Jujutsu Kaisen’s power system is one of manga’s most intricate. Cursed Energy forms the foundation of all jujutsu, but understanding its mechanics takes more than casual viewing. This guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is Cursed Energy?
Cursed energy originates from negative emotions—fear, hatred, anger, and sorrow. All humans leak small amounts of cursed energy, but only jujutsu sorcerers can see and manipulate it deliberately.
The Cycle of Curses
- Humans generate negative emotions
- These emotions leak as cursed energy
- Accumulated cursed energy manifests as curses
- Curses harm humans, generating more negative emotions
This cycle is why jujutsu sorcerers exist—to break the loop by exorcising curses.
Cursed Techniques
Cursed techniques are innate abilities passed through bloodlines or randomly manifested. Unlike simple cursed energy manipulation, techniques are unique to each user.
Notable Cursed Techniques
- Limitless (Gojo): Manipulates space at atomic level
- Ten Shadows (Megumi): Summons shikigami using shadows
- Boogie Woogie (Todo): Swaps positions with cursed energy
- Idle Transfiguration (Mahito): Reshapes souls
- Projection Sorcery (Naobito): Divides time into 24 frames per second
Domain Expansion
Domain Expansion represents the pinnacle of jujutsu. A sorcerer manifests their innate domain—a space where their cursed technique is guaranteed to hit.
How Domains Work
- The user creates a pocket dimension using barriers
- Their cursed technique fills the domain
- A “sure-hit” effect guarantees technique activation on anything inside
- Massive cursed energy is consumed
Countering Domains
Domains can be countered by:
- Another domain: The more refined barrier wins
- Simple Domain: Creates neutral space that blocks sure-hit
- Domain Amplification: Nullifies cursed techniques while active
- Breaking the barrier from outside: Requires immense strength
Reverse Cursed Technique
Cursed energy is negative. To heal (a positive action), sorcerers must convert it. This is Reverse Cursed Technique—multiplying negative energy by itself to create positive energy.
Few sorcerers can perform this:
- Gojo (masters it effortlessly)
- Sukuna (can heal and output offensive RCT)
- Shoko (dedicated healer)
- Yuta (learned it)
Binding Vows
Binding Vows are contracts that exchange something for increased power. They’re fundamental to jujutsu’s balance.
Types of Binding Vows
Revealing One’s Hand: Explaining your technique to the enemy increases its power. Gojo does this constantly because he’s untouchable anyway.
Self-Imposed Restrictions: Adding conditions to techniques increases their power. Kurapika’s chains are stronger against Phantom Troupe because they only work on them.
Heavenly Restriction: Trading cursed energy for enhanced physical abilities (or vice versa). Toji had zero cursed energy but superhuman physical stats. Mechamaru traded his body for vast cursed energy reserves.
Cursed Objects
Cursed Objects are items containing cursed energy. Special Grade Cursed Objects like Sukuna’s fingers contain so much power they’re essentially indestructible.
Grades and Classification
Sorcerers and curses are ranked:
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Grade 4 | Basically civilians with some sensitivity |
| Grade 3 | Can handle low-level curses |
| Grade 2 | Professional level |
| Grade 1 | Elite sorcerers |
| Special Grade | National disaster level |
Advanced Concepts
Black Flash
When a physical hit connects with cursed energy within 0.000001 seconds, a Black Flash occurs. The impact is 2.5x normal power, and landing one significantly enhances cursed energy control temporarily.
Maximum Techniques
Maximum Techniques are a sorcerer’s ultimate cursed technique applications. They consume enormous energy but deliver devastating effects.
Why JJK’s System Works
Unlike many power systems, JJK’s encourages strategy over raw power. Fights are won through:
- Understanding opponent’s techniques
- Exploiting binding vow limitations
- Domain battles and counters
- Creative technique application
This creates intellectually satisfying battles where the “weaker” character can win through cleverness.