The martial arts that inspired the Avatar series

The creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra have stated that the martial arts of the bending forms are inspired by various legitimate styles of Chinese kung fu. This is evident in their behind-the scenes videos. Here is a brief history and description of these styles.

NOTE: the classification system of Chinese kung fu is jumbled and was often used as a marketing ploy. The only classification that will be used is the origin and/or the philosophical base.

Air bending= Baguazhang

Baguazhang, or simply bagua, was originally developed by Dong Haichuan in the 19th century based on Taoism. It consists of evasive, circular footwork as it was based on dealing with multiple opponents and in single combat is used to get behind the opponent. The actions vary, consisting of palm strikes, punches, kicks, locks, throws, and grappling. It can also employ a variety of weapons, most notably, the bagua dao.

Water bending= T'ai chi ch'üan

T'ai chi ch'üan, or simply tai chi, is attributed to Chen Wangting of the Chen village, a military general during the end of the Ming dynasty. It is a striking art (mostly open hand) focused on the sensitivity of movement, or the bind, but it can also include kicks and locks. It is also best known for the use of the jian.

Earth bending= Hung gar

Hung gar is a style dating to the early Qing dynasty in the South, however, the founding is based on legend and on linguistics issues. It is a striking art consists of wide, low stances. Toph Beifong's style is based on the tiger-crane forms.

Fire bending= Northern Shaolin?

The creators chose the vaguest terminology for the martial art of fire bending as "Northern Shaolin" is an umbrella term for several distinct martial arts. According to the Avatar wiki, fire bending is actually a mix of Chinese kung fu styles. The target style implied by "Northern Shaolin" seems to be changquan, or longfist. Longfist was developed by Zhao Kuangyin, founding Emperor of the Song Dynasty, but later had Shaolin influence. It emphasizes fully extended kicks and striking techniques. It also incorporates a variety of weapons. Firebending also incorporates "Southern Dragon Claw" and the linear, spear-based striking art of xingyiquan, or simply xing yi (which is usually categorized together with bagua and tai chi).