Tanjiro Kamado is the main protagonist of the popular anime and manga series Demon Slayer. He is a demon slayer who utilizes a specialized breathing technique called the Breath of the Sun. Throughout the series, Tanjiro demonstrates an exceptional ability to learn and master multiple different breathing techniques. This article will explore the various breathing techniques Tanjiro has used and detail how many he has managed to learn over the course of the story.
The Breath of the Sun
The Breath of the Sun is Tanjiro’s signature breathing technique. It was created and taught to him by his master, Sakonji Urokodaki. The Breath of the Sun allows Tanjiro to boost his physical abilities and utilize specialized forms and attacks. It focuses on optimizing stamina efficiency and evasive maneuvers. Some of the forms and attacks of the Breath of the Sun include:
- Dance of the Fire God
- Waltz of the Wind God
- Song of the Earth God
- Hymn of the Water God
- Ballad of the Thunder God
As the protagonist, Tanjiro utilizes the Breath of the Sun extensively throughout the series against a wide range of demons. It is the technique he has mastered to the highest degree.
The Breath of Water
In addition to the Breath of the Sun, Tanjiro also demonstrates an exceptional aptitude for the Breath of Water technique. He first learns rudimentary skills in the Breath of Water during his training with Urokodaki. Later on, he receives further instruction from Giyu Tomioka, the Water Pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps.
The Breath of Water focuses on suppleness, fluidity, and strategic defensive maneuvers. Some of the forms include:
- First Form: Water Surface Slice
- Second Form: Water Wheel
- Third Form: Flowing Dance
- Fifth Form: The Merciful Rain of a Dry Day
- Tenth Form: The Dragon of Change
Tanjiro is shown using several of these techniques in battle against upper moon demons. His adeptness with both solar and water breathing allows him to adapt and respond effectively to different combat situations.
Dance of the Fire God
One of the most powerful techniques Tanjiro manages to learn is the Dance of the Fire God from Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Pillar. During their encounter on the Mugen Train, Tanjiro displays uncanny intuitive ability in mimicking parts of Rengoku’s unique fire breathing forms after seeing them only once.
The Dance of the Fire God emphasizes powerful, explosive strikes and maximizing destruction. Some of the forms include:
- First Form: Unknowing Fire
- Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun
- Ninth Form: Rengoku
Even without proper instruction, Tanjiro adapts moves like Rengoku and the Second Form to defeat demons on the Mugen Train. This shows his versatility and talent for integrating different breathing techniques.
Breath of Wind
In a brief encounter with the Wind Pillar, Sanemi Shinazugawa, Tanjiro also mimics some of the fundamentals of the Wind Breathing technique. Wind Breathing stresses suppleness, evasion, and unpredictability. Though less refined than his other learned techniques, Tanjiro incorporates basic Wind Breathing footwork and agility to catch Sanemi off guard and land a hit during their short sparring match. This again displays Tanjiro’s ability to intuitively integrate different breathing styles and quickly learn from other pillars.
Self-Taught Techniques
Aside from the canonical breathing techniques used by the demon slayer corps, Tanjiro also innovates and develops some of his own unorthodox moves through insight and experimentation. For instance, he creates a spinning attack dubbed the Dragon Hammer to outmaneuver the arrows fired by the demon Susamaru. Later, he develops a long-range slicing attack called the Dragon Side-Step to bypass the temari balls utilized by the Temari Demon.
These self-taught techniques demonstrations Tanjiro’s creativity and ability to adapt his breath powers for different situations. Even without formal training, he can modify and invent new breath powered moves.
Conclusion
In summary, the breathing techniques Tanjiro has demonstrate knowledge of over the course of the Demon Slayer story include:
- The Breath of the Sun (10+ forms)
- The Breath of Water (5+ forms)
- Dance of the Fire God (3+ forms)
- Fundamentals of Wind Breathing
- Self-taught techniques (2 identified moves)
In total, this totals over 20 named breathing techniques and forms Tanjiro has used. Given he is still a young demon slayer in training, this shows exceptional aptitude and talent for mastering breath techniques. Tanjiro’s prodigal ability to adapt and integrate the fundamentals of water, fire, wind, and other styles into his self-created breath of the sun makes him highly versatile and unpredictable in battle against demons. His intuitive grasp of breath techniques is truly unparalleled among his peers.