Sifu Kisu related the four bending arts to actual styles of fighting in real life, in order to give bending in the series authenticity.

In the cartoon series Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, the style of Earthbending is based on the Hung Ga style of fighting. Hung Gar is known for strong stances and rooting to the ground, noes Kisu. “Hung Gar is based on the movements of animals, especially the … Sifu Kisu is the fighting instructor and consultant for the Avatar franchise. His extensive work with the series is highlighted in the behind-the-scenes featurettes Creating the Legend and The Essence of Bending. Waterbending, which draws inspiration from Tai Chi, is full of fluid, effortless movements, while earthbending, based on the Hung Gar style of kung fu, is rooted in raw power and force.
The series' creators consulted a professional martial artist in the design of the show's fighting style. Earthbending, one of the four elemental bending arts, is the geokinetic ability to manipulate earth and rock in all their various forms, prevalent in the Earth Kingdom and the United Republic. Earth is the element of substance, while the people of the Earth Kingdom are diverse, strong, and enduring.
He is known for his extensive knowledge and abilities with various styles of martial arts. Following the lion turtles' decision to relinquish their role as protectors of mankind, Oma and Shu were the first earthbenders to learn this art from the badgermoles.