Demon Slayer: What Were the 5 Original Breathing Styles? (2024)

Total Concentration Breathing was the greatest tool that the Demon Slayer Corps had in their eternal war against the demons. Though the war was very one-sided for the first 500 years of the demon epidemic, the birth of the legendary slayer named Yoriichi led to the introduction of Breathing Style Swordsmanship to the Corps, effectively changing the course of the war, since the humans now had a greater chance of victory than ever before.

However, Yoriichi was born incredibly blessed in many different regards, due to which he pioneered the greatest Breathing Style; Sun Breathing. The issue here was that, since no one else could properly learn Sun Breathing, the Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps eventually molded it into various offshoots that benefitted their strengths specifically. So, let's take a look at these original 5 that all other ones have stemmed from!

Flame Breathing

Notable Users: Kyujuro Rengoku, Shinjuro Rengoku, Mitsuri Kanroji

One of the first Breathing Styles created from Sun Breathing, this is the one said to most closely resemble Sun Breathing from all of the original 5 styles. This was created by the very first Flame Hashira, who was also said to be an ancestor of the Rengoku family, and since his mastery of the style, every Flame Hashira since has belonged to this family. This style focuses on offensive attacks from a high stance, seeking to incinerate their opponents.

The Flame Hashira that fans saw in the series was the incredibly powerful Kyojuro Rengoku, who proved to be a master at using this style. Due to his prowess, he was able to give Upper Moon 3, Akaza, a very good fight and almost defeated him as well. Though Rengoku did not survive until the final arc of the series, he proved Flame Breathing to be a highly deadly form of fighting!

• Total Forms: 9
• Offshoot Breathing Styles: Love Breathing

Water Breathing

Notable Users: Giyu Tomioka, Tanjiro Kamado, Sakonji Urokodaki

Water Breathing is also one of the original Breathing Styles and is described as the most common of the original 5. This is because it is the easiest to get a hold of, which is why so many members of the Demon Slayer Corps take up this style of swordsmanship over the other 4. Water Breathing is characterized by the fluid movements of the user, which others describe to be similar to flowing or rushing water.

Unlike Flame Breathing, this style doesn't rely on brutal and oppressive strikes to deal damage, rather, it has the user move their body in a fluid motion, often even having their limbs move in unique ways that mimic the flow of water. This style deals more with finesse rather than destructive attacks, but is still very deadly.

• Total Forms: 11
• Offshoot Breathing Styles: Flower Breathing, Insect Breathing, Serpent Breathing

Thunder Breathing

Notable Users: Zenitsu Agatsuma, Jigoro Kuwajima, Kaigaku

While the elemental effects of every Breathing Style are representations of how the users visualize them and can't actually be seen by others, Thunder Breathing produces a sound that can be heard by everyone. This is because this style prioritizes speed and explosive power, which is manifested by the user shifting all their energy to their legs, causing a movement so fast that it leaves an audible sonic boom.

Pretty much all the techniques of Thunder Breathing prioritize blinding speed, making this one of the deadliest Breathing Styles of them all, since it closes the distance between the user and their opponent in an instant. However, this is also one of the most taxing styles, with its first form, Thunderclap and Flash: Godspeed, often leaving the user immobile for a while due to the high strain put on the legs.

• Total Forms: 7
• Offshoot Breathing Styles: Sound Breathing

Stone Breathing

Notable Users: Gyomei Himejima

One of the most formidable of the original 5 Breathing Styles, Stone Breathing can only be used by the most physically powerful Demon Slayers, as can be seen with the gigantic Gyomei Himejima. This form utilizes the Earth, whether on the ground or around the user, and delivers moves with devastating power and efficiency, whether it's defensive or offensive.

Unlike any other style, Stone Breathing seems to be the only one that doesn't require a standard sword to use, instead utilizing some sort of Nichirin chain weapon. This is seen with Gyomei's axe and flail, as well as with the original Stone Breathing user's Kusarigama. This is because the user of the Breathing Style needs to be incredibly strong physically.

• Total Forms: 5
• Offshoot Breathing Styles: None are currently known

Wind Breathing

Notable Users: Sanemi Shinazugawa, Muichiro Tokito, Inosuke Hashibira

The Wind Breathing style is arguably the most violent and dangerous of the original 5 Breathing Styles. This is because it relies on wild and erratic slashes that are sent through the air at blistering speeds, often slicing apart most things that stand in their way. Most of the techniques of this style require the user to spin around to create a whirlwind of slicing air.

Sanemi is the current Wind Hashira in Demon Slayer and is stated to be one of the strongest of them all, second only to Gyomei. Due to the various forms and unpredictable nature of the attacks, even Kokushibo was taken aback by the ferocity and aggression of this incredible Breathing Style, which was also one of the main reasons why Kokushibo died as well.

• Total Forms: 9
• Offshoot Breathing Styles: Mist Breathing, Beast Breathing

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba can be streamed on Amazon Prime and Netflix.

Demon Slayer

Action

Adventure

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.

Release Date

April 6, 2019

Creator

Koyoharu Gotoge

Number of Episodes

56+