Bending is a feature that was introduced in Avatar: The Last Airbender. It’s the ability of someone to control and manipulate an element that exists to use it for supporting life or fight. There are four element that was introduced in the show – Air, Water, Earth, and Fire. Each element has its own unique meaning and symbolism. Thus, they use four different martial arts as a references to differ how each nation or bender would fight with their respective element.
Baguazhang martial art / Air Bending
Baguazhang is a Chinese martial art that is based on spiraling footwork or circular movement. The high focus of this martial art is to constantly move in a circular motion. Resulting a quick and sudden evasive moves. It’s pretty similar to how air bender fights their enemies. As a part of an Air nomad, they value peace and freedom. As the result, they use their evasiveness as their great defense. And takes advantage of the coiling mechanism as their offensive move. Therefore, this martial art is fitting with the element of air.
Tai Chi / Water Bending
Its soft fluid movement is why Tai Chi is chosen to represent the fighting style of a water bender. A constant flux move that focused on breathing and visualization to keep it flowing matches with the concept of the water element. The term Tai Chi itself is related to Yin and Yang, which later became the reference for the origin of water bending, the eternal dance of push and pull between moon and ocean. Also, Tai Chi is known for having health benefits, which makes sense why some water benders are gifted with a healing ability.
Hung Ga / Earth Bending
Hung Ga is a southern style of Kung Fu that is famous for its deep low stances like a horse stance, and strong hand techniques like a tiger claw. By using very rooted stances to make their body close to the ground, this style benefits its practitioner with an unmovable balanced foundation to perform a powerful and heavy hit on the opponent. Which matches with the concept of the earth as the element of substance. It’s also befitting of the people of Earth Kingdom’s characteristics which are persistent and enduring. That’s why the earth-bender fighting style is so solid both in defense and offense.
Shaolinquan / Fire Bending
Since fire is the element of power, Shaolinquan becomes a perfect representation of its fighting style. Also known as the Northern Shaolin style, Shaolinquan is one of the most aggressive techniques in Chinese martial arts. Heavily focusing on offensive technique, its combat style mostly uses swift, sharp and direct movement. Relying on the strength of their arms and leg to create a dynamic style of a powerful punch and kick, such as a swirling kick. Making this combat style is amazing to watch, yet dangerous if you not pay attention enough.
About The Author
