Lei tai

The lei tai is an elevated fighting platform where duels and tournaments are held. Duels fought on the lei tai may consist of fighting unarmed, with weapons, or using bending.

Process

Anyone may challenge another person on the lei tai by climbing onto the platform. Parties must agree beforehand whether bending and weapons are allowed during the fight. Fighters disrobe any heavy armor and fight in light clothing.

A duel only ends when the winner declares it to end. Even if a fighter is badly injured, the other may continue to attack for as long as they desire.

The champion earns certain perks, such as getting a cup of tea at the end of a fight.

Known duels

A competition was held on a lei tai in a barn in the notorious daofei town of Hujiang. At the end of the unarmed fighting period, "Four Shadows" Guan was challenged by Rangi, who managed to defeat him without the use of her firebending. Her unexpected triumph secured the Flying Opera Company's respect with Mok.

When a freed Xu Ping An planned to restore the Yellow Necks to their former glory, Avatar Kyoshi challenged him to a duel on the lei tai, agreeing to the use of both weapons and bending. Xu took Kyoshi by surprise when he struck her with lightning. His victory was short-lived, however, as Kyoshi overpowered and ultimately killed him by entering the Avatar State.

Trivia

• A lei tai first appeared in Ancient China and is still used to this day in Sanshou and Kuoshu competitions throughout the world.
• Lei tai (written 擂臺 or 擂台 in traditional and simplified Chinese respectively) literally translates to "striking platform".

 See also

• Duels