Tanjiro’s Incredible Swordsmanship Journey: From Charcoal Seller to Demon Slayer Legend

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Summary

  • Tanjiro’s strength lies in empathy, not vengeance, setting him apart from typical shonen heroes.
  • Transitioning from a coal seller to a demon slayer, Tanjiro’s physical strength played a pivotal role.
  • Tanjiro’s ability to innovate in swordsmanship, merging Water and Sun Breathing techniques, reflects impressive growth.

In the anime series “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,” Tanjiro Kamado stands out as the central figure, the main character. He’s a valiant and compassionate boy who transforms into an exceptional swordswoman within the Demon Slayer Corps. As the series unfolds with increasingly frequent battles and higher risks, his swordsmanship skills reach remarkable heights. It seems as though any ordinary person wielding a stick could be mistaken for a legendary fighter, given his skillful honing of abilities and exploration of various breathing techniques. From battling lower demons to confronting Upper Rank demons, Tanjiro’s fighting style continuously evolves.

In summary, Tanjiro’s development goes beyond revenge; it encompasses skill acquisition, education, and transformation amidst hardship, battle by battle. The intriguing aspect lies in the fact that a character initially devoid of martial arts expertise can eventually excel in combat and even seamlessly transition between various fighting styles during an action scene – a captivating twist in anime fight sequences.

From Charcoal to Combat: A Swordfighter is Born

The Coal Man’s Strength, the Demon Slayer’s Sword

Before this enigmatic disaster turned him into a sword-wielding demon slayer, Tanjiro was just a simple charcoal vendor. Seems ordinary, doesn’t it? However, in the realm of Demon Slayer, everything serves a greater purpose or hidden meaning, and even the most humble beginnings can yield significant advantages. In terms of physical prowess, Tanjiro’s life involved carrying heavy loads and climbing hills, which helped him build a decent physique and endurance.

Instead of a particularly exciting tale, it wasn’t; yet, it served as a crucial starting point when Tanjiro first encountered Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira. Being entirely unfamiliar with swords, Tanjiro launched an attack on Giyu without really knowing what he was doing. However, his body seemed primed for greater challenges.

Following the tragic loss of their entire family and the transformation of Nezuko, Tanjiro’s sister, into a demon, he joined the Demon Slayer Corps for training under Sakonji Urokodaki. This is where his rigorous training began. Urokodaki taught him water breathing techniques, encompassing fundamental swordsmanship skills like form and accuracy, as well as the art of controlled force transparency with a sword. Remarkably, Tanjiro proved to be an swift learner, mastering the Water Breathing ability in a short span. He demonstrated this skill during the Final Selection, using it against demons even though his sword skills were not yet refined. In essence, Tanjiro, who wasn’t born a warrior, quickly adapted and became a skilled swordsman.

Water Breathing: Tanjiro’s First Steps in Swordsmanship

Mastering the Flow, One Slash at a Time

In the series, Tanjiro first learns the Water Breathing technique which might as well be a basic training course (or for Tanjiro, an intense introduction). This particular style taught by Urokodaki emphasizes fluidity, where each move seamlessly transitions into the next. Initially, Tanjiro manages to grasp the fundamental moves such as First Form: Water Surface Slash and Second Form: Water Wheel. It’s not just about making an impression with his sword (though he certainly does look stylish). These moves are potent and effective against demons, which he employs in his battles against them. The allure of the Water Breathing Technique lies in its adaptability; the sword’s edge can shock, deflect, or pierce its enemies.

When Tanjiro practices Water Breathing, he stands out due to his knack for invention rather than simple imitation. Instead of strictly following established forms, he adapts them to suit his unique approach. For example, during the Natagumo Mountain arc, Rui was his sparring partner. Despite being a novice, Tanjiro seamlessly switched between Water Breathing stances and made the movements look effortlessly fluid. One particularly impressive moment occurs when Tanjiro doesn’t restrict himself to one style – instead, he blends two styles gracefully within a single sequence. This demonstrates that Tanjiro is not merely learning swordsmanship; he’s forging his own path in its development.

The Awakening of Sun Breathing: A Hidden Power Revealed

A Burning Legacy Beyond Water Breathing

As Tanjiro progresses through the story, he stumbles upon a new form of martial art known as Sun Breathing. Interestingly, the fundamentals of this technique were subtly passed down to him through his father’s dance moves, which Tanjiro had absorbed unconsciously. When Tanjiro is introduced to Sun Breathing combat style, it feels like he’s rediscovered an incredibly potent ancient art thought to be long-lost. It’s noteworthy that initially, Tanjiro’s understanding of Sun Breathing is rudimentary and incomplete; he doesn’t even know its name yet. Transitioning from Water Breathing to Sun Breathing represents a significant leap in his swordsmanship abilities. Sun Breathing has more robust forms compared to Water Breathing, and those who master it can inflict damage that leaves enemies reeling.

Tanjiro’s character evolution is brilliantly portrayed through his unique fighting style, where he seamlessly combines Water and Sun Breathing techniques. Unlike some characters who stick to one style, Tanjiro demonstrates flexibility by using both styles concurrently in combat. For instance, during his battle with Upper Rank Six Demon, Daki, he switched between the two styles effectively – utilizing Water Breathing for speed, and Sun Breathing when enraged, which significantly increased his striking power. This adaptability allows him to anticipate multiple threats at once, keeping his enemies on their toes as he swiftly switches between styles, catching them off guard.

Mid-Combat Genius: Tanjiro’s Ability to Adapt and Overcome

Changing Forms, Changing Tides of Battle And Demons

In combat, Tanjiro demonstrates an adaptive swordplay technique, seamlessly transitioning between offensive and defensive stances amidst his attacks. This versatility was clearly seen in his battle against the Spider Demon Mother, where he ingeniously altered the Water Breathing method to ensure a painless demise for the demon. This suggests that Tanjiro is more than just a brute force fighter; he’s a tactician, a hero who intuitively understands his enemies and responds with equal finesse. Such strategic shifts during battle are not typical of an ordinary swordsman, underscoring Tanjiro’s growth in skill and wisdom.

To those who have learned from their mistakes, I shall always show empathy, for demons, much like us, were once human as well.

One fascinating aspect showcased in “Demon Slayer” is the evolution of Tanjiro as a skilled swordsman. Originally, he struggled to manage a sword, but his journey transformed him into a combatant proficient in various breathing techniques and even performing multiple styles concurrently. Tanjiro’s progression highlights his resilience, adaptability, and ability to grow from every confrontation. It’s clear that even someone without innate talent can learn to triumph in battles, as demonstrated by his swift adaptation of his swordplay to counter stronger demons.

Initially portrayed as an unskilled youth proficient only in handling a wooden sword, he transforms into a seasoned swordsman skilled in two fundamental breathing methods by the end of the Demon Slayer series. His transformation places him among the top swordsmen within the show, highlighting the impact of growth and ambition that permeates this production. This narrative thus underscores the belief that many may hold that personal change is impossible, proving, instead, that with determination and a positive outlook, one can evolve from an ordinary hero to an extraordinary one.

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2025-02-01 18:18