All Might, the greatest hero in My Hero Academia, isn’t just remembered for his towering presence or his unwavering smile—he’s remembered for the fists that carried hope. His legendary punches, known simply as “Smashes,” are blows of such overwhelming force that they can bend the skies themselves, stirring storms with nothing but raw power. Each Smash is more than just an attack—it’s a promise, a declaration that evil will never triumph while the Symbol of Peace still stands.

But time has not been kind to the man behind the smile. His grievous injuries and the inevitable passing of One For All have left him a shadow of the powerhouse he once was. Every Smash he delivers now feels heavier, not just in power but in meaning—closer to his last than his first, each one carrying the weight of finality. This fragility turns every punch into something sacred, a moment where courage battles against the creeping edges of mortality.

In the story of My Hero Academia, All Might’s Smashes are never just about defeating villains. They are turning points—shifts in fate that ripple through the world around him. To his students, his tempered blows are lessons in control and responsibility. To civilians, they are sparks of reassurance in the darkest of times. To villains, they are the sound of inevitability—a thunderous reminder that peace has its protector.

An attack as simple yet iconic as the Smash embodies everything All Might stands for: unyielding strength, hope in despair, and the living embodiment of peace itself.

New Hampshire Smash

Among All Might’s legendary arsenal of “Smashes,” the New Hampshire Smash stands apart as one of the most unconventional. Debuting in My Hero Academia Season 2, Episode 24, during the climactic students vs. teachers final exam, it is unlike the devastating city-shaking blows he’s known for. Instead of channeling raw force into an enemy, All Might punches the very air itself, creating a blast of pressure so intense that it propels him backward midair. It’s a maneuver less about destruction and more about agility—turning his fist into a jet engine that repositions him instantly.

All Might unleashed this unique Smash against Deku, a moment layered with meaning. Not only did it showcase his creativity in battle, but it also tested Deku’s adaptability under pressure. The move wasn’t about overwhelming force; it was about strategy, about showing that power is not always about how hard you hit, but how cleverly you use it.

What makes the New Hampshire Smash so fascinating is its fleeting nature. Used only once, it leaves fans questioning: does All Might invent these Smashes on the spot, or are they the result of years of refinement, drilled into his instincts from countless battles with villains of every kind? Given his unmatched experience, it’s entirely possible he has a mental library of techniques crafted for even the most specific scenarios—each Smash not just an attack, but a reflection of his versatility as a hero.

The rarity of the New Hampshire Smash only amplifies its mystique. It’s not just another blow—it’s a glimpse into All Might’s creative genius, a reminder that even in moments of limitation, the Symbol of Peace always finds a way forward.

Oklahoma Smash

My Hero Academia Season 3, Episode 10 — “Symbol of Peace” (aired June 9, 2018) drops us into the heart of the Kamino Incident, where chaos has a face and a name: All For One. In a blur of warp gates and collapsing streets, a pack of Nomu swarm All Might to stall him long enough to spirit Shigaraki away. Then All Might does something wonderfully unorthodox—he doesn’t punch a villain, he punches physics.

He coils, pivots, and spins—a cyclone in human form—hurling the clinging Nomu off his body like shrapnel from a storm. That’s Oklahoma Smash: a high-rotation, high-pressure vortex that clears space rather than craters skulls. It’s a crowd-control answer in a boss-fight world; less a finishing blow and more a tactical reset that says, make room—the Symbol of Peace is moving through. 

Part of why the move sticks in memory is pure flavor. Oklahoma sits in Tornado Alley; naming a spin-technique after a tornado hotspot is All Might’s theater-of-heroism at work—epic, pulpy, and perfectly on-brand. Fans clocked the tornado nod the moment he started twirling, and official descriptions lean into that “vortex” idea. It’s clever battlefield geometry disguised as a gag—hence the affectionate “Beyblade” comparisons. 

And while Oklahoma Smash isn’t his most devastating strike, it’s a beautiful read on the moment: rescue first, control the board, then go for the king. That sequence clears his path toward All For One’s reveal and the duel that redefines the series. Fun tidbit: Oklahoma Smash also shows up as a named technique in games like Jump Force and My Hero One’s Justice, further cementing its status as the flashy spin in All Might’s playbook. 

Why it matters: Oklahoma Smash proves All Might isn’t just power—he’s problem-solving at speed. In a single pirouette, he turns a dogpile into distance, spectacle into strategy, and a dire beat into momentum.

Carolina Smash

In My Hero Academia Season 1, Episode 12 (“All Might”), we see one of the rarest and most lethal moves in All Might’s arsenal: the Carolina Smash. Instead of a conventional punch, he crosses his arms into an “X” formation, then charges forward and unleashes a devastating double-chop directly into the chest of his opponent. The sheer focused force of the attack is enough to cleave through shields—or, in the hands of a weaker wielder, body—turning it into arguably the deadliest technique in his repertoire. 

What makes Carolina Smash especially unique is its brutal elegance. Unlike the dramatic, sweeping power of his other Smashes, this one is surgical—intense kinetic energy in a compact form that leaves devastating impact where it matters most.

Because My Hero Academia steers clear of depicting heroes as killers, All Might only uses this move once—and only against a Nomu, a soulless construct beyond mercy or death. A lethal blow where no life is at stake: it’s the subtle way the series underscores his morality without undercutting the move’s lethality.

Extra Layer from the Fandom

Interestingly, fans have noticed the Carolina Smash’s ominous naming and carnage. On a popular forum, one viewer humorously captured the moment like this:

“The amount of time between All Might shouting ‘CAROLINA SMASH!!’ and the actual Carolina Smashing is a second or two at most… Oh, fuck—*All Might's attack proceeds to flatten the entire block*”

It’s a visceral reminder that, while the names—named after U.S. states—sound lofty and stylized, the impact is real for whomever stands in the way.

Why It Resonates

• Precision Over Power: Unlike his grand punches—the “explosive windstorm” kind—this move zeroes in on one target, showcasing that All Might’s strength isn’t just raw, it’s refined.

• Ethical Touchstone: The decision to only use this move on something that isn’t truly alive reflects the layered storytelling at play—power moderated by principle.

• Name Symbolism: While technically referencing both North and South Carolina—perhaps mirroring the dual-chop nature of the move—this Smash echoes All Might’s time abroad and the dramatic flair that colored his heroic identity.

Texas Smash

In My Hero Academia Season 1, Episode 1 (“Izuku Midoriya: Origin”), the world first sees the overwhelming force of All Might’s fists. His debut Smash—the Texas Smash—isn’t just a spectacle of raw power, it’s the very act that saves Deku’s life and sets the story into motion.

With a single swing, All Might’s punch generates a shockwave so immense it tears through the Sludge Villain, freeing Deku from certain death. It’s a moment of pure heroism, a scene that encapsulates everything Midoriya idolizes about the Symbol of Peace. For the audience, it’s also the perfect introduction to All Might: a giant of a man whose strength borders on the mythic, yet whose presence is undeniably reassuring.

But Texas Smash is more than just All Might’s flashy entrance. On a narrative level, it is poetic foreshadowing. The punch doesn’t just free Deku’s body—it frees his destiny. That very act leads to the pivotal rooftop conversation where All Might tells Midoriya, “You can be a hero,” and later entrusts him with One For All. In a way, Texas Smash isn’t just All Might’s first attack in the series—it’s the birth cry of a new era.

The choice of naming is fitting, too. Like his other state-themed Smashes, “Texas” evokes imagery of wide skies and unstoppable force—a frontier-level punch that sweeps everything in its path. It’s brash, larger-than-life, and perfectly aligned with All Might’s American comic-book inspired persona.

Looking back, Texas Smash stands as one of the most important moments in My Hero Academia. It’s the day Deku’s greatest hero didn’t just save him—he acknowledged him. And in that moment, the boy who once stood powerless in the shadow of others began his journey to carry the very torch of peace itself.

Skinny Texas Smash

In My Hero Academia Season 3, Episode 12 (“End of the Beginning, Beginning of the End”), we see one of the strangest yet most heartfelt Smashes in All Might’s arsenal: the Skinny Texas Smash. But unlike the sky-shattering blows of his prime, this one doesn’t level cities or tear through villains—it lands squarely on Deku’s face.

The moment comes right after the cataclysmic battle with All For One. Weakened, emaciated, and forced to reveal his true form to the world, All Might approaches Midoriya with the weight of his retirement heavy on his shoulders. But instead of a grave lecture, his first instinct is to flick out a comedic Texas Smash—a “punishment” for Deku’s reckless decision to rush into danger against orders. The hit itself is ridiculous, almost cartoonish in its delivery, but that’s the point: it masks the heartbreak beneath.

Because immediately after, the mask cracks. All Might embraces Deku, holding him tightly—not just as a mentor to a student, but as a father figure to a son. In that embrace lies both reprimand and pride. He’s scolding the boy for his recklessness, but he’s also acknowledging his courage and survival. It’s a complicated mix of emotions, and for Deku, it’s the breaking point. The tears he’s been holding back since the fight finally come flooding out, because in that moment, he knows: this was All Might’s last stand as the Symbol of Peace.

What makes the Skinny Texas Smash unforgettable is its tonal duality. It’s hilarious in execution—a frail, skeletal All Might still finding a way to “smash” Deku—but it’s also devastating in context. It symbolizes the transition of power, the bond of trust between them, and the bittersweet reality that Deku’s idol is no longer untouchable.

This Smash doesn’t echo in thunder or shatter landscapes—it reverberates in the heart. It’s proof that even stripped of his might, Toshinori Yagi still finds ways to guide, protect, and love the successor who carries his flame forward.

Detroit Smash

In My Hero Academia Season 1, Episode 2 (“What It Takes to Be a Hero”), All Might delivers one of the most unforgettable attacks in anime history—Detroit Smash. At first glance, it’s a fist aimed at the Sludge Villain, a move to save both Deku and Bakugo from being suffocated. But what follows is so much more. With a single punch, All Might doesn’t just obliterate his enemy—he alters the very atmosphere, creating shockwaves powerful enough to disperse clouds and literally change the weather.

What makes this moment extraordinary is its timing. All Might was already at his limit, his body straining under the weight of his injuries and dwindling power. The Detroit Smash should not have been possible, and yet, for the sake of two children, he pushes past that limit. It’s the first time the audience truly sees the scale of his strength—and the hidden cost of it.

Narratively, Detroit Smash is more than spectacle. It serves as a turning point for the series. This is the moment that forces Deku to confront the gap between idolizing a hero and understanding the burden of heroism. It’s also where the cracks in All Might’s image begin to show. While the crowd cheers, dazzled by the godlike feat of strength, the camera cuts to a hero on the verge of collapsing, gasping for breath. For the first time, My Hero Academia reveals the fragility behind the Symbol of Peace.

Thematically, Detroit Smash also captures the duality of All Might’s character. To the world, he is a storm-breaker—literally clearing skies with his fists, embodying unshakable hope. But to those who look closer, he is a man running on borrowed time, clinging desperately to an ideal that is eating away at him. That tension—between appearance and reality—is what makes this punch legendary.

Interestingly, Detroit Smash also became one of All Might’s signature techniques in games like My Hero One’s Justice, where the move continues to be portrayed as a destructive, weather-shaking strike. It even inspired Deku later in the series, when he began naming his own attacks after U.S. cities as a direct homage to his mentor.

Why it matters: Detroit Smash isn’t just a punch that cleared the skies—it’s the move that set My Hero Academia in motion. It saved Deku, exposed All Might’s vulnerability, and marked the beginning of a legacy that would redefine the meaning of being a hero.

Double Detroit Smash

In My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (Movie 1), All Might and Deku pull off a breathtaking tandem attack known as the Double Detroit Smash. This isn’t just a flashy punch—it’s a powerful declaration: the Symbol of Peace and his protégé, standing as one.

The scene itself is a visual masterpiece—crisp, fluid animation backed by the iconic You Say Run theme, echoing through the chaos. As the two charge in unison, their combined force obliterates Wolfram’s massive metal shield, sending a shockwave of impact that disintegrates Deku’s Full Gauntlet in spectacular fashion. 

But the emotional resonance goes beyond the action. The Double Detroit Smash symbolizes the torch being passed. It's not just All Might’s power—it’s now shared, embraced, and amplified by Deku. The transition is beautifully framed: first, we see Dave (David Shield) looking up in awe at All Might; then, that perspective shifts, and we see Deku stepping into that light in the next beat. It’s a visual and narrative handoff, marking a new era of heroism. 

On Reddit, fans continue to marvel at the moment:

“Imagine getting styled on by All Might before losing.” 

That’s the vibe—poignantly exhilarating.

Why It Matters

• Animation Brilliance: The movie elevates the Smash to a cinematic level, with every frame underscoring their sync. The rivalry becomes cohesion, fear becomes resolve.

• Passing the Torch: The overt two-person combo isn’t just teamwork—it’s a symbolic evolution. All Might’s teachings, Deku’s growth—it all converges here.

• Narrative Consequence: The sheer power of the attack even destroys Deku’s Full Gauntlet, underlining both their potency and the cost of wielding it.

• Cultural Echo: Detroit Smash remains their signature motif—All Might’s legacy, Deku’s homage. By combining, they're visually forging past and future into one unified hero front.

Plus Ultra Smash

In My Hero Academia Season 1, Episode 12 (“All Might”), the showdown at the U.S.J. with the Nomu brings us to one of the most defining moments of the Symbol of Peace: the Plus Ultra Smash. This isn’t just a visceral punch — it’s the embodiment of heroism under pressure, a defining culmination of All Might’s unyielding spirit.

During the fight, Nomu’s Quirks — Shock Absorption and Super Regeneration — make it a nightmare to defeat. Even Standard One For All attacks barely faze it. That’s when All Might goes beyond everything he’s shown before, unleashing a Plus Ultra beyond his 100% power and finally sending Nomu crashing through the facility's roof. He pushes himself further than ever just to protect those in danger. 

But perhaps the most staggering insight into his power comes not from the blow alone, but from what he says afterward: in his prime, he could’ve defeated Nomu with five punches—but in his weakened state, it took over 300 hits to finally break through. That dramatic contrast speaks volumes about what was lost and what remains.

Why the Plus Ultra Smash Matters

1. Epic Display of True Heroism
   In the chaos of the League of Villains’ assault, All Might doesn't hesitate. He fights until his last breath, embodying the essence of a real hero — sacrificing himself, even when odds are stacked overwhelmingly against him.

2. Defining All Might’s Vulnerability
   The struggle isn’t just external — it’s internal. Even as the world sees an invincible hero, the anime pulls back the curtain to reveal a man on the brink of collapse, fighting against time and injury.

3. A Slice of Mythic Proportions
   Ultimately, this moment underscores how mythical All Might truly is. Five hits versus 300? That's not just strength—it’s legendary strength, a scale that no ordinary mortal could ever reach.

In the Eyes of the Fans

Reddit users and lore enthusiasts often highlight the shocking disparity between prime All Might and his current self:

“Prime All Might would only need 5 punches… But that was over 300 hits just now.”

Fans take that line and run with it, framing it as a 60× multiplier—some numerical shorthand for the gulf between the man All Might was and the man he is. It’s not official math, of course, but it conveys the magnitude of difference between them. 

The Plus Ultra Smash isn’t just another flashy technique — it's the heart of what makes All Might a legend. Despite everything—his failing body, his waning time—he pushes past his limit to protect what's right. That moment at U.S.J. isn’t just a fight. It’s the northeaster of a hero’s legacy, whose echoes ripple far beyond his last punch.

All Might’s Plus Ultra Smash was more than a strike — it was the heartbeat of heroism, sacrifice, and legacy. His clash with Nomu in the USJ wasn’t just a fight, but a reminder of why he is the Symbol of Peace. These moments are what make My Hero Academia timeless.

And if you felt the same adrenaline, here’s your chance to celebrate it beyond the screen — check out our exclusive My Hero Academia Anime Collectibles at up to 40% OFF and bring home the spirit of your favourite heroes today! Click here to explore.