Summary
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Breathing styles are the foundation of combatfor theDemon SlayerCorps. These swordsmanship techniques allow slayers to enhance their physical abilities and deliver devastating attacks. Each breathing style is inspired by elements such as water, fire, wind, and lightning, with slayers dedicating their lives to mastering just one.
Our sweet 15-year-old Tanjiro, however, breaks the mold as one of the few known characters capable of using multiple breathing styles. But why can Tanjiro use multiple breathing styles? And how does each style and technique work?
The Reason Why Tanjiro Can Use Multiple Breathing Styles
Before he officially joined theDemon SlayerCorps, Tanjiro had to go through some gruesome training under Urokodaki Sakonji, a former Water Hashira who trained him in the Water Breathing Style.
Later, during a near-death experience, Tanjiro unlocked his family’s ancestral Hinokami Kagura—a ritual dance that had been passed down for generations in an attemptto keep Yorrichi’s legacy alive. This dance was actually designed to preserve the ancient Sun Breathing style, making Tanjiro one of the only few people capable of performing the Sun Breathing Style.
Tanjiro’s Breathing Styles: A Complete Breakdown
Water Breathing
Water Breathing is the first breathing style Tanjiro learns. This style focuses on fluid, continuous movements, mimicking the flow and adaptability of water. It’s known for its versatility and defensive techniques, making it an ideal foundation for beginners.
Origins of the Water Breathing Style
Urokodaki’s rigorous training helped Tanjiro build the strength, endurance, and precision necessary to survive as a demon slayer. Although Tanjiro eventually shifts his focus to Sun Breathing,his mastery of Water Breathingremains a crucial part of his fighting style till the very end of the series.
Notable Water Breathing Techniques:
Despite its strengths, Water Breathing doesn’t align perfectly with Tanjiro’s natural abilities. His body isn’t suited for the fluid, calculated movements it requires, which leads him to adopt Sun Breathing later on.
Sun Breathing (Hinokami Kagura)
Sun Breathing isthe original and most powerful breathing style, from which all others are derived. In Tanjiro’s case, this technique manifests as the Hinokami Kagura—a ceremonial dance passed down through his family for generations. Unknown to Tanjiro at first, the dance is a preserved form of Sun Breathing, designed to keep the technique alive.
Origins of the Hinokami Kagura (Sun Breathing Style)
Tanjiro first awakens the Hinokami Kagura during his battle with Rui, a Lower Moon demon. His memories of his father performing the dance trigger his latent ability, allowing him to unleash devastating attacks. Over time, Tanjiro refines his Sun Breathing techniques through intense training and observation of Yoriichi Tsugikuni’s dollduring the Swordsmith Village Arc.
Notable Techniques
Sun Breathing’s raw power is unmatched, but its techniques are highly demanding on the body. Initially, Tanjiro struggles with the physical toll it takes, often collapsing from exhaustion after using it. However, through relentless training, he eventually masters all its forms, becoming one of the strongest fighters in the Demon Slayer Corps (though he still never becomes a Hashira)..
The Power of Combining Breathing Styles
One of the most impressive aspects of Tanjiro’s combat style is his ability to blend different breathing techniques. This fusion is first seenduring the Entertainment District Arcwhen he combines Water and Sun Breathing to save Hinatsuru from Gyutaro’s attack. By combining the agility and precision of Water Breathing with the raw power of Sun Breathing, Tanjiro creates a balanced attack that compensates for the weaknesses of each individual style.
This unique capability allows Tanjiro to fight more efficiently and for longer periods. Water Breathing’s fluid movements reduce the strain on his body, while Sun Breathing provides the offensive power necessary to defeat high-ranking demons.
Demon Slayer
Based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s shonen manga, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is an action anime set in Japan during the early 20th century. Seeking revenge for the murder of his family while also looking to save his sister, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps as they try to eradicate Demons led by Muzan.
