Tantōjutsu

pertains to techniques that entail the use of Short Swords (Tantō), whether the users be shinobi, samurai, or just an average citizen. Tantōjutsu can be used in combination with taijutsu, ninjutsu, Chakra Flow and even genjutsu in order to achieve more devastating techniques.

Tantōjutsu is effective in extreme close-quarters environments where ordinary Kenjutsu might have difficulty: Swords like the katana, or Wakizashi might be too big. Thus, Tantōjutsu well-suited for indoor use.

Tantōjutsu stands apart from wildly swing around dagger in that it's a disciplined art with a complex system of techniques involving stabs, strikes, slashes, gripping techniques, and weapon-disarmament techniques.

Trivia

 * Root uses double-edged Tantōs that have no tip. They carry the tantō vertically on the back specifically behind the shoulder. Sai is one of the notable users of this variant.


 * Sakumo Hatake and Kakashi Hatake in his childhood carried a special tantō, known as the White Light Chakra Sabre. Gamabunta also carries one, albeit a gigantic version that fits his size.