Zanjutsu (斬術, Swordsmanship; Viz "Art of the Sword"; Cutting Technique) is the fighting style for the Zanpakutō, (i.e. sword fighting) and is one of the four basic fighting styles of the Shinigami[1]. It is shameful for a Shinigami not to master at least this technique. It is the specialty of Captain Kenpachi Zaraki of the 11th Division.[2]
Kendō (剣道, Kendo; "Way of The Sword") is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional samurai swordsmanship.
Hitotsume: Nadegiri (撫で斬り, "The First: Killing Stroke")
This basic technique allows for a precision cut of extreme force and speed, it can casually slice through large, multi-story high opponents protected by steel skin. The opponent can be killed with one swift slash that is so precise, that they aren't even aware of it until after it has taken place.[3]
A sword technique where a single sword attack cuts an opponent in half from the jaw down the length of the body until the target is bi-sectioned.[5][6]
A technique where Hiyori comes down with her sword upon the head of a Gillian-class Menos with enough sport to cleanly cut down through the head and mask with ease.[8]
A two-handed sword technique that has the practitioner bring the sword down with enough force that it can cut an opponent in half right down the middle.[12][13][14]
A pinning technique that aims to subdue an opponent and immobilize them on the ground using coercion alone, by Urahara suspending the tip of his cane just millimeters from their face, after he has already struck them down.[16]
Master Swordsmanship Specialists vary greatly by power and technique. The criteria for a master is simple; one must have masterful skill in swordsmanship above all else. The attainment of this level of skill is a testament to the wielder's power and determination. Most Shinigami Captains are masters, since as the heads of their divisions, they are the true military power of Soul Society. As use of the Zanpakutō is the Shinigami's primary form of combat, it is preferable to have mastered skill in order achieve the rank of captain though mastery is not excluded to them or even to Shinigami.
This also applies to some lower than the rank of captain who by constant training and battle have achieved the necessary level of swordsmanship skill without having attained the captain position.
An Expert swordsman is highly skilled using their Zanpakutō while sealed or in its Shikai. Most lieutenants are experts, since they must know Shikai and have mastered it to a degree, so as to be promoted. This applies also to some higher seated officers as well and in some cases to captains who even though possibly having attained their Bankai, don't commonly engage in swordsmanship as their desired form of combat.
Swordsmanship specialists are those that specialize in the use of swords during combat. Someone of this level has to have basic skills in swordsmanship as well. All seated officers of the Gotei 13 have to possess at the very least this level of skill.
Added by SunXia
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