The swordsmen in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba use different breathing techniques. For example, Tanjiro was trained under Sakonji Urokodaki who uses Water Breathing. This article explains what these breathing techniques are.
>want to know what the breathing technique is.
>want to know which breathing technique was branched out from which.
>want to know the difference between breathing techniques and total concentration breathing.
To learn how Tanjiro met Sakonji Urokodaki, see the related article:
Breathing Technique
From a long time ago demon slayers existed and they were using swordsmanship of flame, water, wind, rock, and thunder. Breathing techniques were developed and when it was added on to the forms of swordsmanship, the skills were upgraded.
Explanation by Kyojuro Rengoku
In the Mugen Train Arc, there is a scene in which Kyojuro Rengoku explains the different breathing techniques.
The basic breaths are FLAME, WATER, WIND, ROCK, and THUNDER, and the other breaths are branched out from those.
Explanation by Kyojuro Sengoku, Comic 7, Chapter 54
The breathing technique is related to the color of the Nichirin Blades. The Nichirin Blade of the Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka is blue and that of the Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku is red, right?
Fact told by Shinjuro Sengoku
In the beginning of the Entertainment District Arc, Tanjiro visits the residence of Rengoku to pass on the last words of Kyojuro Rengoku to his family. Upon looking at the earrings of Tanjiro, the father of Kyojuro Sengoku Shinjuro gets upset and says:
“THE BREATH OF THE SUN… it’s… the original breath. The godly breath that was the first one ever created! And the one which every other breath is derived from! Every other breath is nothing more than an imitation of THE BREATH OF THE SUN! They are not only blatant copies. But also inferior versions! Flames, Water, Wind, Everything!!”
Shinjuro Rengoku says that there is an original breathing of the basic breathing technique.
In his last moment Kyojuro Rengoku said that in his old residence there should be some notes left by previous Flame Hashira and his father read those often but he did not read it so he does not know the content himself. The notes of the previous Flame Hashira kept in the house of Rengoku contains important facts…
Shinjuro Rengoku also says that the earrings of Tanjiro were described in the notes of previous Flame Hashira. THE RISING SUN is on the earrings of Tanjiro. The relation of Tanjiro to the sun breathing will be gradually revealed in the Swordsmith Village Arc and the Mugen Castle Arc. Look forward to it!
Total Concentration Breathing
The demon slayers are also using so-called “TOTAL CONCENTRATION BREATHING”. Separate from the breathing techniques of water, flame, etc., Total Concentration Breathing is the basic skill which should be mastered by every swordsman of the Demon Slayer Corps. Demons can regenerate their bodies. Humans are at a disadvantage and need to get stronger to match against demons. When Tanjiro was receiving training from Sakonji Urokodaki, a boy Sabito and a girl Makomo showed up to help Tanjiro improve his skill. Makomo explains theTotal Concentration Breathing as follows:
TOTAL CONCENTRATION BREATHING is the acceleration of the blood flow and beating of the heart. That way your body temperature will rise up. You will be able to maintain a human form but be as powerful as demons. You have to increase lung capacity, And allow the maximum amount of air. That you are able to hold to enter your bloodstream. When your blood is quickened your bones and muscles will go into panic mode, And when your blood runs hot, then you will become strong.
Explanation by Shinjuro Rengoku, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Comic 8, Chapter 67
Total Concentration Breathing Constant
“Total Concentration Breathing Constant” is to do the total concentration breathing all the time even when you are sleeping. This way the physical ability will improve dramatically. All Hashira are doing Total Concentration Breathing Constant.
In Tanjiro Unwavering Resolve Arc Tanjiro fights against Rui, the Lower Five of Twelve Kizuki. After that Tanjiro stays at the residence of the Insect Hashira Shinobu Kocho for a break and intensive training. During this period Tanjiro also masters Total Concentration Breathing Constant.
