In terms of combat within the Yuengiri and Shinō Academies, students are taught in a concept collectively referred to as the Three Rings of Attack and Defense (参攻撃と防御の指輪, Sankōgeki to Bōgyo no Yubiwa), and although conceptualized for zanjutsu use, the rings also apply to hakuda usage as well. Kenji explains that each ring serves a different approach to battle, and are generally most effective when an individual form of combat is used in relation to the ring in use.