Introduced as the most lethal weapon against demons, the Breathing Techniques, also known as the Total Concentration Breathing in the Demon Slayer, are a big part of the story development. Due to its effect on demons, Demon Slayers must undergo rigorous training to master this ability. Although hundreds of Demon Slayers are in the organization, only a few have shown mastery over Breathing Techniques. 

While using Total Concentration Breathing, users can increase their physical and mental capabilities far behind their imagination, allowing them to endure pain and continue fighting. Due to this, the Demon Slayers always have an upper hand during the battle. It makes them capable or even possible to surpass demons. However, it does put a strain on the body, with proper training, even newbie Demon Slayers can perform Total Concentration Breathing at will.

If you streamed even one season of Demon Slayer, you know that the Breathing Techniques are the foundation of Demon Slayer Crops’ combat ability. Furthermore, this technique will play an important role in the entire story.

As the story progresses, we are introduced to the fourteen types of Breathing Techniques, each with its own benefits and form. Of all these, Sun Breathing is the most impactful and challenging technique to master. Originating from the legendary Demon Slayer, Sun Breathing is the one that almost killed the Demon King Centuries ago. No one came closer in the centuries to mastering Sun Breathing, even after passing the original Sun Breather.

What Are Breathing Techniques In Demon Slayer?

Within a few episodes of the show, the Breathing Techniques, also known as the Total Concentration Breathing, are introduced as a countermeasure against the demons. By mimicking a specific element of nature (wind, water, flamer), the user can increase the capacity of the lungs and inhale the most oxygen in the body. By increasing their physical and mental capabilities to their maximum level, this technique lets their body turn into a weapon. Even possible to launch long-range attacks on demons due to the sudden increase in their overall skills after performing the Breathing Technique.

First Appearance Of The Breathing Techniques

Created nearly 500 years ago, Yoriichi Tsugikuni is the first Demon Slayer who introduced Sun Breathing Techniques in the world of Demon Slayer. Later, this technique was passed down to the Kamando family as a part of Hinokami Kagura (Dance of the Fire God).

Despite being the most powerful breathing technique on show, Sun Breathing was not mastered by anyone even after the death of the first breather centuries ago. In contrast, the first-breather students introduced their own breathing techniques. Years later, these derived breathing techniques are now part of Demon Slayer Crops. Used by all the Harshira, only four knew how to perform fundamental breathing techniques in the show.

The remaining Harisha created their own breathing from the original four. They are the Mist, Beast, Sound, Serpent, Love, Flower, and Insect. As the story progresses, we learn that each has a role in the story’s development. You need to realize that Breathing Techniques are not magical but purely the sword skills of the users. Although they are visible during attacks, especially when watching the anime, none of these effects are present when the character’s attack reaches the demons. Instead, those different attacks represent the “spirit.”

Giyu Tomioka’s (the Water Harshira) Water Breathing Technique perfectly showcases this, as all the Breathing Forms are pure sword stikes and nothing more. All Breathing Techniques are derived from Sun Breathing, but they all draw inspiration from nature. 

Kyōjurō Rengoku’s attack may emitted flames and created a tornado of flames, but neither of them is present. Inspired by flames, Kyōjurō Rengoku’s almost all sword strikes feel as if his attacks are actual flames strikes. With Shinobu Koch’s Insect Breathing, there are no insects other than forms that make the eye “see” the essence and spirit of each sword strike.