Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most popular shonen anime in recent years, known for its intense battles, layered characters, and deeply intriguing power system based on Cursed Energy and Cursed Techniques.
While some shonen titles rely on sheer brute force or elemental magic, Jujutsu Kaisen builds a complex world where each sorcerer’s power is unique, strategic, and often unpredictable.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down what Cursed Techniques are, how they work, and provide clear examples from the anime and manga.
Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time fan, this article will help you better understand the foundation of combat in Jujutsu Kaisen—and why it’s so brilliant.
What Are Cursed Techniques in Jujutsu Kaisen?
Cursed Techniques (呪術式, Jujutsushiki) are supernatural abilities powered by Cursed Energy, the negative energy produced by human emotions like fear, anger, or hatred.
Cursed Techniques vary wildly from user to user, with some inheriting their technique from a clan bloodline and others developing it uniquely.
They are essentially the “spells” or special abilities in the Jujutsu Kaisen universe, allowing users to manipulate cursed energy in distinct and often strategic ways.
Key Components of the Power System
To understand how Cursed Techniques work, it’s essential to understand the layers of the power system in Jujutsu Kaisen:
1. Cursed Energy
The raw fuel. Every sorcerer learns to control and manipulate it. But raw cursed energy is unstable.
2. Cursed Techniques
These are specific applications or expressions of cursed energy. Think of it as turning electricity (cursed energy) into a light bulb or toaster (technique).
3. Domain Expansion
An advanced application where a sorcerer creates a pocket dimension to guarantee their technique lands.
Types of Cursed Techniques (With Examples)
Let’s explore the major types of Cursed Techniques and showcase iconic characters who use them:
1. Limitless Technique – Satoru Gojo
Type: Inherited Clan Technique
User: Gojo Satoru
Example: Infinity, Cursed Technique Reversal: Red, Hollow Purple
The Limitless Technique, passed down through the Gojo Clan, manipulates space at an atomic level.
Gojo’s Infinity ability creates a barrier where objects slow down infinitely as they approach him, essentially making him untouchable.
His Cursed Technique Reversal: Red repels matter with explosive force, while Cursed Technique Lapse: Blue attracts and compresses.
By combining them, he unleashes Hollow Purple, a destructive technique that erases anything in its path.
Why It’s Powerful: Gojo’s technique combines offense, defense, and manipulation of the battlefield—all through cursed energy and space distortion.
2. Ten Shadows Technique – Megumi Fushiguro
Type: Inherited Clan Technique
User: Megumi Fushiguro
Example: Divine Dogs, Nue, Mahoraga
As a member of the Zenin Clan, Megumi uses the Ten Shadows Technique, which lets him summon shikigami (cursed creatures) using shadows.
He can call on Divine Dogs for tracking, Nue for aerial combat, and Toad for immobilization.
The ultimate summon is Eight-Handled Sword Divergent Sila Divine General Mahoraga, a shikigami so powerful that even Gojo considered it dangerous.
Why It’s Strategic: Megumi’s technique is versatile and unpredictable, making him one of the most promising sorcerers.
3. Cursed Speech – Toge Inumaki
Type: Technique Based on Binding Vows
User: Toge Inumaki
Example: “Blast Away,” “Sleep,” “Stop”
Toge uses Cursed Speech, where his words become commands imbued with cursed energy.
By speaking specific phrases, he can control or incapacitate enemies.
His clan limits their vocabulary to prevent accidents—Toge only says “salmon,” “mustard leaf,” etc., in daily conversation.
Risks: Overusing Cursed Speech can damage Toge’s throat and body, making this power a double-edged sword.
Why It’s Unique: It’s a technique based entirely on sound and intent, making it dangerous even to allies if not controlled.
4. Idle Transfiguration – Mahito
Type: Innate Technique
User: Mahito
Example: Body Modification, Soul Multiplicity
Mahito, a cursed spirit, uses Idle Transfiguration to reshape souls and bodies.
He can disfigure or instantly kill his enemies by touching them and altering their souls.
He can also modify his own form during battle.
Why It’s Terrifying: This ability directly targets the soul, bypassing physical defenses. It’s also one of the most grotesque techniques in the series.
Also Read >> Jujutsu Kaisen Villains: The Top 10 Most Powerful and Memorable Characters
5. Divergent Fist – Yuji Itadori
Type: Unrefined Cursed Energy Control
User: Yuji Itadori
Example: Delayed impact punches
Yuji doesn’t have a traditional Cursed Technique early in the series.
Instead, he uses Divergent Fist, where his physical punch is followed by a delayed blast of cursed energy.
It’s due to his poor control over cursed energy but creates a powerful double-hit effect.
Why It’s Effective: It adds a surprise element and raw power to his punches—especially against cursed spirits.
Advanced Technique: Domain Expansion
Once a sorcerer masters their cursed technique, they may evolve it into a Domain Expansion—a reality-altering space where their attacks become guaranteed.
Examples:
- Gojo’s Unlimited Void: Traps enemies in a sensory overload space.
- Jogo’s Coffin of the Iron Mountain: Lava-based domain with sure-hit attacks.
- Mahito’s Self-Embodiment of Perfection: Enhances his Idle Transfiguration.
Reversed and Simple Techniques
1. Cursed Technique Reversal
Reverses the flow of cursed energy to create healing energy. Gojo uses this to heal injuries, a rare skill.
2. Simple Domain
Used to counter domain expansions. It neutralizes guaranteed hits, giving weaker sorcerers a chance to survive inside a domain.
Binding Vows and Heavenly Restrictions
Some cursed techniques are enhanced through Binding Vows (self-imposed limitations for greater power), while others are affected by Heavenly Restrictions (physical limits placed at birth in exchange for massive power boosts).
Examples:
- Kinji Hakari: Uses a Binding Vow linked to pachinko slot mechanics to gain temporary immortality.
- Toji Fushiguro: Born with no cursed energy, but in return gained godlike physical prowess and sensory abilities.
Why Jujutsu Kaisen’s Power System Works So Well
Unlike other anime where power simply scales with strength, Jujutsu Kaisen rewards intelligence, creativity, and risk.
It’s not just about who is stronger—it’s about who can out-think, outplay, or out-manipulate their cursed energy.
Each cursed technique feels like a chess piece, and battles are more than just brute strength.
This complexity is what keeps fans engaged and makes the series incredibly rewatchable.
Also Read >> Top 10 Strongest Jujutsu Kaisen Characters
Conclusion
Cursed Techniques are the heart of combat in Jujutsu Kaisen.
From inherited clan powers to unpredictable innate abilities, each technique reflects the character’s personality, beliefs, and growth.
Whether it’s Gojo’s terrifying control of space or Mahito’s twisted soul manipulation, every technique brings something unique to the battlefield.
As the series progresses, we continue to learn more about the depth and mystery behind cursed energy, binding vows, and domain expansions—proving that Jujutsu Kaisen isn’t just another action anime, but a well-crafted supernatural universe.
If you’re a fan of the series and want to show off your love for the world of sorcery, be sure to check out the awesome Jujutsu Kaisen Store for exclusive merchandise, including hoodies, posters, figures, and more!
