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{{Icons|real}}
 
{{Icons|real}}
   
{{Actor infobox
+
{{Staff infobox
| nation =
 
 
| image = Sifu Kisu.png
 
| image = Sifu Kisu.png
 
| birthname =
 
| birthname =
| birth = 1954<br />Rabat, Morocco
+
| birth = 1954 <br /> Rabat, Morocco
| death =
+
| death =
 
| firstcredit =
 
| firstcredit =
| links = * [http://www.myspace.com/sifukisu Sifu Kisu's Myspace page]
+
| links = * [[IMDb:nm0457467|IMDb]]
* [http://sifu-kisu.tumblr.com/ Sifu Kisu's Tumblr]
+
* [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sifu-Kisu/259066717469526 Facebook]
* [http://www.harmoniousfist.com/ harmoniousfist.com]
+
* [http://www.myspace.com/sifukisu Myspace]
  +
* [http://www.harmoniousfist.com/ Official website]
}}'''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. Sifu Kisu related the four [[bending arts]] to actual styles of fighting in real life, as 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''.
 
  +
* [http://sifu-kisu.tumblr.com/ Tumblr]
 
}}'''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. Sifu 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 ==
 
== ''Avatar: The Last Airbender'' credits ==
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|
 
|
 
{{Appear|1|101|102|103|104|105|106|107|108|109|110|111|112|113|114|115|116|117|118|119|120|201|202|203|204|205|206|207|208|209|210|211|212|213|214|215|216|217|218|219|220|301|302|303|304|305|306|307|308|309|310|311|312|313|314|315|316|317|318|319|320|321}}
 
{{Appear|1|101|102|103|104|105|106|107|108|109|110|111|112|113|114|115|116|117|118|119|120|201|202|203|204|205|206|207|208|209|210|211|212|213|214|215|216|217|218|219|220|301|302|303|304|305|306|307|308|309|310|311|312|313|314|315|316|317|318|319|320|321}}
 
 
|}
 
|}
   
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=== Traditional Martial Arts consultation ===
 
=== Traditional Martial Arts consultation ===
 
{| class="collapsible collapsed"
 
{| class="collapsible collapsed"
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:normal;" | 12 episodes
+
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:normal;" | 22 episodes
 
|-
 
|-
 
|
 
|
{{Appear|2|101|102|103|104|105|106|107|108|109|110|111|112}}
+
{{Appear|2|101|102|103|104|105|106|107|108|109|110|111|112|201|202|203|204|207|208|209|210|214|305}}
 
|}
 
|}
  +
  +
== Selected other credits ==
  +
=== Television work ===
  +
* [[IMDb:tt0115674|''Big Bad Beetleborgs'']] (actor and stunt player)
  +
* [[IMDb:tt2647416|''Iskelmä-Suomi'']]
  +
  +
=== Filmography ===
  +
* [[IMDb:tt2234557|''WantAd'']] (2011 - stunt coordinator)
  +
* [[IMDb:tt0122031|''Curse of the ShadowBorg'']] (1997; video - actor and stunt player)
  +
* [[IMDb:tt0117803|''Sworn to Justice'']] (1996)
  +
* [[IMDb:tt0102793|''Ring of Fire'']] (1991)
   
 
== Biographical information ==
 
== Biographical information ==
Raised in Toronto Canada, Sifu 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, Sifu Kisu began studying karate with his uncles upon their return from Vietnam. They primarily trained in jujitsu and karate. Kisu was later sent off to learn Shorin-ryu under Robert Yarnell in St. Louis. After this, Sifu Kisu got involved with taekwondo, specifically the Chung Do Kwan system, and had the great fortune to study with Master Kong Eng Moo. He later accompanied Master Kong Eng Moo to the Kukkiwon in Korea. Kisu continued to learn taekwondo from his master, along with the Korean president Park Chung-hee's bodyguards.
+
Raised in Toronto, Canada, Sifu 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, Sifu 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, Sifu 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 Sifu 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.<ref name=KFM>{{cite web |url=http://www.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=1038 |title=Kisu on ''The Legend of Korra''|accessdate=2012-04-11 }}</ref>
+
In 1980, he became a disciple of Master Hui Ho Kwong and trained with him for the next twenty-six years. During this time, Sifu 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.<ref name="KFM">{{Cite web |url=http://www.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=1038 |title=Kisu on ''The Legend of Korra''|accessdate=2012-04-11 }}</ref>
   
<blockquote>"''Chinese Martial Arts embody harmonized teaching and training techniques which serve as either self-defense, healing, psychological revelation, vivifying exercise, or a spiritual path, and could act as a catalyst to people who would normally not be interested in spiritual practices or other esoteric training. This knowledge changed me on levels I have no words to explain. My life's work now is the practice, teaching and promotion of the Northern Shaolin system of traditional Chinese martial arts. Recently I was hired by [[Bryan Konietzko|''one of my students'']] who works for Nickelodeon to consult on their hit TV show Avatar: The Last Airbender. Through that show I have attempted to promote the higher concepts of Martial Art virtues. I am proud to say this is the first show for young people I have seen passing along the concepts of honor, duty, loyalty, friendship and harmony.''" - Sifu Kisu.</blockquote>
+
{{Blockquote|Chinese Martial Arts embody harmonized teaching and training techniques which serve as either self-defense, healing, psychological revelation, vivifying exercise, or a spiritual path, and could act as a catalyst to people who would normally not be interested in spiritual practices or other esoteric training. This knowledge changed me on levels I have no words to explain. My life's work now is the practice, teaching and promotion of the Northern Shaolin system of traditional Chinese martial arts. Recently I was hired by [[Bryan Konietzko|''one of my students'']] who works for Nickelodeon to consult on their hit TV show Avatar: The Last Airbender. Through that show I have attempted to promote the higher concepts of Martial Art virtues. I am proud to say this is the first show for young people I have seen passing along the concepts of honor, duty, loyalty, friendship and harmony.|Sifu Kisu.}}
   
 
== Influence on bending arts ==
 
== Influence on bending arts ==
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* 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.
 
* 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.
 
* 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 Beifong|Toph]]'s [[seismic sense]] and unique method of earthbending was based on the Southern Praying Mantis style.
+
** [[Toph Beifong|Toph]]'s [[seismic sense]] and unique method of earthbending was based on the Chu Gar Southern Praying Mantis style; while Sifu Kisu was not a master of it, he brought in his friend, Sifu [[Manuel Rodriguez|Manny]] and Manny'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.
 
* 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".
 
** [[Lightning generation]] was based on the movements of Shaolin form number two, "dragon shoots its whiskers".
* Ba Gua formed the basis of [[airbending]]. It utilizes light circle walking techniques and the "Eight Trigram Palm". The fundamental concept of airbending is similar to Ba Gua in that a bender shifts and rotates his center in order to counteract resistance and attack.
+
* Ba Gua formed the basis of [[airbending]]. It utilizes light circle walking techniques and the "Eight Trigram Palm". The fundamental concept of airbending is similar to Ba Gua 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.
 
* [[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]] uses a sophisticated form of [[metalbending]] based on the Chu Gar Southern Praying Mantis system. It also uses entry techniques based on elements Sifu Kisu learned when he was in the military, particularly in terms of fire, ranging, covering sectors and vectoring.<ref name=KFM/>
+
* The [[Republic City Police#Metalbending Police Force|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 Sifu Kisu learned when he was in the military, particularly in terms of fire, ranging, covering sectors and vectoring.<ref name="KFM" />
   
 
== Trivia ==
 
== Trivia ==
[[File:Piandao.png|thumb|right|200px|Master [[Piandao]], the character dedicated to Sifu Kisu.]]
+
[[File:Piandao.png|thumb|right|200px|Master [[Piandao]] was created in dedication to Sifu Kisu.]]
   
 
* The creators of ''Avatar'' dedicated the character appearance and personality of swordsmaster [[Piandao]] to Sifu Kisu.
 
* The creators of ''Avatar'' dedicated the character appearance and personality of swordsmaster [[Piandao]] to Sifu 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 [[Shu Jing#Weapons Store|weapons store]] in [[Shu Jing]].
 
* 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 [[Shu Jing#Weapons Store|weapons store]] in [[Shu Jing]].
* During "[[Bitter Work]]", [[Aang]] called [[Katara]] "Sifu Katara" and [[Toph Beifong|Toph]] "Sifu Toph" in a manner to address a teacher. "Sifu" (Cantonese) and "Shifu" (Mandarin) are two Chinese terms that mean the same thing: a teacher or a master.
 
* Later, in the episode "[[The Firebending Masters]]", he referred to [[Zuko]] as "Sifu hotman".
 
   
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
 
{{Reflist}}
 
{{Reflist}}
   
  +
[[de:Sifu Kisu]]
[[ru: Сайфу Кайсу]]
 
  +
[[ru: Сифу Кису]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kisu, Sifu}}
 
 
[[Category:A to Z]]
 
[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Crew members]]
 
 
[[Category:Real world|Kisu, Sifu]]
 
[[Category:Real world|Kisu, Sifu]]
 
[[Category:Television staff]]

Revision as of 20:05, 18 November 2018

This article is about the real world.

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. Sifu 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

The Legend of Korra credits

Traditional Martial Arts consultation

Selected other credits

Television work

Filmography

Biographical information

Raised in Toronto, Canada, Sifu 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, Sifu 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, Sifu 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, Sifu 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.[1]

"Chinese Martial Arts embody harmonized teaching and training techniques which serve as either self-defense, healing, psychological revelation, vivifying exercise, or a spiritual path, and could act as a catalyst to people who would normally not be interested in spiritual practices or other esoteric training. This knowledge changed me on levels I have no words to explain. My life's work now is the practice, teaching and promotion of the Northern Shaolin system of traditional Chinese martial arts. Recently I was hired by one of my students who works for Nickelodeon to consult on their hit TV show Avatar: The Last Airbender. Through that show I have attempted to promote the higher concepts of Martial Art virtues. I am proud to say this is the first show for young people I have seen passing along the concepts of honor, duty, loyalty, friendship and harmony."
―Sifu Kisu.

Influence on bending arts

Sifu 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 Sifu Kisu was not a master of it, he brought in his friend, Sifu Manny and Manny'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".
  • Ba Gua formed the basis of airbending. It utilizes light circle walking techniques and the "Eight Trigram Palm". The fundamental concept of airbending is similar to Ba Gua 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 Sifu Kisu learned when he was in the military, particularly in terms of fire, ranging, covering sectors and vectoring.[1]

Trivia

Piandao

Master Piandao was created in dedication to Sifu Kisu.

  • The creators of Avatar dedicated the character appearance and personality of swordsmaster Piandao to Sifu 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.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Kisu on The Legend of Korra. Retrieved on April 11, 2012.