Waterbending is one of the four bending elements of the four nations and is an ancient art unique to the Water Tribes culture. According to legend, Tui (the moon spirit) was the first Waterbender, and that ancestors of current benders observed how it pushed and pulled the ocean tides, and learned how to control the element themselves.

Inspired by T’ai Chi, Waterbending is defensive in nature and is used by members of the Northern and Southern Water Tribes, as well as the Foggy Swamp Tribe. Waterbenders draw their power from the spirit of the moon and their life energy from the spirit of the ocean. In unison, they create and maintain balance.

 

Ancient Martial Arts Influences

Waterbending is influenced by the ancient Chinese martial art of Tai Chi. Tai Chi uses similar techniques to redirect the force of an attack to use against an opponent. The intent of Tai Chi and Waterbending is the same, as it is only used to control the opponent and not bring harm.

Ancient healing practises influenced both Tai Chi and Waterbending, in which healers redirected energy paths in the body to cure illness.

Belief: to control rather than destroy, to heal rather than harm and to use their power for defence, not for attack.

Waterbending and Tai Chi are less about muscle power and more about body alignment, breath and visualization. In both styles, breathing and softness are more effective than aggression.

Techniques

Strengths

A Waterbender’s power derives from chi – internal life energy. Thus, a Waterbender’s power is related to his or her emotional state.Waterbenders are strongest at night, when there is a full moon, when there are near their homelands in the North and South poles, and during winter.

Weaknesses

• If a Waterbender was to find him or herself in a place with no water.