The Total Concentration Breathing Technique is a special breathing technique used by members of the Demon Slayer Corps in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. It is a major part of the appeal of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and was created to fight demons in the story. It greatly enhances physical abilities and allows for a variety of sword techniques through the forms devised from it. It is based on the five main schools called "fire, wind, water, rock, and lightning," and there are many derived breathing techniques from them. Incidentally, the effects that appear when using the breathing techniques in the story are not actually produced, but are influenced by the user's mental strength, and the stronger the strength, the more the effects appear to be produced. This setting can also be said to be a unique and attractive setting of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. In this article, I would like to introduce and explain the breathing techniques that have appeared up to the Mugen Train Arc.
"Breath of Flame"
"Breath of Flame Part 1"
This is the breathing technique used by Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Pillar. It first appeared in the Mugen Train arc, and many people were overwhelmed by the big screen of the movie version. The Breath of Flame is one of the oldest breathing techniques, along with the Breath of Water, and there have been Flame Pillars in every era. The Rengoku family has produced Flame Pillars for generations, but the succession came to an end after Kyojuro died in battle in the Mugen Train arc. The Flame Breathing technique is suited to those who have passion burning in their hearts and move towards their goals without regard for trivial matters. The corresponding Nichirin sword is red in color.
"First Form: Shiranui"
Charges with the force of a flame generated by a powerful step, closes the distance in one go, and then performs a cross slash. This is the first and most frequently used technique in the movie. I'm sure many people were drawn in by the depiction of the BGM and the flickering bonfires in a straight line.
"Second Form: Rising Flame Heaven"
Swing the sword from bottom to top in an arc, slashing the opponent with a blade like a fierce flame. It can be released quickly, so it is suitable for sudden interception and defense.
"Third Form: Spirited Flame"
In contrast to Rising Flame Heaven, this is a slashing attack in which the sword is swung from top to bottom in an arc. In fact, this technique first appeared in the movie version. Fans who read the original work were probably surprised.
"Shi no Kata: Swelling Flames"
A slash attack that uses a sword technique that resembles a swirling flame around the user. It sweeps a wide area in front, so it is effective not only as an attack but also as a defense when attacked with a wide-range technique.
"Fifth Form: Flame Tiger"
He swings his sword as if to create a fiery tiger, and slashes as if to bite. He clashes head-on with Akaza's Destruction Kill: Ranshiki.
"Kin no Kata Rengoku"
A secret technique of flame breathing named after Rengoku. It requires twisting the whole body to take a stance, stopping the legs and maximizing the energy. However, its power is immense, and it charges forward with the power of a scorching flame, gouging out an entire area of the opponent's body in an instant. It clashed violently with Akaza's Destruction Kill/Destruction Style, and in the midst of an explosion, it pushed Akaza to the brink.
Water Breathing
Water Breathing, Part 1
This is a breathing technique used by Kamado Tanjiro, Urokodaki Sakonji, Tomioka Giyu, and others. It is a defensive style that can respond flexibly with a form that is characterized by a walking style that is as flexible as water. It is also the only one among the schools that has a technique that can kill demons without causing them pain. Like Flame Breathing, it is the oldest breathing technique, and there have been Water Pillars in every era. The current Water Pillar is Tomioka Giyu.
"Water Breathing, Part 2"
It is said that those who have the calmness of a windless water surface and the flexibility to go with the flow are suited to Water Breathing, but since the technique is based on the basics of swordsmanship and is easy to use even for beginners, it is the most used by the Demon Slayer Corps members. There are various users, but the current Water Pillar, Tomioka Giyu, has outstanding skills and has his own unique eleventh form. The corresponding Nichirin sword is blue in color.
"First Form: Mizumenkiri"
A technique in which the blade is inserted horizontally to spread the water surface. When confronting Teki in the final selection, he cut off his neck, which was strongly protected by his hand, in one blow.
"Ni no gata Mizuguruma"
A technique that rotates the whole body like a waterwheel to deliver a slash. In addition, Ni no gata Kai "Yoko Mizuguruma", which is an application of the waterwheel, is a technique in which the body is tilted sideways to perform a spinning slash.
"Third Form: Ryuryu Mai"
A technique in which the user moves in a flowing manner on the current of water and swings the blade. This allows for attacks in multiple directions, making it an effective technique against multiple opponents.
"Shi no Kata Uchitoshi"
A technique that unleashes a blow like a big wave crashing down. There is also an applied technique called "Uchitoshi-Ran" that can be used in aerial combat. It is a technique that unleashes techniques in succession while flying through the air.
"Go no kata: Rain of mercy in a drought"
Unlike the other kata, this is a merciful technique that is unleashed when the demon offers up its own neck. It is said that the demon that is slashed does not feel pain, but feels as if it is being hit by gentle rain.
"Riku-no-kata Twisted Vortex"
A technique in which the body is twisted and rotated like a powerful vortex to slash. There is also a technique called "Twisted Vortex - Ryuryu" that is an application of the "Ryuryu Mai" from the San-no-kata.
"Ushi no Kata Shizuku Hamonotsuki"
This is the fastest thrust technique in the kata, and it aims to pierce the center of the ripples. The advanced technique "Shizuku Hamonotsuki - Curve" delivers a blow in a curved line.
"8th Form: Waterfall Basin"
A technique in which the blade is swung downward from above, delivering a slash as powerful as a waterfall. This technique is effective against enemies approaching your feet.
"Kin no Kata: Water Splash, Random"
This technique cuts freely in all directions while minimizing landing time and area. It is suitable for fighting in places with poor footing, and when he used it in the fight against Kyogai, he ran around the rotating walls and ceilings, avoiding the slashes and successfully jumping off Kyogai's neck.
"Tenth Form: Flow of Life"
This technique can be said to be the secret of Water Breathing, and is a continuous attack technique that slashes multiple times while rotating like a rippling dragon. The power increases with each rotation, making it a more powerful technique. It can be effectively used to close the distance with the enemy while slashing approaching obstacles, and in the Natagumo Mountain arc, it was used to close the distance while slashing through the threads handled by Rui.
"Eleventh Form: Calm"
This form is a unique form that Giyuu created and only he can use it. Calm refers to a windless sea, and it is a technique that calms and nullifies all demon techniques that come within his range. He cut off all of Rui's approaching steel-like threads in an instant.
"Thunder Breathing"
"Thunder Breathing, Part 1"
This is the breathing technique used by Agatsuma Zenitsu. The corresponding Nichirin sword is yellow in color. This is a lightning-fast form that concentrates the power of the breathing on the legs and launches a lightning-fast slash from a step. To use this breathing technique, which emphasizes speed more than other breathing techniques, you need to be aware of the muscle tissue and each blood vessel in your legs. There are six basic forms, but Zenitsu can only use the first form. Zenitsu has mastered the first form and has great power, but he can only use it when he is unconscious or asleep.
"First Form: Thunderbolt Flash"
This technique involves a lightning-fast approach with a lightning-fast step and a single blow to cut the enemy's neck. Not only is it too fast for humans, but even demons to see, and it only looks like a teleport. Zenitsu has trained this first form to the limit. After being cornered by a demon at the drum mansion and passing out, he defeated the demon that attacked him in an instant.
"Bokuriki Issen: Six consecutive"
This is a technique that Zenitsu independently derived from Bokuriki Issen, and it is a technique that improves the weakness that it can only attack in a straight line. By firing six Bokuriki Issen in a row, it is a technique that allows attacks from outside of recognition and attacks multiple demons. It is so fast that it makes a sound like thunder. He used it to overcome the critical situation of the brother demon of Mt. Natagumo being poisoned, and while avoiding the brother demon's attack, he jumped and cut off his neck.
"Breath of the Beast"
"Breath of the Beast, Part 1"
The color of the Nichirin sword that corresponds to the breathing technique used by Inosuke is indigo gray. Unlike other breathing techniques, Beast Breathing is a breathing technique that Inosuke created independently in a natural environment. For this reason, like the Insect Breathing technique described below, it is called ○○ Fangs, not ○○ Type. In addition to using two swords, there are special techniques that only Inosuke can use, making it impossible for other corps members to use them.
"Breath of the Beast, Part 2"
Beast Breathing is a self-taught technique, but it is not completely separate from other breathing techniques, and its nature is similar to Wind Breathing. It has a rough image, but since it does not fit into the swordsmanship style, it can be flexibly applied and can also be used for support.
"Ichi no yaiba: Pierce Through"
This technique involves stabbing the wound with two swords in one go, ripping it to shreds with the wobbly blades. He tried to use this technique on the Spider Father Demon at Mount Natagumo, but the opponent's neck was too stiff to release.
"Second Fang: Slash"
This technique involves swinging the sword with your arms crossed to slash a wide area. This technique caused the neck of Enmu, the Lower Rank One, to appear.
"The Third Fang: Slicing and Devouring"
This technique involves pinching both sides of the opponent's neck with crossed swords and slicing it outward like an animal biting. He easily cut off the neck of a well-built demon that appeared at the Drum Mansion.
"Shi no Fang: Slice and Slash"
This technique cuts with small slashes. He used it as a combo with Tanjiro when slicing the neck of the demon that had merged with the train.
"Go no Yaiba: Mad Slash"
This technique involves flying through the air and slashing in all directions. This is an effective technique when surrounded by enemies or under attack from multiple directions. In Mugen Train, he slashed at tentacles approaching from all directions.
"Utsuno-gata: Spatial Awareness"
This technique is not a sword technique, but rather an application of breathing. For that reason, the notation has changed from "fang" to "kata". It is focused by using the sense of touch gained through the Prison Breathing Technique. It is possible to capture the shapes of objects around you that are not directly in contact with you.
"Breath of Insects"
"Breath of Insects Part 1"
Breath of Insects is a breathing technique derived from Flower Breathing, which is a derivative of Water Breathing, and is a unique breathing technique created by Kocho Shinobu, the Insect Pillar. Its greatest feature is that it uses poison stored in the Nichirin sword to kill demons. It is a form that specializes in lightning-fast stepping and thrusting techniques.
"Butterfly Dance Play"
This technique involves jumping high and toying with the opponent with a gliding movement, then stabbing them multiple times at an invisible speed. In the anime, she used this technique on the Ane Oni of Mount Natagumo, jumping with the night sky behind her with graceful movements, closing the distance in an instant and stabbing them in multiple places. The Ane Oni was calm, but the poison that Shinobu had concocted in her sword quickly spread and she died in agony.
"Hinokami Kagura"
"Hinokami Kagura Part 1"
Hinokami Kagura is a breathing technique for dancing to ward off evil spirits that was passed down in the Kamado family and that Tanjiro inherited from his father Tanjiro along with his earrings, and it does not belong to any of the existing breathing techniques. Tanjiro was sickly, but he was able to continue dancing without running out of breath when dancing Kagura. It seems that breathing is important for dancing, and it was suggested in the story that it may have some connection to the Total Concentration Breathing. However, even Shinobu Kocho, a pillar, and Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Pillar, who has a similar character, are unaware of it.
"Hinokami Kagura Part 2"
When Tanjiro was in a desperate situation due to the threads that Rui had spun out on Mount Natagumo, the image of Tanjuro dancing Kagura came to mind in a flash of light. Tanjiro instantly swung his Nichirin sword and used Hinokami Kagura to cut through the reinforced threads of Rui. He would incorporate this technique into his battles after Mt. Natagumo. It was a powerful technique, but the recoil was so great that Tanjiro would be unable to move after using it just once.
"Hinokami Kagura Enbu"
This was the first technique he used since seeing the revolving lantern. He unleashed a powerful slash that drew a beautiful arc, easily cutting through the hard threads that were stronger than steel. Although he was unable to defeat her, he did cut off the neck of Rui, the Lower Rank Five.
"Hinokami Kagura Hekira no Ten"
This technique involves drawing a circle like the outline of a sun and swinging the blade. It was used in the Mugen Train arc and is powerful enough to sever the neck bone of Enmu, who was integrated with the train, in one blow. However, the recoil of Hinokami Kagura and the stab wound in his abdomen backfired, leaving Tanjiro unable to move.
Summary
What did you think? This is a list of all the Total Concentration Breathing techniques that have appeared up until the Mugen Train Arc. There are many different types of breathing and forms that have appeared, but these are only a small part of it. As the story progresses, many new breathing techniques and forms will appear. New breathing techniques and techniques will also appear in the Entertainment District Arc, which is the sequel to the Mugen Train Arc. This might be a good opportunity to look back on the breathing techniques and forms that have appeared so far! Thank you for reading this far! !
