martial art, and the satisfaction is unmatched.
Ghost of Tsushima
The only true open-world martial arts game on this list. You play a rogue samurai who abandons traditional codes to protect the powerless.
The world is breathtaking, the combat is fluid, and exploration alone is worth the experience. Set in feudal Japan, the game can easily last 50–70 hours and leaves a lasting impression.
If your love of martial arts was inspired by video games, movies, or YouTube—don’t feel bad. There’s no wrong way to be inspired.
And if those inspirations make you want to train, private lessons are a great place to start.
Check us out at Komodo Taekwondo & Martial Arts and bring those influences to life.