Hakuda (LordGalvatron)

This article, Hakuda (LordGalvatron), is property of LordGalvatron.

Hakuda
English	Unarmed combat
Kanji	白打
Technique Statistics
Type	Unarmed combat
Used By	Shinigami Sōzōshin

Hakuda (白打, "Ghost Strikes") is an unarmed combat martial art and one of the four fields of combat encompassed by the Zankensoki. As opposed to Zanjutsu, where the practitioner wields a fragment of their soul as a spiritual weapon, Hakuda focuses on the use of one's own body as the weapon. This versatile martial art involves the use of high-speed taijutsu (体術, "Body Skill") as a means of combat.

Overview

Hakuda is an ancient and complex hybrid martial art. This sophisticated unarmed combat system arose owing to the intrinsic capacity of trained spiritual beings to overcome the greatest of obstacles without the necessity to wield a weapon. There exist 108 kata (型, "form"). Each consists of several dozen precisely executed moves. These well-defined though flexible sequences serve to polish technique as well as maintain perfect balance. In battle, any single kata may be considered a complete fighting system.

While Hakuda seems focussed predominantly upon hard technique, that is direct exertion of force, examples of soft technique, moves that strive to exploit and redirect the enemy's force to one's disadvantage, are also present to round-up the comprehensive moveset. Ultimately, it depends upon the practitioner to select appropriate moves to meet any challenge they may encounter on a battlefield. With the abundance of different moves and sometimes immense discrepancies in terms of skill and power of the fighters involved, any single technique can prove useful under the right circumstances.

Moves are but the most basic element of Hakuda, however. The concept of aiki (合気, "harmony") is an important philosophical notion that dictates the unarmed combatant ought to adapt to the opponent on physical, mental and spiritual levels alike. This profound attunement is then exploited to overcome the enemy, whether through perseverance, subjugation or destruction. Furthermore, the clash between any two or more warriors is also a matter of their senki (戦気, "martial spirit"). Whoever boasts greater resolve in a competition of wills might gain a distinct advantage or even crush the enemy with only token resistance.

Combat philosophy and proper attitude are essential to guide the body in the most effective manner possible. Naturally, physical conditioning constitutes another crucial aspect of Hakuda. Practitioners perform strenuous supplementary exercises designed to improve physical strength, durability, stamina, agility, muscle coordination and stress management. Devoted Hakuda adepts might become veritable juggernauts of impressive physical capacity. Nevertheless, the corporeal is but an element next to the metaphysical. Unarmed combat adherents are taught to harness their internal spiritual energy as well as mould and control spiritual pressure. Augmented as such, their ostensibly physical strikes obtain magnitude and properties sufficient to contend with the more elaborate displays of the power of a spiritual entity, such as Kidō.

The core tenets of Hakuda are versatile enough to be of use to those who prefer other means of combat yet want to remain in excellent condition regardless, Zanjutsu adepts in particular. More than that, while optional, Hohō is an extremely valuable skillset of advanced mobility techniques which greatly benefit any prospective Hakuda expert and master.

Moves

• Are (荒れ, "Hailstorm"): A series of lightning-fast punches which cause aggravating damage.
• Atamakiretsu (頭亀裂, "Head-crush"): A strong headbutt performed with a motion of the entire upper body for increased power.
• Bōkun (暴君, "Tyrant"): Highly powerful stomp that may cause a minor earthquake due to the sheer exertion of strength and spiritual pressure.
• Chirima (塵魔, "Dust Devil"): The practitioner jumps upward and rotates quickly to perform a roundhouse kick to the enemy's face.
• Dantō (断頭, "Beheading"): A mid-air scissor kick where the user leaps at the opponent and moves one's legs in a shearing motion that is used to grab the enemy's neck and force them to the ground with a twist of the body. Sometimes the strength of the twist is sufficient to snap the target's neck outright.
• Hōdan (砲弾, "Cannonball"): Devastating charge employed with the use of superhuman strength to boost the momentum.
• Hōfuku (報復, "Retribution"): First, the practitioner evades an attack by slanting backward. Then, one continues the motion in a backflip. Consequently, the practitioner employs the momentum of the manoeuvre to power an upward kick to the opponent's chin.
• Ikkotsu (一骨, "Single Bone"): A very powerful hit that combines substantial physical strength and focussed exertion of spiritual pressure to cause grievous damage.
  • Sōkotsu (双骨, "Double Bone"): Two simultaneous chambered punches are performed to cripple or outright destroy the target.
• Kazaguruma (風車, "Windmill"): The user throws their body into the air and performs an upward shearing motion to deliver a powerful kick.
• Keibetsu (軽蔑, "Contempt"): This atypical attack involves an outward swing of the arm to strike the opponent's face with the back of the user's hand. Whilst not as damaging as a regular punch the move is usually abrupt and may stun the enemy.
• Kikori (木こり, "Feller"): First, the user causes the opponent to trip with a swift low swing of one's leg. Immediately afterward, the user strikes the unbalanced opponent to the chest with a strong straight punch to take advantage of the reduced ability to protect oneself.
• Kirikabu (切り株, "Stump"): Under certain circumstances the ability to perform an ordinary punch may be hindered. Thus, the practitioner may employ an elbow strike instead to quickly deal considerable damage despite the relative lack of room.
• Kōwa (講和, "Pacification"): A potent uppercut that targets the enemy's solar plexus or chin. The punch is often strong enough to briefly stun the opponent which is ample opportunity to continue a relentless assault.
• Mabiki (間引き, "Culling"): A strike to the ground which unleashes a potent shockwave of compressed spiritual pressure. The technique can deflect or strike down a number of targets within the user's vicinity.
• Nagareboshi (流れ星, "Falling Star"): The user performs a somersault whilst in the middle of a leap. One extends a leg during the revolution to deliver a powerful downward kick that exploits the momentum of the manoeuvre.
• Raiōken (雷王拳, "Thunder King Fist"): The practitioner pins down the enemy and performs a series of high-speed punches with both arms. The effects of this technique may be devastating not only to the opponent but the surroundings as well.
• Rakuyō (落葉, "Falling Leaf"): A mid-air spinning kick used whilst the practitioner is descending upon the opponent. Might be performed repeatedly in rapid succession.
• Ryūsei (流星, "Meteor"): The move consists of a semi-circular overhand that employs the body weight to empower the punch.
• Seifuku (征服, "Subjugation"): Whilst the enemy is performing an attack, whether a sword thrust or a punch, the practitioner deflects that attack with one arm and uses the other to grab the back of the enemy's head. Then, the practitioner may force them to the ground to either incapacitate the opponent or inflict considerable damage to one's face.
• Teko (梃, "Lever"): The practitioner folds the dominant arm and places the off-hand on the clenched fist to power a straight elbow strike usually to the adversary's face. Such an attack can easily break the nose of an unprotected person.
• Tesshō (鉄掌, "Iron Palm"): A powerful downward open palm strike which inflicts severe damage.
• Tobigeri (飛び蹴り, "Jump Kick"): A simple technique consisting of the user plunging at the enemy with one leg stretched forward, utilising the impetus to empower the kick.
• Tsukiyubi (撞指, "Thrust Fingers"): The practitioner thrusts the index and middle finger of one hand and exerts one's spiritual pressure to push back the opponent.

Advanced Techniques

Advanced Techniques
Name	Description
Fūken (風拳, "Wind Fist")	This sophisticated technique may be performed only by veteran Hakuda masters. One of the crucial shortcomings of the martial art is the short range at which it is effective. As such, reaching the target is one of the essential issues an unarmed combatant faces on a regular basis. Hohō alleviates this problem, although just how adequate it is depends on a number of factors. Thus, a complex technique was devised to address this specific issue. High-level combat is not only a matter of power and skill but resolve as well. The practitioner exerts one's willpower to "project" their determination into the physical realm. Consequently, one's spiritual pressure can be readily moulded to channel their strikes, which technically renders range irrelevant. As long as the practitioner's resolve does not waver and as long as they can perceive their target, one's strikes shall score a hit no matter the distance.
Fukutsu Warenai Seishin (不屈割れない精神, "Indomitable Will, Unbreakable Spirit")	The physical is but a part of an advanced Hakuda specialist. Arguably, not even the most important one, though an element that under normal circumstances is the one to interact directly with the opponent and one that is the most easily accessible to hostility. The most immediately vulnerable to damage and being tampered with. However, the body is but an interface and the avatar for the mental and metaphysical aspects of a spiritual being. Skin may be cut and burnt, flesh bruised and torn, the bones shattered, but for as long as the mind remains clear and the resolve stays strong, those are but temporary setbacks. In the rare event of suffering an injury the advanced Hakuda specialist might tap into one's indefatigable martial spirit to mend the physical vessel in a matter of moments. Wounds are healed and toxins are cleansed. Moreover, the adverse effects of inevitable fatigue may be alleviated as well. Truly, to damage one aspect of a Hakuda specialist is to damage none.
Genkaiten (限界点, "Breaking Point")	Although one is certainly capable of doing so, an advanced Hakuda user rarely finds it necessary or sensible to eradicate the surroundings, or the opponent, with each strike. Rather, one may use willpower to focus that power upon very specific points, to maximise efficiency and damage. However, first the master needs to experience the target, know the target. Observe and analyse defining properties. While shields, barriers, swords and people generally share common vital points regardless of other qualities, some exceptional specimens might prove highly difficult to overcome. In those cases the Hakuda master seeks to adjust oneself properly through battle - only to go for the crippling, or killing blow, a strike one may strive to evade or prevent but, understandably, not defend from.
Hakaiken (破壊拳, "Destruction Fist")	With a combination of masterful spiritual pressure control and expression of dreadful killing intent a master of Hakuda may literally eradicate one's enemies. There exist numerous moves designed to incapacitate or cripple, although Hakaiken is intended for the sole purpose of utter destruction. Determination to eliminate the threat fuels each strike that unleashes horrific explosive force on every impact. Few may stand such a volatile release of extremely condensed spiritual pressure which ideally rends asunder anything in its way, starting from the point of contact. Due to the criteria required to master the technique in the first place a proper employment results in a frightening spectacle of devastation where a single strike may level entire settlements. One of the essential principles of Hakaiken is that the practitioner exists in the Kūhaku (空白, "Blank Space"). This safe personal space is formed amongst the omnidirectional destruction as a consequence of the fact that the killing intent is focussed on a specific target, which renders the practitioner exempt from the effects of the strikes.
Hiken (火拳, "Fire Fist")	The technique requires mastery of both Hakuda and Hohō. Furthermore, proper conditioning of the body is necessary to withstand the exertion. The practitioner performs strikes at extremely high speeds so that the friction involved produces immense heat and in some cases, actual flames. The user of Hiken is capable of exploiting those effects to one's advantage in a confrontation. The heat increases the piercing capacity of strikes significantly and may inflict severe burns to the target in addition to the kinetic and concussive damage. Great enough pace is sufficient to burn through most obstacles and, to a degree, emulate fire-type Kidō with sheer friction with the flames produced as a side effect.
Konki Keiyu Kaiketsu (根気経由解決, "Perseverance Through Willpower")	No warrior is genuinely tireless. No warrior may continue fighting once their body is completely broken. No ordinary warrior, that is. In a quest for absolute perfection of self a Hakuda master may turn unwavering resolve into another resource to tap into, a nigh-bottomless well of potential one might use in conjunction with astonishing physical fitness and colossal spiritual power. When stamina and spiritual energy are inevitably depleted, the master may employ willpower to carry on unabated. When the body is scorched or a limb broken, one may move swiftly with an exertion of willpower too, controlling the body like the metaphorical puppet it arguably is. To attempt to outlast an advanced Hakuda specialist is to engage in futility. To attempt to cripple or incapacitate an advanced Hakuda specialist is to postpone one's own certain death. If one seeks victory in battle with an exceptional martial artist, it has to be an utter victory, one that succeeds to extinguish one's entire existence or fails to come about.
Mutekitai (無敵体, "Invincible Body")	The physical fitness of a trained Soul far exceeds that of any normal Human. The possibility to hone this great potential through decades and centuries of arduous training sessions means that seasoned practitioners of Hakuda are capable of performing astonishing feats of physical ability. They might shatter solid rock and quake the earth with casual strikes, withstand explosions that could level an entire settlement or endure battles for days on end. For all that, even a gifted veteran has some limits to what one may accomplish in this regard. As far as purely physical capacity is concerned, at least. For a Hakuda master employs one's spiritual power to invigorate and bolster the body to unbelievable degrees. Careful distribution of energy, maintenance of steady flow as well as skilful manipulation of spiritual pressure render the unarmed combatant a veritable force of nature contained in the humble form of a seemingly ordinary Soul. With all of these factors combined the practitioner's strength, toughness and stamina reach a level where they seem to defy logic and reason.
Shingan (心眼, "Mind's Eye")	Perception is one of the many crucial elements that contribute toward the overall combat performance of any warrior. One oft-exploited in myriad ways. Be it deprivation or overload of senses, sheer avoidance of detection or convincing illusions to misguide the opponent. However, for all the widespread knowledge of such trickery there exist some arcane countermeasures so as to preserve clarity of perception no matter what. That is to say, descry with the mind's eye. With a projection of all of senses, mundane and supernatural, through the prism of the martial spirit, a Hakuda master is capable of discerning the surroundings with profound insight that not so much pierces through the shroud of deception as completely ignores it, in fact. One may perceive everything and everyone for what they truly are, with an occasional glimpse at their very heart. Any superficial alterations are meaningless, and solely those that truly affect their state are observed in incredible detail.
Shunkō (瞬閧, "Flash War Cry")	A complex technique which requires mastery of Hakuda and expert spiritual pressure-moulding skills. The practitioner manifests a shroud of condensed spiritual pressure to envelop and empower one's body. Usually, the shroud boasts elemental properties associated with the affinity of the user. Shunkō is both a means of defence as well as a way of increasing the attack power of the body. Additionally, competent practitioners are capable of firing parts of the aura in the form of energy projectiles. Most important, however, is the ability to deliberately and skilfully employ one's spiritual pressure in combat.
Toride (とりで, "Redoubt")	It is no easy task to inflict harm upon an advanced Hakuda specialist. Even an ostensibly successful attempt may prove far from satisfactory. Be that as it may, there exist complex techniques deployed by accomplished warriors, swordsmen and mages, ones that reach further than flesh and make a mockery of ordinary defences irrespective of their perdurability. But a genuine Hakuda master has a response to that as well. Drawing from experience and the core tenets of the martial art, one is capable of procuring a metaphysical anchor for one's very being. Said anchor places the body, mind and soul under great strain for a short period of time. In exchange, it allows the master to weather a blow of sinister and profound properties, one that threatens much more than the integrity of physical body. For that moment one becomes unchangeable, a single pebble against the current of time, completely unaffected by any but the most devastating of strikes.
Ugokinashi (動きなし, "No Motion")	Hohō is a fundamental element of the comprehensive combat system that is Zankensoki. One that revolves around preternatural mobility befitting powerful spiritual beings. A popular, easily accessible and highly useful supplementary skillset, yet not the only one that offers such agility. In the pursuit of ultimate Hakuda proficiency a specialist may find the means to perform analogous feats via the very specialty. A superbly conditioned body with an ample supply of stamina and spiritual energy might be, for all intents and purposes, willed to reach its destination. With centuries of constant practice the skill becomes more than swift, it becomes natural and thoughtless. When the Hakuda master wishes to move, so one does, with all the nimbleness of a Hohō master and then some. While ostensibly similar, at heart a distinct skill that remains consistent with the Hakuda master's focus and owes impressive effectiveness to said consistency. Less subtle, less elaborate, but equally effective still.
Uzaihanketsu (有罪判決, "Conviction")	As much a technique as it is a state of mind. Concentration, composure and determination are essential during combat. Consequently, the practitioner enters a semi-meditational state which allows one to precisely control both the body and mind. Whilst in this state the flow of his spiritual energy changes significantly and the entirety of one's being virtually becomes a living weapon. Consequently, the moves are faster, more fluent and accurate, the flow of energy more efficient and mind more resilient. Even though taxing in the long run and somewhat difficult to maintain for an extended period of intense combat, Uzaihanketsu significantly increases combat performance. Furthermore, it is divided into a few different stances that reflect distinct approaches to battle. Competent users might quickly shift from one stance to another depending on the circumstances. By default, Uzaihanketsu serves to augment the practitioner's natural fighting style. Conversely, the other two stances are specialised and greatly increase effectiveness in terms of defence or offence. The first renders the Hakuda master stalwart and immovable or elusive like a gust of wind. The other one transforms the practitioner into a living weapon, relentless, swift and deadly.
Zenkai (全解, "Full Power")	The ability to harness and properly employ spiritual power is as important to a Hakuda master as it is to advanced practitioners of any other Zankensoki field. In fact, said energy serves to empower their strikes, reinforce their bodies and improve their stamina so that they may contend with the greatest of swordsmen and spellcasters unarmed. As such, it is imperative to channel one's spiritual power in a way that as deliberate as it is finely controlled. A true master reigns supreme over every ounce of one's potential so that not a single particle of energy remains unused. One proficient in Zenkai might readily adjust their power output irrespective of Zanpakutō releases. Needless to say, this is an extremely useful skill, one that ensures that the Hakuda master always has the right amount of power at one's disposal depending on the situation.
Zensei (全制, "Absolute Control")	Broadly defined adroitness is a crucial trait of any Hakuda master worth one's salt. Their capacity to deal damage and evade or withstand damage in turn depends predominantly on the performance of the body. Many of the more elaborate manoeuvres and advanced techniques alike require nimbleness and reflexes unimaginable to an average warrior. Consequently, devoted specialists train specifically to obtain absolute control over the movements and certain functions of their physical vessels. They act with acrobatic or dance-like grace that is both remarkable to behold and deadly on a battlefield. They can swiftly perform stunts anybody else would deem impossible and boast nearly flawless coordination. Thus, they twist, leap and manoeuvre through the ranks of the enemy, mangled corpses left in the wake of their eerily expeditious advance.
Zettai Ryōdo (絶対領土, "Absolute Territory")	Part a specific state of mind, part an exertion of will and control of spiritual pressure. The influence of a genuine Hakuda master extends beyond the physical. A seasoned unarmed combatant consciously spreads an ethereal field that envelops one's entire body. Said field, determined by resolve and spiritual power, represents the master's so-called absolute territory. Everyone and everything that dares intrude upon the territory is immediately smitten. Physical blows are blocked, sword strikes deflected, projectiles intercepted and energy blasts cancelled out. Zettai Ryōdo is a peculiar buffer zone between the Hakuda master and the rest of the world, one that the latter strives to maintain strict dominance over. Lesser warriors are crushed upon entry, whereas stronger enemies are locked in a contest of willpower and physical might at once. Furthermore, any potential blind spots cease to exist once Zettai Ryōdo is active for everything that encroaches upon the field of spiritual pressure is immediately detected through distinct ripples.

Notable Practitioners

Notable Practitioners
Name	Race	Skill
Okuyamaru Shutara	Soul	Grandmaster
Tōsō	Soul	Grandmaster
Ikiryō Kuragari	Visored	Advanced Master
Akira Tanaka	Soul	Master
Hanako Mori	Soul	Master
Mamoru Nakatani	Sōzōshin	Master
Teruo Akui	Soul	Master
Akihiko Maebure	Soul/Sōzōshin	Expert
Ayumu Nakahara	Soul	Expert
Junko Ogasawara	Soul	Expert
Kimiko Kōtaku	Sōzōshin/Soul	Expert
Motoko Kuragari	Soul	Expert
Norio Nishimura	Soul	Expert
Ren Nakatani	Sōzōshin	Expert
Tarō Kinzoku	Soul	Expert
Tōru Yōshanai	Tsumikami	Expert
Yuji Akui	Soul	Expert
Zetsubō Usuguraiboshi	Tsumikami	Expert

Trivia

• Similarly to his interpretation of Zanjutsu, the author of this article prefers to view Hakuda as a complex hybrid martial art rather than a collection of distinct martial arts.