Zanjutsu

Zanjutsu (Art of sword) is just kendo but for zanpakuto's and is one of the four basic fighting styles of the Shinigami.

This can also be categorised into four stages:

Beginner – someone that has just started learning the sword

Swordsmen – someone that specializes in the use of Zanpakuto during combat. Someone of this level has to have basic skills in swordsmanship as well. All seated officers of the Gotei 13 have to possess, at the very least, this level of skill.

Expert swordsman – someone who is highly skilled in using their Zanpakuto while sealed or in its Shikai. Most lieutenants are experts, since they must know Shikai and have mastered it to a degree, in order to be promoted. This applies to some higher seated officers as well and, in some cases, to captains who, though possibly having attained their Bankai, do not commonly engage in swordsmanship as their desired form of combat.

Master swordsman – Master swordsmen vary greatly by power and technique. The criteria for a master is simple; one must have masterful skill in swordsmanship above all else. Most Shinigami captains are masters, since, as the heads of their divisions, they are the true military power of Soul Society. As use of the Zanpakuto is the Shinigami's primary form of combat, it is preferable to have mastered the skill in order to achieve the rank of captain, though mastery is not excluded to them or even to Shinigami.