Jutsus are mystical techniques that are used by ninja in battle. In order for a ninja to use a jutsu, chakra must be used. Chakra is an energy within trillions of the body's cells that grant a ninja the ability to perform a jutsu. In order to perform more powerful techniques, ninja strengthen their chakra amount and control through rigorous mental and spiritual training and excercise. By forming the proper hand seals, a jutsu can be performed. There are a fairly large amount of hand seals, and an enormous amount of possible combinations, allowing for the usage of thousands of jutsus. There are different types of jutsus, rankings of jutsus, and elements that all partake in a certain jutsu's strength.

Types of Jutsus

- General Skills

Basic Skills are common Ninjutsu techniques used by all ninja. They are generally learned at a young age, at a school, like Konoha's Ninja Academy. Most of these basic skills are skills learned by ninja to be used effectively in certain situations. They aren't necessarily Ninjutsu, but arts known by Ninja. [click here for General Skills list]

- Doujutsu

Doujutsu techniques are not within one of the primary jutsu groups. Doujutsu is a genetically inherited technique that is performed through the eyes. These types of jutsus do not require hand seals. Doujutsu techniques are primarily for the holders of certain traits that grant them the specific eye abilities, and can only be performed through the eye. [click here for Doujutsu list]

- Genjutsu

Genjutsu techniques are illusionary jutsus used by ninja to trick an opponent into seeing something that is actually not there. Generally requiring hand seals, Genjutsu hypnotizes an opponent to cause hallucinations. Although Genjutsu does not cause any physical pain, it can result in the greatest of mental tortures. There are few ways of fighting off Genjutsu, which makes them highly effective jutsus. [click here for Genjutsu list]

- Kinjutsu

Kinjutsu techniques are not one of the main jutsu-types, but a sub-category that is very vital. These jutsus are the most dangerous of all jutsus and are considered to be the "banned techniques". Kinjutsu techniques are generally banned by the specific Kage of each village for the safety of the village's citizens. Kinjutsu techniques are very powerful and very destructive. [click here for Kinjutsu list]

- Ninjutsu

Ninjutsu techniques are basically all of the other techniques that would not be considered Genjutsu or Taijutsu. Ninjutsu techniques are used through chakra, and generally hand seals. Each ninja usually has his or her own unique arsenal of Ninjutsu techniques. They are mostly jutsus that do not rely on the body and mind, but through proper training and inheritance. [click here for Ninjutsu list]

- Taijutsu

Taijutsu techniques, in short, are techniques that involve hand-to-hand combat and skill through the body. Taijutsu techniques do not require hand seals, and generally, no skill with Ninjutsu. Instead of training their spirit and mind, Taijutsu training consists of difficult physical excercises and muscle-building. These techniques sometimes coincide with chakra use, but they can also be as simple as a punch. [click here for Taijutsu list]

Jutsu Rankings

- E-Rank

E-Rank jutsu are generally the basic ninja skills learned by students of the Academy. Academy students are required to learn these techniques before becoming a Genin. Though these jutsus may not be particularly destructive, they can be the most useful in certain situations.

- D-Rank

D-Rank jutsu are on the level of a majority of Genins. Most Genin will be able to perform a few D-Rank jutsus in order to withstand a decent opponent. These techniques do require a fair amount of chakra, but aren't as powerful as some other jutsus.

- C-Rank

C-Rank jutsu are for weaker Chunin and experienced Genin. A Genin who uses a C-Rank jutsu will definitely stand out among his peers. These techniques are at most average, but can still cause great damage to an enemy ninja.

- B-Rank

B-Rank jutsu are fairly powerful techniques that are mastered by Chunin and Jounin. These are the most common powerful techniques used. Any ninja who can master techniques at this level are already well-accomplished.

- A-Rank

A-Rank jutsu are the most powerful techniques that can be considered "legal". Powerful Jounin will be able to perform A-Rank jutsus, but most are considered to be on the Kage-level. Some A-Rank jutsus are even considered Kinjutsu, or banned techniques.

- S-Rank

S-Rank jutsu are techniques that could have catastrophic effects. Only the greatest ninja could even imagine learning one of these jutsus. Kage-level ninja should have a few in their arsenal, but a majority should be considered banned. Most S-Rank jutsus are generally discovered and mastered by a lone person.