mienshao
Generation V · #0620 — Martial Arts Pokémon
Mienshao is a Fighting-type Pokémon introduced in Generation V, classified as the Martial Arts Pokémon. As the evolved form of Mienfoo, Mienshao represents the pinnacle of disciplined combat training, embodying the philosophy of balance between physical prowess and tactical awareness. With a base stat total of 510, Mienshao excels as a swift, hard-hitting combatant, possessing an impressive Attack stat of 125 and Speed stat of 105 that make it a formidable opponent in battle. Its ability to learn diverse move sets and adapt to various battle strategies has established it as a popular choice among trainers seeking a reliable Fighting-type companion. The Pokédex entries consistently emphasize Mienshao's extraordinary speed and the devastating nature of its combination attacks, noting that once it begins its assault, opponents find themselves unable to counter effectively.
Base Stats
Height
1.4m
Weight
35.5kg
Category
Martial Arts Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
purple
Shape
upright
Abilities
Prevents flinching.
Heals for 1/3 max HP upon switching out.
Strengthens recoil moves to 1.2× their power.
Mienshao Biology & Physical Characteristics
Mienshao is a slender, mustelid-like Pokémon with a distinctly martial appearance that reflects its Fighting-type classification. The Pokémon features a predominantly white body with striking purple and yellow accents, particularly visible on its forehead, snout, eyebrows, and the flowing fur that adorns its arms like elaborate sleeves. Its most distinctive feature is the long, voluminous arm fur that splits at the ends, resembling traditional martial arts wrappings or flowing robes. This fur, tipped in purple, serves as both an aesthetic element and a functional weapon in combat. Mienshao possesses small, triangular ears, narrow maroon eyes framed by distinctive purple eyebrows with eyelashes, and a pair of long, split-ended yellow-tipped whiskers that further enhance its disciplined appearance. Its torso is encircled by a ring of purple fur at its midsection and features purple fur on its lower body that resembles combat pants, while its long, skinny tail and clawed paws complete its athletic frame at a height of 1.4 meters and weight of 35.5 kilograms.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Mienshao Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Mienshao has an equal gender distribution with a 50-50 ratio of male to female specimens, ensuring balanced breeding possibilities for trainers. This Pokémon belongs to the Field and Human-Like egg groups, allowing it to breed with a diverse range of Pokémon and contributing to its accessibility for competitive and casual trainers alike. The Human-Like egg group classification reflects Mienshao's bipedal nature and its resemblance to humanoid martial artists, while the Field group connection provides breeding flexibility with various other creature types. Mienshao has a base friendship value of 70 (in Generations 5-7), indicating that it forms relatively strong bonds with trainers who treat it with respect and provide appropriate training. The hatch counter for Mienshao eggs is 25 cycles, equating to approximately 6,169 to 6,425 steps before hatching, making it a moderately time-intensive investment for breeders seeking multiple specimens. The medium-slow growth rate means that Mienshao requires patience to develop fully, with level 50 evolution occurring relatively late in its development curve, ensuring that trainers who choose to breed and raise Mienshao from eggs are rewarded with fully realized, powerful specimens that have benefited from careful nurturing.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm00
sword shield
tm01
yellow
tm01
red blue
tm01
platinum
tm01
emerald
tm01
diamond pearl
tm01
firered leafgreen
tm01
ruby sapphire
tm01
black white
tm01
black 2 white 2
tm01
xd
tm01
colosseum
tm01
heartgold soulsilver
tm01
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm01
sun moon
tm01
x y
tm01
blue japan
tm01
red green japan
tm01
sword shield
+724 more TMs/HMs
mienshao's Evolution Chain
Mienshao Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Mienshao evolves from Mienfoo when the latter reaches level 50, representing a significant transformation in both physical capability and battle prowess. The evolution process marks the transition from a young martial artist to a fully realized master of combat, with Mienshao gaining substantially improved stats across most categories. Attack increases from Mienfoo's 95 to an impressive 125, while Speed jumps from 85 to 105, allowing Mienshao to outpace most opponents and strike with devastating force. The evolution also provides increases to Special Attack (from 80 to 95) and modest improvements to defensive capabilities, creating a well-rounded fighter. This evolution occurs at a relatively late level compared to many other Fighting-type Pokémon, suggesting that Mienshao achieves mastery through patience and dedicated training rather than rapid maturation. The transformation is not merely physical; Mienshao also gains access to more powerful move sets and demonstrates the philosophical depth befitting a true martial artist, carrying itself with the confidence of one who has earned their strength through disciplined practice.
Where to Find
unova route 14
unova
dragonspiral tower
unova
+29 more
unova route 23
unova
+1 more
Mienshao Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Mienshao is characterized by its respectful demeanor and dedication to martial training, typically spending considerable time honing its combat abilities with its trainer. According to Pokédex entries, Mienshao unleashes a bizarre wail before engaging in battle, serving as a warning to opponents of the devastating onslaught to follow. The Pokémon demonstrates remarkable tactical awareness; when facing a truly challenging opponent, Mienshao will bite off the fur from its arms to reduce its weight and increase its mobility, sacrificing its primary weapon for enhanced speed and agility. Its blinding speed enables it to deliver kicks and chops of such rapidity that they become invisible to the naked eye, with enough force to shatter massive boulders into tiny fragments. Mienshao possesses the unique ability to extend and manipulate the fur on its arms at will, stretching it far enough to use as restraints on opponents. The Pokémon methodically builds its power during prolonged battles, launching unstoppable combination attacks before slowly accumulating energy for a devastating finishing blow that leaves opponents overwhelmed and defeated.
Pokedex Entries
It wields the fur on its arms like a whip. Its arm attacks come with such rapidity that they cannot even be seen.
Using the long fur on its arms like whips, it launches into combo attacks that, once started, no one can stop.
They use the long fur on their arms as a whip to strike their opponents.
It wields the fur on its arms like a whip. Its arm attacks come with such rapidity that they cannot even be seen.
Using the long fur on its arms like whips, it launches into combo attacks that, once started, no one can stop.
It wields the fur on its arms like a whip. Its arm attacks come with such rapidity that they cannot even be seen.
Using the long fur on its arms like whips, it launches into combo attacks that, once started, no one can stop.
It overwhelms its opponents with continuous attacks and then slowly stores up power before delivering the finishing blow.
When Mienshao lets out a bizarre wail, you’re in danger. A flurry of kicks and chops too fast to see is about to be unleashed!
When Mienshao comes across a truly challenging opponent, it will lighten itself by biting off the fur on its arms.
Delivered at blinding speeds, kicks from this Pokémon can shatter massive boulders into tiny pieces.
Mienshao Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Mienshao derives from a combination of linguistic elements that reflect the Pokémon's inspiration and characteristics. The 'Mien' portion suggests 'mien,' meaning bearing or demeanor, while 'shao' references various martial arts traditions and Asian linguistic roots. The Japanese name, Kojondo, draws from similar martial arts terminology, emphasizing the Pokémon's role as a disciplined fighter. The design itself appears heavily influenced by weasels and mustelids, creatures known for their agility and combat prowess in nature. The distinctive arm fur that splits at the ends resembles traditional Chinese martial arts robes and the flowing sleeves characteristic of kung fu masters, while the overall silhouette echoes the graceful yet powerful posture of a trained martial artist. The color palette of white with purple and yellow accents evokes imagery associated with Eastern martial arts traditions, including the formal aesthetic of dojo training uniforms. The whiskers, small triangular ears, and feline-like facial features add an element of wisdom and intensity, suggesting both the cunning of a predator and the calm focus of a meditation-practiced master. Every element of Mienshao's design reinforces its identity as a complete martial artist, from its respectful posture to its purposeful, economical movement.
Learnable Moves
Mienshao can learn 91 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acrobatics | flying | Physical | 55 | 100 | 15 |
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| ally switch | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| assurance | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| aura sphere | fighting | Special | 80 | — | 20 |
| baton pass | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| blaze kick | fire | Physical | 85 | 90 | 10 |
| bounce | flying | Physical | 85 | 85 | 5 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| brutal swing | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| bulk up | fighting | Status | — | — | 20 |
| calm mind | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| close combat | fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| coaching | fighting | Status | — | — | 10 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| detect | fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double slap | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| drain punch | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| dual chop | dragon | Physical | 40 | 90 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fake out | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 |
| feint | normal | Physical | 30 | 100 | 10 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| focus blast | fighting | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| focus energy | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| focus punch | fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| force palm | fighting | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury swipes | normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| grass knot | grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| high jump kick | fighting | Physical | 130 | 90 | 10 |
| hone claws | dark | Status | — | — | 15 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| ice spinner | ice | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| jump kick | fighting | Physical | 100 | 95 | 10 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| low kick | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| low sweep | fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| meditate | psychic | Status | — | — | 40 |
| mega kick | normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| mega punch | normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| poison jab | poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| pound | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| power up punch | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| quick guard | fighting | Status | — | — | 15 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| retaliate | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| revenge | fighting | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| reversal | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| role play | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| stone edge | rock | Physical | 100 | 80 | 5 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trailblaze | grass | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| triple axel | ice | Physical | 20 | 90 | 10 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| upper hand | fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 15 |
| vacuum wave | fighting | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| wide guard | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
Mienshao Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battling, Mienshao occupies a unique niche as a fast, hard-hitting physical attacker with notable special attack coverage options. Its exceptional Attack stat of 125 combined with a Speed stat of 105 makes it one of the faster physical sweepers available, allowing it to outspeed many common threats and strike first. The ability Regenerator, recovered in its normal form, provides substantial utility by healing one-third of Mienshao's maximum HP upon switching out, effectively enabling hit-and-run tactics and prolonging its viability throughout long battles. Its hidden ability, Reckless, amplifies the power of recoil moves to 1.2x their normal damage output, though the recoil damage remains unchanged, offering a high-risk, high-reward playstyle for more aggressive trainers. The move pool available to Mienshao is remarkably versatile, featuring strong physical moves like Close Combat, Knock Off, and Drain Punch, alongside useful coverage options such as Stone Edge, U-turn, and Zen Headbutt. With access to setup moves like Swords Dance and strategic utility options including Fake Out and Trick Room, Mienshao can function in multiple roles depending on team composition and metagame demands. Its defensive typing provides resistance to three types while leaving it vulnerable to four, necessitating careful team building to minimize weaknesses and maximize Mienshao's effectiveness in competitive environments.
Commonly Asked Questions About Mienshao
What type is Mienshao?
Mienshao is a fighting type Pokemon.
What does Mienshao evolve from?
Mienshao evolved from mienfoo.
What are Mienshao's weaknesses?
Mienshao is weak to flying, psychic and fairy type moves.
Where can I find Mienshao?
Mienshao can be found in unova route 14 (unova), dragonspiral tower (unova) and unova route 23 (unova).
Mienshao Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Mienshao has established itself as a memorable and respected figure within the Pokémon franchise, appealing to trainers who appreciate martial arts themes and disciplined, dignified characters. The Pokémon's design resonates with fans of Asian-inspired aesthetics and martial philosophy, connecting with broader cultural appreciation for kung fu and Eastern combat traditions within the Pokémon community. Its presence in various media, including anime appearances where it demonstrates its fierce yet honorable nature, has solidified its position as an iconic Fighting-type representative. The character has appeared in significant story moments and trainer teams, often portrayed as the choice of disciplined and respectful trainers who value training methodology over raw power. Trading card game depictions of Mienshao showcase its dynamic combat abilities, with artwork frequently emphasizing the flowing arm fur and mid-attack momentum that define its visual identity. In competitive circles, Mienshao maintains a dedicated player base that appreciates its balance of offensive capability and strategic flexibility, with tournament appearances and strategic innovation surrounding the species maintaining its relevance across generations. The Pokémon's respectful demeanor and commitment to martial excellence have made it a symbol of dedication and hard work within fan communities, inspiring trainers to approach their teams with similar discipline and intentionality.
Where to Find Mienshao in Every Pokémon Game
Mienshao's availability has varied across different Pokémon games and regions, with the species introduced in Generation V remaining accessible through multiple subsequent generations with varying degrees of ease. In the original Generation V games (Black and White), Mienshao is available relatively late in the regional Pokédex, with Mienfoo appearing in later areas and evolving at level 50 after substantial training investment. It returned in Generation VI with availability in the Kalos region's Coastal dex, appearing in Generation VII's Alola dex as entry 360, and maintaining presence in Generation VIII's Isle of Armor expansion DLC as entry 164 and The Teal Mask as entry 138. For trainers in modern games, Mienshao can typically be obtained either by training Mienfoo to level 50 or by encountering evolved specimens in later-game areas, making it accessible but requiring commitment. The species may also be available through various methods including breeding Mienfoo with other compatible Pokémon, trading with other trainers, or transferring from previous game generations through systems like Pokémon Bank and Pokémon Home depending on the specific title. A capture rate of 45 indicates moderate difficulty in capturing wild Mienshao specimens, making Poké Balls, Great Balls, or Ultra Balls the typical recommendation, with base experience yield of 179 providing solid training value for extended team development.