If you already guessed it — you're right:Ren hasn't trained in taijutsu or conventional combat forms.
That's actually his advantage.He's building an entirely different foundation — think of it as Systemic Power rather than physical power.
Current Level (End of Volume I)
Chakra Precision: extremely high — he can manipulate water at micro-level detail.Chakra Capacity: below jōnin level; still limited by his young body.Physical Combat: minimal taijutsu; relies on evasion, analysis, and prediction.Strategic / Analytical Ability: unmatched — reads opponents like equations.Signature Technique:Essence Resonance — shaping liquid chakra constructs that adapt to intent (the precursor to his future "living seals").
Comparison to Traditional Ninja Ranks
Metric Canon: Equivalent Explanation
Chakra Control: Elite Jōnin+ - Every droplet obeys him
Chakra Volume: Low Chūnin - Body still young
Tactical Mind: Kage-level - Anticipates multiple outcomes
Physical Power: Academy-level - He avoids direct hits instead of trading blows
He's a specialist, not a soldier.
Ren's combat is built on environmental manipulation and predictive strategy, not brute force.
When he eventually studies martial arts (likely in Volume II or III), he'll integrate them surgically —minimal motion, maximum efficiency.