Hakuda (Seireitou)

Hakuda (白打, "Hand-to-Hand Combat"; lit. white hits) is the general term for close-combat techniques that make use of one's own body as a weapon. High-speed Taijutsu (体術, Body Skill) attacks are used to overwhelm the opponent. Physical strength and skill is determined by this class. It also seems to be a combination of several martial arts. The foremost practitioners of this technique are those assigned to the Onmitsukidō.

Description
Hakuda is a useful style of hand-to-hand combat which is quite effective in combat. Despite dwarfing Kidō and Zanpakuto use in comparison, it is quite powerful in its own rite. While some Hakuda techniques are simple kicks or blocks, some have destructive power to level a city block.

Styles
Usually, Hakuda is split into two different categories:
 * Nakanisentō (中に戦闘, Inside Fighting): The style of Hakuda that specializes in fluid motion, and moving in direct accordance with the opponent(s)'s movements. In other words, it is a style that focuses on occupying an opponent's position, similar to a game of Shōgi or Go. It is also attributed that this style utilizes one's skill and wit, rather than overall brutal strength. According to Seireitou Kawahiru, the highest form of Nakanisentō is Getsudō.
 * Sotosentō (外侧戦闘, Outside Fighting): The style of Hakuda that uses one's anger to exceed their limits. As such, they tend to be aggressive in combat, and very rarely stray from the offensive. At some cases, they are even bestial after receiving intense emotional pain and frustation respectively. These practitioners seem to rely heavily on instincts and brute strength when fighting. According to Kenpachi Narita, a Dou fighter focuses on making their reiatsu "explode" after channeling it through a target to deal damage. According to Kūkai Shibara, the highest form of Sotosentō is Āsudō.

These two styles are likened to be the representatives of Yin and Yang, and as such, are considered complete opposites of one another. However, some do train in both styles, but eventually find themselves siding with one or the other. Those who are able to master both Getsudō and Āsudō, are capable of preforming In'yōgasshō (, Union of Yin and Yang). This bestows the user with an unlimited amount of physical strength and speed, which will only multiply the longer it is used. However, using it causes a split between physical strength and spiritual energy, and will cause the user to lose all of their Shinigami powers, as well as any trace of their spiritual power.