Jutsu

are the mystical arts a ninja will utilize in battle. To use a jutsu, the ninja will need to use their chakra. To perform a jutsu, the ninja will bring out and release the two energies of chakra. By forming hand seals, the ninja is able to manifest the desired jutsu. Because of the extensive number of hand seals and different combinations, there are thousands of potential jutsu to be discovered.

The Basics
There are three basic types of jutsu: ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu. Subcategories exist, including fūinjutsu, juinjutsu, and senjutsu. There are also Kekkei Genkai abilities which aren't jutsu, but inherited abilities passed down through certain clans (however, they can be used as base for certain jutsu, such as Haku's Demonic Ice Crystal Mirrors). Kekkei genkai can also be attributed to certain parts of the body, such as dojutsu.

Without proper control of their chakra, ninja can produce ineffective or weakened jutsu and run out of chakra early in a fight. To manipulate their chakra more easily, hand seals can be used. With these hand seals, users can control their chakra with higher efficiency, allowing them to execute their jutsu more effectively. Different jutsu require different hand seals.

Ranks
Depending on the difficulty or skill necessary to perform a jutsu, they are ranked differently. There are six different ranks in jutsu: Kekkei Genkai and other unique abilities do not have a rank.
 * E-rank - learned by Academy Students. Are the basic and most fundamental jutsu for all ninja. (e.g. Clone Technique)
 * D-rank - Genin level techniques. Can be achieved by all Genin, though many ninja only learn their "type" of technique. (e.g. Body Flicker Technique)
 * C-rank - Chunin level techniques. Sometimes learned by Genin who have who have trained extensively. (e.g. Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique)
 * B-rank - Jonin level techniques. Require high levels of chakra to use. (e.g. Shadow Clone Technique)
 * A-rank - Kage or Jonin level techniques. Require great control over one's chakra nad may be forbidden. (e.g. Chidori or Rasengan)
 * S-rank - Secret, extreme level techniques. Are typically unique to a single user. (e.g. Wind Release: Rasenshuriken'')