Summary
In the world ofDemon Slayer, Breathing Techniques are the lifeblood of humanity’s fight against the monstrous demons that plague the night. For the first five centuries after Muzan Kibutsuji’s emergence, humans were little more than helpless prey, unable to match the demons' terrifying strength, speed, and regenerative abilities. The odds were bleak, and theDemon Slayers, though brave, were outmatched in every conceivable way.
That all changed with the invention of the Breathing Styles — arevolutionary method that allowed thesewarriors to harness the full potential of their human bodies. With these techniques, the Demon Slayers could finally stand toe-to-toe with their supernatural foes, turning the tide of the battle in humanity’s favor. But how were these techniques invented, and what makes them so powerful?
Yoriichi Tsugikuni: The Legend Behind Breathing Styles
A Miraculous Prodigy Beyond Compare
To grasp the origins of the Breathing Styles, one must first understand the extraordinary figure behind them: Yoriichi Tsugikuni. From the moment he was born, Yoriichi was destined for greatness, a prodigy so remarkable that his feats bordered on the supernatural. At just seven years old, with no prior experience wielding a sword, Yoriichi effortlessly defeated a seasoned sword instructor. His unparalleled talent was so astonishing that those who witnessed his abilities could only describe him as a miracle in human form.
Yorrichi Almost Killed Muzan
As Yoriichi grew, so did his legend.After joining the Demon Slayer Corps, his skills became the stuff of myth. He could vanquish multiple demons with ease—a feat that left even his older brother, Kokushibo, in awe. Kokushibo, who would later become one of the most powerful demons, admitted that even as an adult, he was no match for Yoriichi as a child. But Yoriichi’s most significant achievement was cornering Muzan.
In a flash,Yoriichi had Muzan on the brink of death, an outcome that had seemed impossible for any human before. Though Muzan barely managed to escape, the encounter left him deeply shaken. He later referred to Yoriichi as the true “monster” between them, a being so fearsome that even the sight of Yoriichi’s Hanafuda earrings made Muzan tremble. The memory of Yoriichi was so powerful that it could instill fear in demons who had never even met him.
Yorrichi Was Born With The Demon Slayer Mark
Yoriichi was also born with the Demon Slayer Mark, a rare phenomenon that granted him incredible physical abilities. Unlike other Demon Slayers who had to push themselves to the brink of death to acquire the mark—and who typically died by the age of 25 because of it—Yoriichi possessed its power naturally throughout his life. His exceptional abilities and unmatched courage were the foundations upon which the Breathing Techniques were built, forever changing the fate of humanity in its battle against the demons.
The Birth of Breathing Styles: Yoriichi’s Legacy
The Creation of Sun Breathing
Yoriichi Tsugikuni was not only a prodigy in combat but also the genius behind the creation of Breathing Styles, the cornerstone of the Demon Slayer Corps' power. He was the inventor ofthe first-ever Breathing Style—Sun Breathing. This original style was so potent that it became the foundation for all other Breathing Styles in existence. Over time, Sun Breathing evolved into the Hinokami Kagura, the technique used by Tanjiro Kamado and passed down through generations of the Kamado family.
The Evolution of Breathing Styles
The creation of Sun Breathing marked a turning pointin the fight against demons, but Yoriichi didn’t stop there. Understanding that his students struggled to master the intricacies of Sun Breathing, he adapted his technique to better suit their individual abilities. These modifications gave rise tothe five foundational Breathing Styles:Wind, Water, Fire, Stone, and Thunder. Each style was tailored to match the unique strengths and weaknesses of the practitioners, ensuring that the power of Breathing Techniques could be accessed by more Demon Slayers.
From these core styles, further variations emerged asnew generations of Demon Slayers refined the techniquesto better fit their abilities. For instance, Mitsuri Kanroji developed the Love Breathing Style from Fire Breathing, which was itself an adaptation of Sun Breathing. Each of these styles reflects the creativity and resilience of the Demon Slayer Corps as they adapted Yoriichi’s teachings to forge their own paths.
How Yoriichi Invented Breathing Techniques
But how exactly did Yoriichi create these techniques? Breathing Styles are rooted ina special swordsmanship technique known as Total Concentration Breathing. This technique involves expanding the lungs to take in as much air as possible, which in turn accelerates blood flow and heartbeat while raising the body’s internal temperature. The result is a heightened state where the bones and muscles become more excited, giving the user extraordinary physical abilities. Yoriichi had an innate understanding of this technique from a young age, instinctively altering his breathing to enhance his combat abilities—an ability he demonstrated even as a child when he effortlessly defeated his instructor.
As Yoriichi trained to become a samurai, his natural instincts evolved into a conscious practice. He perfected the technique to the point where he could call it a Breathing Style.The element associated with each Breathing Style— such as water, fire, or wind — refers to the imagery that the user visualizes while fighting. For example, Water Breathing practitioners visualize the fluidity of water, moving their bodies in ways that mimic its flow. Sun Breathing, the most powerful of them all, requires the user to visualize and execute a delicate set of movements in perfect harmony with Total Concentration Breathing, enabling them to deliver lethal strikes against demons.
When Yoriichi attempted to pass on Sun Breathing to his students, he realized that while they could master the Total Concentration Breathing technique, they struggled with replicating his movements. Understanding their limitations, Yoriichi encouraged them to develop new forms that aligned with their individual strengths.This approach not only allowed his studentsto thrive but also laid the groundwork for the diverse array of Breathing Styles that would become theDemon Slayers' greatest weapon against 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.
