Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-6057702-20130805192027/@comment-11477779-20130808085554

Here's another thing to consider. Ulquiorra stated that Ichigo's power fluctuated constantly from low to high. During the Invasion and Rescue arcs, and fluctuation would be because of "Zangetsu" and Hollow Ichigo fighting for control. Afterwards, it's possible his Combat Pass was involved as well. When Ichigo fought Kenpachi to a draw, "Zangetsu" was actively helping him and may have allowed his inner hollow to assist as well explaining Ichigo's ability to fight like that with Shikai only. During his fight with Byakuya, he was basically trying out his Bankai. Hollow Ichigo noted that he was getting crushed by it's power because he had no experience with it. Even so, at the beginning of the fight once he released his Bankai he could've easily killed Byakuya but that was never his true goal. As for Ichigo being a Hakuda master, I'd certainly say he's close if not at that level. All the fighting he's done as a kid protecting others, sparring with Tatsuki, not to mention all the sneak attacks by Isshin have certainly honed his hand-to-hand skills!