Avatar:Kisu

<infobox> <image source="image" /> <title source="name"><default>Kisu</default></title> <group> <header>Biographical information</header> <label>Full name</label> <label>Born</label> <label>Died</label> <label>First credit</label> </group> <group> <header>Further information</header> <label>Link(s)</label> </group> </infobox>Sifu Kisu is the fighting instructor and consultant for the Avatar franchise. He is known for his extensive knowledge and abilities with various styles of martial arts. Kisu related the four bending arts to actual styles of fighting in real life, in order to give bending in the series authenticity. His extensive work with the series is highlighted in the behind-the-scenes featurettes Creating the Legend and The Essence of Bending.

Avatar: The Last Airbender credits

Martial Arts consultant

61 episodes and 3 shorts
Appearances: 1 "Bending Battle" (short) "Swamp Skiin' Throwdown" (short) "School Time Shipping" (short)

The Legend of Korra credits

Traditional Martial Arts consultation

22 episodes
Appearances: 2

Avatar: Braving the Elements credits

Guest

• 13. "Martial Arts Deep Dive with Sifu Kisu and Bryan Konietzko"
• 140. "Saying Goodbye and Hello"

Selected other credits

Television work

• Big Bad Beetleborgs (actor and stunt player)
• Iskelmä-Suomi

Filmography

• WantAd (2011 - stunt coordinator)
• Curse of the ShadowBorg (1997; video - actor and stunt player)
• Sworn to Justice (1996)
• Ring of Fire (1991)

Biographical information

Raised in Toronto, Canada, Kisu was first exposed to the world of martial arts at an early age. After spending time in the military he moved to Los Angeles and worked as an Executive Protection Specialist for many celebrities and VIPs. In the late 70's, Kisu began studying karate and jujitsu with his uncles upon their return from Vietnam. Kisu was later sent off to learn Shorin-ryu under Robert Yarnell in St. Louis. After this, Kisu got involved with taekwondo, specifically the ITF fighting style system, and had the great fortune to study with Master Kong Eng Moo. He later accompanied Master Kong to the Kukkiwon in Korea. Kisu continued to learn taekwondo from his master and former Korean president Park Chung-hee's bodyguards.

In 1980, he became a disciple of Master Hui Ho Kwong and trained with him for the next twenty-six years. During this time, Kisu was introduced to the Northern Shaolin style and learned that martial arts are not just about learning how to fight, but more importantly they are a vehicle to master oneself.

Influence on bending arts

Kisu related the four bending arts and several other specific bending styles to real life fighting styles.

• Tai chi formed the basis of waterbending. Kisu took inspiration from the style's fluidity, connectivity and adaptability, all of which became fundamental concepts for all three waterbending styles. In addition, the 24-step form from Tai Chi was used to create the waterbending scroll that Katara ended up with.
• Hung Gar formed the basis of earthbending. Kisu took inspiration from the style's low stances, rooted power and strength. He used a lot of the techniques from Gung Gee Fook Fu, the "taming the tiger" form and the "tiger crane" form.
  • Toph's seismic sense and unique method of earthbending was based on the Chu Gar Southern Praying Mantis style; while Kisu was not a master of it, he brought in his friend, Manuel Rodriguez and Manuel's son to become the example.
• The Northern Shaolin system formed the basis of firebending. In particular, Northern Shaolin highlighted fire in the sense that the element has many manifestations. When controlled, it is one way and when out of control, the art becomes something completely different. Firebending features very powerful and dynamic footwork, arrow-like forward attacking techniques, feather-like retreating techniques and employs the "light as a leaf, heavy as iron" concept of fighting.
  • Lightning generation was based on the movements of Shaolin form number two, "dragon shoots its whiskers".
• Baguazhang formed the basis of airbending. It utilizes light circle walking techniques and the "Eight Trigram Palm". The fundamental concept of airbending is similar to Baguazhang in that a bender shifts and rotates their center in order to counteract resistance and attack.
• Pro-bending is heavily influenced by aerial acrobatic martial arts in concurrence with MMA and UFC styles of fighting.
• The Metalbending Police Force of Republic City use a few moves based on the Chu Gar Southern Praying Mantis form. It also uses entry techniques based on elements Kisu learned when he was in the military, particularly in terms of fire, ranging, covering sectors and vectoring.

Trivia

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Master Piandao was created in dedication to Kisu.

• The creators of Avatar dedicated the character appearance and personality of swordsmaster Piandao to Kisu.
• Kisu also possesses two swords which that were the references for Sokka's sword and Piandao's sword. The other swords and weaponry in his collection were used to outfit the weapons store in Shu Jing.