Post by ADMIN! on Apr 1, 2009 22:49:55 GMT -5
The shinigami have four forms of combat: zanjutsu (swordsmanship), hakuda (hand-to-hand), hohou (foot combat) and kidou (demon arts).
--- zanjutsu .
Probably the most common and well known of the four forms of shinigami combat is zanjutsu (swordsmanship). In this form of combat, a shinigami fights with the shinigami's zanpakutou. The zanpakutou (soul slayer) is the shinigami's weapon and the measure of the shinigami's power and ability. Although it looks similar to a katana, it is actually a living part of the shinigami's soul - possibly inspired by the samurai tradition that "the sword is the soul of the warrior".
In addition to its basic form, each zanpakutou has two enhanced forms: initial release (shikai) and final release (bankai); the shape of the sword varies radically to suit the shinigami's needs. Seated shinigami usually master the initial release; only the strongest of the shinigami, usually captains and above, are able to use the final release.
---- hakuda .
Hakuda (white hits, refers to hand-to-hand combat) is a shinigami martial art. Special Forces troops, especially those of higher ranks such as Soi Fong, are known to be well-trained in hand-to-hand combat.
--- hohou .
Hohou (foot combat) is another shingami martial art. Flash steps (shunpo), essentially moving faster than normal eyes can follow (so that one appears to teleport), is one of the techniques.
--- kidou .
The Demon Arts (kidou) are a type of combat or healing sorcery used by shinigami. Demon Arts spells are divided into two major groups: blast spells (hadou), used for direct attack, and binding spells (bakudou), which are spells that restrain someone or have other effects.
To perform a Demon Arts spell, one must call out the incantation for the spell, similar to releasing a zanpakutou. It is also possible to bypass the incantation for spells, as with the initial release, however, each level gets successively harder to cast with success or full effectiveness. Even experienced captains cannot bypass a level 90 spell while maintaining its full power.
Common Terms used in Combat
Reiatsu;