well basically, like ATLA, LoK is influenced by the Asian culture. but i’ve noticed that there is more than Chinese culture, i’ve noticed that some of the names, clothing and buildings are also influenced by other Asian countries. for example, Water tribe member names and clothing resembles the Inuit and Native American culture. the roofs on buildings look a bit like Balinese and Thai design.

what do you guys think?

Republic City seems to have a china town in San Francisco feel.

Mike and Bryan said they designed Republic City kind of like they imagined New York City would be like if it had sprung up in Asia.

And yes, the Water Tribes are heavily based on Inuit culture, the Fire Nation was more Japan-inspired, the Air Nomads take their culture from India and, more prominently, Tibetan Monks, and the Earth Kingdom is obviously more Chinese influenced.

AWWWW YEAH.

@rabadoo interesting facts! i can see it now thanks for sharing!

@drocplug16 LOL i never thought about it! but its true

@waterbenderboy Ok umm the Bending is based totally upon all kinds of Martial arts like water is based upon Tai Chi

@avatartravis ahh yeahhh, never actually thought about the bending itself actually. i did some research after you replied, so basically, all the bending are based on Chinese martial arts, with each bending art corresponding to a certain real-world style. The creators referred to Baguazhang for airbending, Hung Gar for earthbending, Northern Shaolin for firebending, and Tai Chi for waterbending. The only exception to this is Toph, who employs a Chu Gar Southern Praying Mantis style.

and check this video out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp2eSsLOXnA