The speed at which these techniques can be executed — the initial strike in particular — is such, that when performed by a skilled user, it can prevent enemy shinobi from forming hand seals (and thus ninjutsu), by exploiting the small opening that these movements create. This makes them highly effective against most shinobi and potentially, those of even Hanzō's calibre, if performed by one who has mastered the style, such as Mifune. Combined with the god-like speed of a practitioner like Seireitou Hyūga, the Iaidō techniques appear to be capable of cutting through steel.