Zanjutsu (Hohenheim)

Zanjutsu (斬術, Swordsmanship; Viz "of the Sword"; Cutting Technique) is the most used form of combat among Shinigami. Over the years, the original forms of Zanjutsu began to diverge into several different sects.

Zanjutsu Mechanics
Graded on a scale of #1-150, 150 being the strongest and most complex and 1 being the most simple and weakest, Zanjutsu is one of the more basic Shinigami skills. Do to the numbering system dictating the complexity of the sword-techniques, it is not unheard of for two or more techniques to share a ranking. The use of Zanjutsu is an age-old skill and a skill used by near every.

The weakness to sword-combat is the need to stay within close range of the combatant. Several have learned or adapted to this weakness, an example being. His Zanpakutō proved to be capable of attacking long distances within the blink of an eye. The use of sword-combat can also be countered with the use of another sword, for blocking or displacing the other opponents sword.

The power of a sword-technique relies on the power of the user, as even a low-level techniques can be utterly devastating when utilized by a high-class Shinigami.

Sword Styles

 * Usugiri (薄切り, slicing thin): A common style, centered around using finely sharpened blades to slice through the opponent quickly. This style is one of the more common styles, as most Zanpakutō take the form of a finely-sharpened sword.
 * Nadegiri (撫で斬り, killing stroke): An execution styled sword-style, used to quickly take the opponent down a notch. Speed is a necessity when performing Nadegiri techniques.
 * Yōgeki (要撃, ambush attack): A sword style often utilized by members of the Onmitsukidō, Yōgeki focuses around sneaking and assassinating before the target even knows whats happening. Fit perfectly for smaller users and optimal for shorter daggers or short swords.
 * Mōda (猛打, heavy blow): The brute styled sword-style, Mōda is focused around using larger more broad weaponry to smash down the opponent. This style is optimal for larger users and effective with larger weapons as well.