Types of Breathing in Demon Slayer - Characteristics and Who Uses Them!

The Demon Slayer universe is full of fascinating characters, and one of the most remarkable features are the different Breathing Styles used by the demon slayers. These styles are special techniques that help the slayers face demons with equally superhuman strength and agility.

Each technique is inspired by elements of nature, combat, or in one special case, an animal, and the best slayers master these techniques at extreme levels.

If you're starting to follow the anime and want to prepare for the upcoming movie trilogy, let’s explain the main types of Breathing, who uses them, and what makes each one unique.

Sun Breathing (Hinokami Kagura)

Users: Tanjiro Kamado, Yoriichi Tsugikuni

As a wise person once said: “We must start at the beginning.” Sun Breathing is considered the original Breathing technique, from which all others are derived. Created by Yoriichi Tsugikuni, it is the most powerful of the Breathing techniques and is directly related to the origins of the demon slayers. The technique was passed down to Tanjiro Kamado through his family, although he initially was unaware of the true power of Sun Breathing.

The style involves quick and powerful movements, symbolizing the sun and its light, which is lethal to demons. Sun Breathing is an extremely versatile style, with attacks that burn and purify demons efficiently.

Most used forms:

- Dance of the Fire God

- Solar Wheel

Water Breathing

Users: Giyu Tomioka, Tanjiro Kamado (initially)

Water Breathing is one of the most popular and accessible breathing techniques in the Demon Slayer universe. It stands out for its fluid and adaptable movements that mimic the constant, powerful flow of water. Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, is a master of this style, and Tanjiro also began his journey with this technique.

The attacks of this style are characterized by graceful yet powerful movements, which can be both offensive or defensive. Water Breathing allows the user to react quickly and agilely to opponents' moves, maintaining control of the battlefield. Additionally, its solid fundamentals make it common for water users to eventually learn other styles.

Most used forms:

- First Form: Water Surface Slash

- Second Form: Water Wheel

Flame Breathing

User: Kyojuro Rengoku

Flame Breathing is one of the most destructive styles, channeling the fury and heat of flames to deliver lethal blows. Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, is the primary representative of this style, demonstrating great mastery of its fiery techniques.

This style is characterized by quick and intense attacks that mimic the behavior of flames, devastating enemies with explosive force. Flame Breathing stands out for its raw power and ability to cause significant damage quickly.

Most used forms:

- First Form: Unknowing Fire

- Second Form: Blue Sky

Thunder Breathing

Users: Zenitsu Agatsuma, Kaigaku

Thunder Breathing is a style that focuses on extreme speed, replicating the destructive power of lightning. Zenitsu Agatsuma, one of the most well-known characters in Demon Slayer, is a “master” of Thunder Breathing, although he has only mastered the First Form, he uses it with great skill.

This style is geared towards quick and decisive attacks, with the goal of taking down opponents before they even realize what happened. Thunder Breathing requires a great amount of energy, but the speed it provides can be devastating.

Most used forms:

- First Form: Thunderclap and Flash

Mist Breathing

User: Muichiro Tokito

Mist Breathing is used by the young Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito. This style focuses on disorienting the opponent, creating illusions and moving unpredictably, just like mist. Users of this style tend to be extremely fast and hard to follow, confusing their enemies while delivering precise attacks.

Mist Breathing is one of the most mysterious and evasive techniques, making it perfect for fighters who prefer a more stealthy and strategic approach.

Most used forms:

- First Form: Low Clouds, Distant Haze

- Sixth Form: Lunar Dispersing Mist

Beast Breathing

User: Inosuke Hashibira

Beast Breathing is an original creation of Inosuke Hashibira, a demon slayer who grew up in the mountains, far from society. This Breathing style is wild and unpredictable, reflecting Inosuke's ferocious nature. He uses an instinctive and aggressive technique, allowing him to fight with unmatched ferocity and brutality.

The attacks of Beast Breathing are based on animal instincts, and Inosuke has a heightened sense of danger, which gives him extraordinary reflexes and the ability to sense the presence of enemies.

Most used forms:

- First Form: Pierce

- Second Form: Devour

Serpent Breathing

User: Obanai Iguro

Serpent Breathing is a style characterized by sinuous and precise attacks, mimicking the movements of a snake. Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira, is the master of this breathing technique, which combines grace and lethality. His strikes are fast and deadly, attacking from unpredictable angles that are difficult to block.

This style is a blend of agility, precision, and offensive power, making it a dangerous technique in the hands of a skilled fighter.

Most used forms:

- First Form: Winding Serpent Slash

Wind Breathing

User: Sanemi Shinazugawa

Wind Breathing is a fierce and impetuous style that mimics the movements of a storm, causing devastating damage to enemies. Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira, is known for his exceptional skill with this technique.

The attacks of Wind Breathing are violent and fast, replicating the destructive power of a hurricane. This style is perfect for those who prefer attacking with brute force and speed.

Most used forms:

- First Form: Dust Whirlwind Cutter

- Seventh Form: Gale, Sudden Gusts

Love Breathing

User: Mitsuri Kanroji

Love Breathing is a style created by Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira. Based on her immense strength and flexibility, this technique is as unique as its creator. Her movements are characterized by fluidity and grace, allowing her to attack from unusual angles with great force.

This style is highly customizable, adapting to the user's personality and physical abilities, making it unique among the breathing techniques.

Most used forms:

- First Form: Shivers of First Love

Sound Breathing

User: Tengen Uzui

Sound Breathing is a flashy and destructive technique used by Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira. He adapts his attacks to the rhythm of soundbeats, turning battle into a true performance. It is a very extravagant style.

This style is incredibly powerful and requires a user with keen senses and a unique perception of sound and rhythm. It stands out for its explosiveness and unexpected movements, similar to a symphony in combat. Only Uzui can utilize it to its full potential due to his ninja background.

Most used forms:

- First Form: Roar

Insect Breathing

User: Shinobu Kocho

Insect Breathing is a style created and exclusively used by Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira. As Shinobu lacks the physical strength to decapitate demons, she adapts her technique by using extremely quick and precise strikes to inject deadly poisons into her enemies. This poison, derived from wisteria flowers, is lethal to demons, and the precision of her attacks makes the technique extremely effective.

This style is characterized by lightness and the ability to hit vital points with surgical precision, making Shinobu an extremely dangerous opponent, even without brute strength. She compensates for her limitations with cunning and a lethal technique.

Most used forms:

- Insect Dance: Butterfly Dance: Caprice

- Dance of the Dragonfly: Compound Eye Hexagon

The different breathing styles in Demon Slayer are one of the most interesting aspects of the series. Each one brings with it a unique depth that cannot be fully reflected in just one article. They represent both the abilities and personalities of their users.

From the relentless power of Sun Breathing to the stealthy agility of Mist Breathing, these styles make the battles not only exciting but also strategically rich. Additionally, we know that there are a few other breathing styles that we haven’t mentioned in this article — three more to be exact. This was a deliberate choice, as these will be revealed to anime fans soon.

But what about you? Which Breathing Style impresses you the most? Leave your thoughts in the comments!