How Breathing Styles Were Born From Sun Breathing In Demon Slayer

Pavas Gagneja
Jun 30
3 min read

Each Hashira and Demon Slayer uses a different Breathing Style, and these styles give them special powers during battle. But what many fans might not know is that all of these styles started from just one: Smun Breathing. It was the first and strongest Breathing Style ever created in the Demon Slayer world.

While the anime shows the battles and techniques in beautiful detail, there’s a deep history behind how these Breathing Styles came to be. It all goes back to Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the strongest Demon Slayer in history. His creation of Sun Breathing not only changed the way humans fought Demons but also inspired all other techniques that followed. Understanding this origin adds even more meaning to each style and character we see.

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The Power Of Sun Breathing

Tanjiro using Sun Breathing against Upper Moon 4

Sun Breathing was the original Breathing Style created by Yoriichi Tsugikuni. He didn’t learn Sun Breathing from anyone; it came naturally to him. He was born with the Demon Slayer Mark and had abilities far beyond a normal human. His movements were perfect, and he was able to fight Muzan, the strongest Demon, all by himself. Sun Breathing matched the flow of life itself, with forms that looked like a dance of fire and light.

This style was the only one that truly hurt Muzan and pushed him into fear. But because of how hard it was to master, no one else could copy it fully. Even Yoriichi’s students couldn’t keep up. So instead, they created new styles based on his Sun Breathing. These became the foundation of the modern Breathing Styles we know today.

How Other Styles Were Formed

All breathing styles in Demon Slayer come from Sun Breathing

Since most people couldn’t use Sun Breathing, they changed it to match their own strengths and bodies. That’s how styles like Flame, Water, Wind, Thunder, and Stone Breathing were born. They each focused on different movements and elements, but they all came from trying to learn Sun Breathing. These new techniques made it possible for more people to fight Demons.

Flame Breathing, used by Kyojuro Rengoku, kept the strong, flowing power of Sun Breathing. Water Breathing, used by Giyu, focused more on smooth and flexible moves. Thunder Breathing became fast and sharp, like lightning. Even styles like Mist or Serpent Breathing came later from these core branches. It shows how one original idea can grow into many different paths.

Sun Breathing Was Hidden On Purpose

Tanjuro kamado doing the Hinokami Kagura dance

One of the most interesting things is how Sun Breathing almost disappeared from history. After Yoriichi’s time, people forgot about it or were told not to speak of it. Some say this happened because others were jealous of Yoriichi’s strength or because they feared Muzan learning more about it. Over time, it became a secret passed down through families in hidden ways.

Tanjiro’s family, for example, practiced the Hinokami Kagura dance without even knowing it was Sun Breathing. This dance was done every year, passed from father to son. When Tanjiro discovered its connection to Sun Breathing, it helped him unlock his true potential. This also showed how deep the link between legacy and power is in Demon Slayer.

Final Verdict: Sun Breathing Is The Father Of All Breathing Styles

Upper Moon 4 sees Yoriichi's shadow while fighting Tanjiro

All the Breathing Styles in Demon Slayer lead back to one origin: Sun Breathing. What started as one man’s perfect technique turned into a system that gave hope to many. Even though each style is different, they all carry a piece of Yoriichi’s power.

The idea is simple — even the strongest ideas can be passed down and reshaped by those who come after. The story of Sun Breathing reminds us that strength isn’t just about being powerful; it’s also about inspiring others to find their own path.