Gentle Fist

The Gentle Fist (柔拳; Jūken; literally "soft palm") is a style of hand-to-hand combat that aims to inflict internal damage and disrupt a body's Chakra Pathway System so as to ultimately inhibit an opponent's use of chakra. To do this, the user surgically injects a small amount of their own chakra into an opponent's chakra pathway system. The infiltrating chakra can then be used to rupture or divert chakra flow, preventing them from using jutsu.

Targeting the Tenketsu can enhance the havoc and control a Jūken user can impose upon an opponent's chakra network. These special nodes, 361 in total, are key gatekeeping interceptions in the chakra circulatory network, thus forcibly opening or sealing them in whatever manner the Jūken-user sees fit is a powerful tactical option to have. Harming the chakra network in this way can directly damage internal organs due to their proximity to the chakra circulatory system. Even the slightest tap can cause severe internal damage, hence the name "gentle" fist.

Neji Hyūga remarked that any chakra-based substance can be destroyed by Jūken. As noticed by Kidōmaru, it is done by leaking chakra from the chakra openings in one's hands and molding it into a needle-like shape to slice through the chakra. Although, it is unknown if this technique can be done by any Gentle Fist user or just those who see the tenketsu.

Because the chakra pathway system is invisible to the naked eye, the Byakugan is required for this style to be used effectively. Since the Byakugan is unique to the Hyūga Clan, it has become their signature style of combat. The ability to inflict severe internal trauma with minimal external force, combined with chakra network manipulation, makes the Gentle Fist the most reputable and fearsome taijutsu style known in all of Konohagakure.