Zanjutsu

Swordsmanship (斬術 zanjutsu lit. cutting technique) is the most used form of combat among Soul Reapers, and is one of the four basic Shinigami combat forms, at least according to Captain Sōsuke Aizen (Source: Manga Chapter 175 pg 09). As the name suggests, it involves using a zanpakutō and its various special abilities to attack an opponent. In addition to its basic form, each zanpakutō has two enhanced forms: shikai (始解, initial release) and bankai (卍解, final release), which change the sword's form to unlock its potential and that of its user.