When I first watched Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, I was sitting on my couch after a long, not-so-awesome week. Bills piled up, my little sister was worried about a math test, and even our dog seemed stressed. Then Tanjiro inhaled—whoooosh—and the screen blossomed into Water Surface Slash.

I paused the episode, walked outside, and copied his deep inhale. Guess what? My shoulders dropped, my heart slowed, and for a tiny moment the world felt conquerable again.

That’s the magic of breathing styles:
– They look cool.
– They save anime lives.
– And they remind us that power can start with something as simple as oxygen.

So yes, this guide breaks down every canon breathing style and form—but also sneaks in life lessons you can pocket the next time reality throws a lower-rank demon your way (like algebra homework or grocery prices).

Ready? Deep breath in… exhale… Let’s dive.

What Is a Breathing Style?

In the Demon Slayer universe, Breathing Styles are swordsmanship arts that synchronize:

1. Controlled inhalation/exhalation 
2. Specific footwork & sword swings
3. Imagery that channels nature’s power

Combined, they turbo-charge a human body, letting ordinary folks clash with monsters stronger than steel.

Think of it like learning to swim: at first you flap, gulp water, panic. Then—stroke, kick, breathe—you glide like a dolphin. Breathing Styles are that glide in combat form.

Base Styles came first (Sun, Water, Flame, Wind, Stone, Thunder). From them sprouted derivatives (Beast, Love, Serpent, etc.), each expressing the creator’s heart and physical quirks.

Now let’s meet them all, lantern by lantern, form by form.

Sun Breathing

Long before Demon Corps uniforms, a humble charcoal seller named Yoriichi Tsugikuni listened to the sunrise and turned its warmth into swordplay. This became Sun Breathing (Hinokami Kagura), the root of every other style.

When Tanjiro recalls his father dancing by the New Year fire, that’s not just tradition—it’s the 12 continuous sun forms disguised as a folk dance. Let’s spin through them.

All 13 Forms of Sun Breathing

Narratively the 13th form is performed by looping 1 → 12 to keep Yoriichi’s sword moving in endless harmony, symbolizing infinite resolve. Tanjiro channels this in the anime’s Mugen Train arc finale—my living-room cheering scared the dog.

Water Breathing – Flowing Like Your Feelings

Remember skipping rocks across a calm lake? Each ripple widens, soft yet unstoppable. That’s Water Breathing. It soothes while it slices.

Forms 1-11

1. Water Surface Slash – Basic diagonal cut; think starting a new notebook page, neat and clean.
2. Water Wheel – A full-circle sweep, perfect for crowd control (or shooing siblings off your snacks).
3. Flowing Dance – Light footwork; glide like ice skates.
4. Striking Tide – Multi-hit combo: little efforts stacking big results.
5. Blessed Rain After the Drought – A merciful decapitation that spares suffering; reminder: kindness even in conflict.
6. Whirlpool – Spins fast, creates vacuum; muddies enemy footing—exactly like vacuuming your room in circles (mom approves).
7. Drop Ripple Thrust – Precise thrust downward; nail the tiny details.
8. Waterfall Basin – Overhead slam; bring the hammer on procrastination.
9. Splashing Water Flow, Turbulent – Footwork over tricky terrain, like dashing through Lego mines barefoot.
10. Constant Flux – Dragon-shaped combo growing stronger; progress snowballs.
11. Dead Calm (Giyu’s extra form) – Erases motion; pure stillness. Try holding absolute silence for ten seconds—harder than it sounds.

Story Flashback: After my grandfather’s funeral, I practiced “Dead Calm” by standing in the rain, counting breaths. Grief ebbed a bit, replaced by clarity. Water Breathing heals more than demons.

Flame Breathing – Courage That Burns Bright

Flame Breathing smells like roasted chestnuts and campfire tales. It’s loud, loving, and leaves embers of motivation long after the fight.

Forms 1-9

1. Unknowing Fire – Quick dash slash; jumping into tasks before doubt wins.
2. Rising Scorching Sun – Upward slice; greet mornings with vigor.
3. Blazing Universe – Downward, like stamping a letter of intent.
4. Blooming Flame Undulation – Defensive whirlwind; boundaries are healthy!
5. Flame Tiger – Chasing enemy like a predator; channel exam focus.
6. Unknown (yet to be revealed—hey, secrecy spices stories).
7. Setting Scorching Sun – Descending arc; graceful farewells.
8. Eighth Form (another manga mystery).
9. Rengoku – Pillar’s signature, colossal flame dragon. When Kyojuro cries “SET YOUR HEART ABLAZE!,” I still get goosebumps the size of mochi.

Thunder Breathing – Lightning in Your Veins

If Flame is a bonfire, Thunder is a camera flash—blink and it’s over, yet the image remains.

Forms 1-7

1. Thunderclap & Flash – One lightning-fast draw; Zenitsu’s signature. (He practices it while asleep—the ultimate power nap.)
2. Rice Spirit – Five-part dash; named after daily energy staple.
3. Thunder Swarm – Surrounding bursts; like popcorn popping.
4. Distant Thunder – Ranged shockwaves; shout your dreams so far they echo.
5. Heat Lightning – Upward diagonal; silent but deadly, like idea sparks at 2 a.m.
6. Rumble & Flash – Alternating dashes—a dance battle with Nature.
7. Honoikazuchi no Kami – Zenitsu-exclusive, a dragon-god lightning beast. Remember him screaming “NEVER AGAIN WILL I RUN!”? That’s what self-belief sounds like.

Wind Breathing – Freedom on the Edge of a Blade

Wind Breathing whistles through mountain passes—wild, moody, honest.

1. Dust Whirlwind Cutter – Chaotic slashes; confronting messy emotions.
2. Claws, Purifying Wind – Crosswise cuts; slice negative self-talk.
3. Clean Storm Wind Tree – Spiral defense; stand tall like oak.
4. Rising Dust Storm – Upward gust; uplifting friends.
5. Cold Mountain Wind – Targeted jab; voice truth gently but firmly.
6. Black Wind Mountain Mist – Fan-out multi-strike; diversify skills.
7. Gale-Sudden Gusts – Random bursts; embrace spontaneity.
8. Primary Gale Slash – Focused vertical; align goals.
9. Idaten Typhoon – Surround & sever; finish procrastinated projects in one sweep.

Sanemi’s tragic backstory (siblings, guilt, yet stubborn grin) teaches: even raging tempests calm someday—usually when hugged by someone who won’t let go (looking at you, Senjuro).

Stone Breathing – Trust That Never Crumbles

Imagine hugging a boulder that smells like incense. That’s Gyomei: gentle giant, tearful monk, strongest Hashira.

Stone style users wield flails & axes—proof that tools shape technique.

1. Serpentinite Bipolar – Flail-axe twin strike; balancing mercy & might.
2. Upper Smash – Overhead crush; break the ceiling limiting you.
3. Stone Skin – Rotating defense; resilience practice: write worries, then spin away.
4. Volcanic Rock, Rapid Conquest – Earth-shaking dash; momentum in tough talks.
5. Arcs of Justice – Sweeping arcs; fairness fosters peace.

When Gyomei weeps for demons turned tragic, I remember my own tears for a bullied classmate—stone hearts can still feel.

Mist Breathing – Finding Focus in the Fog

Mist is forgetful yet serene—perfect for prodigy Muichiro whose memory drifts like clouds.

1. Low Clouds, Distant Haze – Rapid thrust; quick solutions in confusion.
2. Eight-Layered Mist – Eight strikes; multi-tasking done right.
3. Scattering Mist Splash – Disorient enemy; surprise your doubts instead.
4. Shifting Flow Slash – Hidden blade; quiet but impactful emails.
5. Sea of Clouds and Haze – Omnidirectional; adaptability club.
6. Lunar Dispersing Mist – Wide slash; clearing mental clutter.
7. Obscuring Clouds – Speed camouflage; introverts’ social ninja move.

Personal anecdote: During exam week fog-brain, I named my study schedule “Form 7” and pretended each completed chapter thickened my smokescreen against anxiety. Nerdy? Yup. Effective? Aced it.

Beast Breathing – Awakening the Inner Animal

Raised by boars, shirtless even in blizzards—Inosuke is raw instinct gift-wrapped in chaos. He created Beast Breathing by remixing Wind & wild upbringing.

Forms called “fangs” because boars bite first, ask later:

1. First Fang: Pierce – Simple forward stab; look fear in the eyes.
2. Second Fang: Slice – Horizontal dual cut; break unhealthy habits.
3. Third Fang: Devour – Diagonal cross; chew obstacles breakfast-style.
4. Fourth Fang: Slice ‘n Dice – Rapid flurry; cleaning messy rooms fast.
5. Fifth Fang: Crazy Cutting – Omnidirectional; dance like no one’s judging.
6. Sixth Fang: Palisade Bite – Surrounding stabs; build boundaries.
7. Seventh Form: Spatial Awareness – Heightened senses; listen more, speak less.
8. Eighth Fang: Explosive Rush – Headbutt-dash; commit wholeheartedly.

Inosuke head-butts trees for training; we can head-butt negativity by choosing friends who roar our names in support.

Sound Breathing – Battles as Drum Solos

“Flashy” Uzui treats combat like a festival. He maps enemy moves into musical scores, then drops flamboyant fireworks.

Only 5 forms, each louder than fireworks at 3 a.m.:

1. Roar – Massive explosion; make an entrance.
2. Constant Resounding Slashes – Rapid combo; keep rhythm in workload.
3. Resounding Slashes – Radial strike; share victories with team.
4. Smoky Lazy Explosive Rush – Gunpowder dash; finish the big project with flair.
5. String Performance – Dual-chain slashes; collaborate like jazz band.

Fun fact: Tengen’s wives are his ensemble. Life tip—surround yourself with support that harmonizes rather than competes.

Flower & Insect Breathing – Gentle Power Blossoms

Flower Breathing (Kanae & Kanao)

Forms revolve around petals fluttering, symbolizing fleeting beauty.

1. First Form: Cherry Blossom – Elegant slash; startings full of hope.
   …
2. Final Form: Equinoctial Vermilion Eye – Heightened perception at physical toll; chasing dreams sometimes stings.

Insect Breathing (Shinobu Kocho)

Lacking raw strength, Shinobu makes up with speed+poison.

1. Dance of the Butterfly: Caprice – Multidirectional stabs; quick wit.
2. Dance of the Dragonfly: Compound Eye Hexagon – Six hits; thorough data checks.
3. Dance of the Bee Sting: True Flutter – One piercing thrust; pinpoint problem.
4. Dance of the Centipede: Hundred-Legged Zigzag – Zigzag run; adaptability marathon.

Emotional hook: These styles whisper: kindness isn’t weakness; it’s strategic compassion seasoned with boundaries (and occasionally, wisteria venom).

Love & Serpent Breathing – Fighting for the Heart

Love Breathing (Mitsuri Kanroji)

Ribbon-whip Nichirin sword flexible as taffy (and hearts).

1. Shivers of First Love – Joyful flurry; admit your crush on new projects.
2. Love Pangs – Pink spirals; vulnerability is brave.
3. Catlove Shower – Barrage; shower pals with compliments.
4. Love Swing Kiss – Wide sweep; self-hug moment.
5. Swaying Love, Wildclaw – Charge attack; protective mama bear.
6. Cat-Legged Winds of Love – Agile leaps; bounce back after dating rejections.

Serpent Breathing (Obanai Iguro)

Sword moves like a snake winding through grass.

1. Winding Serpent Slash – Curved path; indirect solutions work too.
2. Venom Fangs of the Narrow Head – Dual strike; precision matters.
3. Coil Choke – Circular trap; set long-term goals.
4. Twin-Headed Reptile – Alternating slashes; two approaches, one aim.
5. Slithering Serpent – Zigzag thrust; flexible planning
6. Serpentinite Cobra – Surrounding slash; group synergy.

Takeaway: Love softens the hardest hearts; Serpent cunning protects them. A neat yin-yang.

Moon Breathing – The Reflection of Darkness

Moon Breathing feels like staring at a silver disc over still water—beautiful yet chilling. Born from Yoriichi’s twin brother Michikatsu (later Upper Rank One, Kokushibo), it channels crescent arcs & chaotic mini-slashes (moonlight ripples on night waves).

Known forms up to 16 in manga, sample below:

1. Dark Moon, Evening Palace – Rapid crescent slash; confronting jealousy.
2. Pearl Flower Moongazing – Burst of slashes; admire beauty without owning it.
3. Loathsome Moon, Chain – Linked crescents; break negative thought loops.
   …16. Moonbow, Half Moon – Multilayered crescents; accept imperfection.

Reflection question: Have you ever envied someone’s sunlight so much you forgot your own moonlight? Kokushibo’s tale warns against comparing first chapters to another’s finale.

Conclusion

Close your eyes. Feel your chest rise. Somewhere inside is a flame, a wave, a thunderbolt—pick one, let it guide today’s tiny decisions. Maybe you’ll reply to that scary email (Thunder), comfort a friend (Water), or doodle comic panels till 2 a.m. (Sound).

Whatever you choose, set your heart ablaze—or let it ripple, gust, shimmer—just don’t let it grow still. Because, like Tanjiro told Inosuke under the star-sprinkled sky:

“We keep breathing so we can keep living—and while we’re alive, we keep fighting for something good.”

Thank you for sharing this campfire.

FAQs

Q1: Which Breathing Style is the strongest?
A: Canonically, Sun Breathing sits at the root and offers the broadest power. Yet “strongest” depends on user skill and heart. Remember, Zenitsu’s single Thunder form drops bosses because he owns it.

Q2: Can real people learn Demon Slayer Breathing?
A: Not the sword sparkles (sorry!), but controlled diaphragmatic breathing improves focus, stamina, and calm—scientifically proven.

Q3: Why do derivative styles exist?
A: Humans differ in physique and personality. Derivatives let swordsmen express individuality—just like you might remix a recipe to fit your taste buds.

Q4: Are there breathing styles we haven’t seen?
A: Possibly. The manga hints at regional branches. Fan creativity also spawns “Shadow,” “Glass,” etc.—and who knows what spin-off author Koyoharu Gotouge might bless us with.

Q5: How do Hashira get chosen for a style?
A: They typically inherit their mentor’s style, refine it, then survive Final Selection plus demon hunts to rank Hashira. Passion + breath + experience = pillar.