We’re going to be talking about the Water Breathing Style also known as Mizu no kokyū, which is one of my favourites just because Giyu (the D1 aura farmer) uses it. It’s one of the main Breathing Styles that we’re introduced to around episode 4 in the anime and our MC Tanjiro Kamado learns this style under Sakonji Urokodaki (the old guy with the red mask).

Our mc has a hard time learning it, however he figures everything out before the Final Selection (the demon slayer exam).

It’s the most common among the Demon Slayers because it’s the easiest to learn for beginners however Tanjiro can’t master it to the extent Giyu has and this results in him later incorporating it with Hinokami Kagura.

The known users of the breathing style are: Sakonji Urokodaki, Giyu Tomioka, Tanjiro Kamado, Sabito,Makomo as far as I know. Leave a comment below if i forgot someone.

Now let’s break down the different forms of Water Breathing that we’ve seen so far. There are 10 official techniques, and then there’s an 11th one that Giyu made himself. Some of these forms are altered versions. 

First Form: Water Surface Slash

This is your basic clean horizontal slash that’s supposed to decapitate demons in one go. It’s simple and deadly and I’m not sure how many times he’s used it but it works.

Second Form: Water Wheel

Tanjiro jumps up, flips mid-air and brings down a vertical rotating slash. It’s epic and works great on forward momentum (an object in motion will stay in motion – I think Newton said that).

Second Form (Modified): Lateral Water Wheel

The modified version of it has Tanjiro spinning sideways instead. Its the same attack, just horizontal now.

Third Form: Flowing Dance

Flowing dance looks insane. It’s basically Tanjiro moving like he’s dancing, with his sword following with flowing and winding slashes. It’s one of the best looking forms in the anime.

Fourth Form: Striking Tide

This one is a combo move—slash after slash in one smooth motion. It’s a bunch of rapid hits that somehow still have the flowing motion..

Fourth Form: Striking Tide, Turbulent (Upgrade)

It’s the same as the one I just mentioned but way more aggressive. It has more strikes, better precision and it’s used when things get really chaotic.

Fifth Form: Blessed Rain After the Drought

This one’s for when a demon gives up willingly. It’s a peaceful, painless decapitation , basically the mercy kill version of a water technique.

Sixth Form: Whirlpool

Tanjiro spins with the blade and creates a literal whirlpool of slashes. Even more effective underwater (I’m assuming this, don’t take it as a fact) and it shreds anything near him.

Whirlpool + Flowing Dance (Combo)

Tanjiro fuses the Sixth and Third Form together. The result? A swirling dance of death that can even deflect projectiles. This dude’s a genius.

Seventh Form: Drop Ripple Thrust

I’m not putting an image because that would be a spoiler. A precise thrust move, it’s fast and direct. Minimal movement, maximum impact.

Seventh Form: Drop Ripple Thrust, Curve (Modified)

A curved version of the thrust that uses the blade’s angle to reduce impact while still landing the hit. 

Eighth Form: Waterfall Basin

Tanjiro cuts down vertically while falling. This one is perfect for aerial attacks or surprise strikes from above.

Ninth Form: Splashing Water Flow, Turbulent

This one’s all about movement. It changes how the user lands and moves, making them super agile, especially when there’s no solid ground.

Tenth Form: Constant Flux

A continuous, spinning charge that builds speed and power. The longer it goes, the more insane it gets. Also, it visually turns into a giant water dragon. 10/10 style points.

Eleventh Form: Dead Calm (Giyu Exclusive)

This is Giyu’s signature move. He literally stands still in total peace and just deflects everything without moving a muscle. Looks like nothing’s happening… until everything’s been cut. Again dude’s a D1 aura farmer.

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