IMPORTANT: Avatar Reborn is on a sort of hiatus. We are trying to get a bunch of chapters written before we post again, and introducing characters is a bitch. We will continue the story as soon as possible. Sorry for the inconvenience.

We are the East Towne Gurus.

Doctor Worm:

I am Doctor Worm.

(MspltChwdr: He is always first in everything, He is awesome.)

I am a nerd.

I am an Avatard. I am absolutely in awe of the series. Everything from the writing to the Chinese mythology and philosophy crammed into every episode amazes me. The romance is beautiful, but the kiss at the end left me wanting more. I can't wait until the special episodes/new series (it's still kinda unclear which it's gonna be) and the movie series come out.

Interestingly enough, I am also a guy. O_o

I am a Batman fanatic. He's been my hero and idol since before I can even remember. I'm not exaggerating. I was Batman for Halloween when I was like 4, and I kept the cowl for years afterward. Batman Begins and The Dark Knight are my favorite movies. V for Vendetta is a close second. My favorite comic book story? That's a tie between Batman: Year One and Batman: The Long Halloween, with Batman: The Killing Joke in second place. The Barbara thing is what kept that one out of the #1 spot. (shudders)

I am a warrior without a master, a hero without a quest, and a rebel without a cause.

And, of course, I'm a writer.

I've had this original story rolling around in my head for a while now. I don't know what I'm going to do with it. Part of me wants to post it on Fiction Press, but another part of me is worried that it might get stolen, and if I eventually go into this as a full-time job, I want to be able to have this at hand if I'm ever at a loss for a story (I could re-write it and publish it).

In the meantime, I'm doing fanfic. No one can make money off of someone else's fanfic, because the creator of the fanfic can't make money off of it in the first place.

MspltChwdr:

I am MspltChwdr (because I'm dyslexic and know how to make fun of myself)

(Doctor Worm: People, his name is pronounced Misspelt Chowder. Remember it.)

I am also a nerd, Coincidence?

I am an avid Martial Artist, and the breathtaking application AND representation of the martial arts through the avatar universe could not be better. It's just minor twists and turns in the story that sometimes get in the way of the aforementioned Breathtaking-ness (Worm would agree) which in the end was one of the main reasons we got into fan-fic.

When I say that I am an avid Martial artist, I am speaking very, very lightly. The Martial arts have become a huge part of my life. I have been studying the martial arts in general for the past six years now, and Bei Shaolinquan for a little over a year (inside and outside of our guan). I actually posted an essay of mine about the martial arts on our page, so feel free to scroll through and tell me what you think. Its pretty cut and dry, I'm actually thinking about going back and changing it, but I just keep telling myself that it's good the way it is.

I'm really bad at talking about myself. Um, I try to be as polite and courteous to everyone I meet, I am very friendly and I like to think I'm good at cheering people up or making them happy, That's what I like to do. Uh..I think I try to be a hero more than be a fan of one. Not to say that I don't have my fav's. Spiderman is my most favorite. And if you know anything about Spiderman, you know why. I am accepting, caring, compassionate and creative, but i don't assume too much of myself, and I try to be as humble as possible.

We (Dr. Worm and I) are both students of Bei Shaolinquan (Shao Lin Chuen). That's Firebending, people. We can Firebend... Well, Not REALLY, of course, but the fact that we both study a martial art that's portrayed in a TV show that we are both almost obsessed with is pretty incredible.

(Doctor Worm: Fuck your damn humility. I CAN FUCKING FIREBEND!! And what do you mean, "almost obsessed?" By the way, don't call Chinese martial arts "Kung Fu." Kung Fu, or, more accurately, Gong Fu, just means something akin to "a cultivated talent." A painter has Gong Fu. A chef has Gong Fu. A writer has Gong Fu. And a martial artist has Gong Fu. If you need to give the traditional Chinese martial arts a blanket term, call them Guoshu.)

Together, we are unstoppable.

Together, we are incorruptible.

Together, we are the East Towne Gurus.

Regarding Zutara:

Doctor Worm: Fuck it, I'm saying this right off the bat: Most ships are fine. The ONLY ONE that does not sit with me is Zutara. Taang and Kataang both seem to work, I have no problems with either. Maiko, Sukka, Tokka, Zoph (caught me off guard at first, but it grew on me), Katoph (Hey, don't knock it. It makes for some beautiful drama and a shitload of heartbreak. You don't believe me, read Ye Chang Meng Duo) Sokkla (HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA... wipes a tear out of eye), Jetara (meh), Smellershot (I just made that one up, but I just know somebody's written it), Harutara (Sexyfine. If anyone gets that, they win a cookie), Sokkara (shudders), Zaang (Haven't actually read this one. Hmm... I guess I can see it working...) Ty Zula (squirts milk out of nose), Ozaicest (shits pants in amazement that anyone is that perverted), WHATEVER. Zutara is just...stupid. From a writing standpoint. It's kinda cliche, and the character arcs would never have allowed that to happen. Their personalities don't click, either. So no. No. NO. NNNOOOOO!

(reads Wolvenfire86's "Steam")

Fuck. That story rocked.

(sigh)

Ok, it can work, but it needs to have thought put into it. And don't hate on Kataang. I don't see why Kataang is so hated.

(reads story again)

Damn, that's some good stuff.

(saves story to computer)

MspltChwdr: SO, what my associate is trying to get across is that we don't really have that big of a problem with the shipping of "Zutara" itself, its more so that we don't like Zutarians who make random and plotless stories about Zutara. In short: Zutara done right = Good. Zutarians that sacrifice plot and grammar (Doc: and common sense) just to have Zuko and Katara together = Bad.

Cool quotes:

Doctor Worm: Here's a quote that someone on the message boards here said reminded them of Kataang. I thought it was perfect. It is:

"Love at first sight is easy to understand; it's when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle."

That's just beautiful.

Oh, and here's another one that sounds TOTALLY Azula:

"They lie - the way to a man's heart is not through his stomach. It's through his chest."

A little bit about Avatar:

Doctor Worm: Avatar: The Last Airbender (or, in some countries, Avatar: The Legend of Aang) is one of the single greatest shows on television today. The writing, the characters, the music, the animation, and the emotions are all executed with a brilliance that you don't find in animation these days. But what most people don't realize is how deeply layered the world behind the story actually is. It's heavily based in Asian mythology, especially Buddhism. The Avatar, continually reincarnated master of the universe, is based on the Buddhist Dalai Lama. The core doctrines of Firebending come from the Chinese practice of Qigong, the ancient art of controlling the flow of energy through your body. Pai Sho, the name of a chess-like game that Iroh plays, actually translates as "white hand," with "white" being a term for "empty." It was an early name for the martial arts in China.

Speaking of which, we now come to the bending of the elements. Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, the two co-creators of Avatar, hired a martial arts instructor from the Harmonious Fist Chinese Athletic Association called Sifu Kisu ("Sifu," also pronounced "Shifu," is a title meaning "master," somewhat akin to the Japanese "sensei"). He helped them to develop the bending techniques by binding each to a form of Guoshu, or traditional Chinese martial arts.

Waterbenders use Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan, also called Tai Chi). Taijiquan uses flowing, loose motions to use an opponent's own strength against them in battle. Kisu thought it would be perfect for the control of flowing streams of water.

Earthbenders use Hung Gar. Hung Gar is a style developed in southern China. It employs a lot of low, rooted stances and powerful, solid movements. It was chosen for the movement of earth because of its physical solidarity.

Toph Bei Fong is the single exception to this rule. She does not use Hung Gar as her fighting style. Instead, she uses another martial style known as Southern Praying Mantis. It comes from the same region of China as Hung Gar, and although they are different styles, they share some characteristics, such as the strong stances. A possible in-universe explanation for the difference is that Toph did not learn Earthbending from a human teacher. She learned by mimicking the movements of the Badger-Moles. If you want to see some Southern Mantis, type "Sifu Manuel Rodriguez" into Youtube. He's the guy that did the martial arts reference for Toph in the series. He's a master of the martial art.

Firebenders use Bei (meaning "Northern") Shao Lin Chuan. (yes, the title of Xiaolin Showdown was a reference to this. But there were NO REAL MARTIAL ARTS USED IN THAT GOD-AWFUL EXCUSE FOR A SHOW. JUST A BUNCH OF BADLY-NAMED GIMMICKY WEAPONS.) This style's origins, like that of most styles of Chinese martial arts, are unknown, but the style in its current form was said to have descended from a Buddhist monastery in the forests of Mount Shaoshi, known as the Shao Lin ("Shao" referring to Mount Shaoshi, "Lin" meaning "forest") Temple. The style employs aggresive, explosive strikes, with quick advances and retreats. It can look beautiful when performed, but it is also quite deadly. Firebending is pretty straightforward: you start with Bei Shao Lin Chuan, and then add fireballs to every punch and kick. Simple. Effective. Awesome.

Airbending is based on Ba Gua Zhang (can be spelled Bagua, Ba Gua, Bagua Zhang, Baguazhang, etc.). Ba Gua Zhang is a very circular style of martial arts. It employs a lot of deflection and avoidance and lacks any finishing moves. A technique very characteristic of Ba Gua Zhang is the ability to maneuver around to the back of one's opponent and place a hand on the opponent's spine. Once the practitioner has gotten to that point, it can be impossible for the practitioner's opponent to face them. Ba Gua's relatively non-violent nature made it perfect for the peaceful Air Nomads, and the spinning, cyclone-like motions made it perfect for controlling the flow of air.

If you're sick of people saying Avatar is just cheap copy of anime and therefore a bad show, please copy and paste this into your profile.

But enough talk. Talk is cheap. Fanfiction is free, but it's still better. So...enjoy.

A Martial Arts Essay by MspltChwdr

MspltChwdr: Oh Buddha, how do I even begin?

I could seriously talk for days and days about the martial arts and anything related to them, from scenes in movies to real life people, general styles and practices, weapons, hands, feet, and so on.

So I will try to condense almost everything I know about the martial arts into three main bodies.
If anyone is wondering why am doing this in the first place, it’s mainly because I just feel like "Blogging."

I will split this up into three basic sub-sections:

Body,
Mind,
and Spirit.

Body

A. General

A martial artist's body is his shield and his sword. practice and exercises can harden the body into a specific weapon to the desire of the user. Different styles call for different strengths and skills, but all require a certain amount of muscle memory. The learning of forms and techniques through tough and sometimes painstaking repetition is to have those specific techniques and "moves" available to the user when a situation arises when the user must defend himself or others. The purpose of sparing with fellow users is to sharpen the reaction time of the user, so that said techniques can be performed during high-stress or dangerous situations. If the body is used to performing the techniques in high-stress situations, then the user is better equipped to handle said situations when they make themselves present. However, if the body isn't in at least decent health, the techniques become weaker, and even if the user reacts in time to a certain situation, if he does not have the strength, speed, or endurance to execute the techniques, it defeats the purpose of learning them in the first place; therefore, keeping one's body in healthy, working condition is vital. A routine of exercise along with practice of the aforementioned techniques of the user's art is highly suggested. What good is knowing what to do if you’re too weak or slow to do it, right?

B. Weapons

Weapons training uses the same principal as training with hand to hand techniques: a ritualistic practice of the techniques specified by the user's art and a healthy amount of live action sparring with fellow practitioners. Although swords and spears aren't exactly what will always be available to the user, other weapon techniques are taught in order to help the user coup with his surroundings, such as: belt fighting, any form of staff or simple stick, knife fighting, rope type weapons, canes, and a various spectrum of everyday items that can be used in defending oneself.

Mind

A. General

Sharpening your mind is just as important as hardening your body. Memorizing your techniques and forms is good, but one must also think about the application of the techniques in those forms. One must learn from others and even teach oneself about how the techniques are supposed to work and how they are meant to be done. And one must know one's body's limitations. The user's understanding of his or her own body and what it can and can't do is vital. Along with the knowledge of techniques and "moves" and the limitations of one's body, one must also understand that a clear mind is the key to truly becoming one with your art. If one's mind is racing about three different things at once or if one is too impatient or rushed to take the time and really wrap one's mind around what is meant to be learned, then one will not succeed in the world of the martial arts. A mind clouded in the pursuit of grandeur, or greatness, or power, or the fear and recognition of others will not truly be a martial artist, and those people will forever remain in the shadow of those whom have a clear, calm mind, and righteously pursue the strength to not fight, the strength and wisdom to walk the high path. To truly have the mind of a martial artist is to have the mind of someone who constantly thinks about and contemplates how they can do damage to someone, and how they can subdue or even kill a threat to them, or to the ones they love, but it is also to have the mind of someone whom understands that such actions are only taken to protect oneself, or those in need of protection. The issue of balance should be the first thing understood by all those seeking to practice in the martial arts.

B. Weapons

In the aspect of the mind's connection of to the weapon, the aforementioned memorization and contemplation of the techniques to be learned are projected upon the aspect of the weapon. And in all seriousness, a weapon is always an advantage, if you understand how to use it right. To some, the weapon is more important, and is essential. To others, it is merely an advantage.

C. Psychology

In a broad sense, everyone has their "demons" and "virtues". And everyone has that little voice that says, "Hey...I could kick that guy’s ass...it would be easy, too..." Everyone is tempted, at one point or another, to use what they have learned for a personal gain outside of self-defense or the defense of others. The aforementioned balance of the mind is understanding that as humans, we are naturally prone to violence, and that there will be tendencies to act accordingly, but that violence is and never really should be the answer. some of us have better balance then others, but that is no reason to get discouraged. It is merely an example set by those on what good balance is, and should be followed. Which leads into the next point. Just because someone is "better" then you in any aspect of anything, does not mean that you are any lesser of a person then they are. It simply means that they progress faster then you do. Everyone learns and grows at a certain pace, and the martial arts aren’t about being better than anyone (which is why I disagree so much with stuff like the UFC). Any form of "competition" in terms of martial arts should be strictly for the comparison of skill and overall sharing of knowledge about the other persons art, personality, emotions, or beliefs...its just that some of those things can be expressed with words, and others can't. :3

But a good portion of the mentality of a martial artist is the reasons they have for studying the arts in the first place. Are you learning to gain knowledge? Are you studying simply for the exercise? Are you practicing to better yourself as a person?

Do you have something to protect?

Or, do you have something to destroy?

Whatever your reason may be, make sure its something you can be proud of shouting out loud in a busy crowd of people. And hey, if you can be proud that you are learning the arts to hurt other people, all the more power to you, it will just give people like me someone to look out for.

A good example is my reason.

I have a very deep-rooted fear of not being strong enough to do the things that I think I should be able to do. I train to be strong enough to protect those that I love, and those who need to be protected. I don't think I'm some kind of superhero, nor am I trying to be any kind of hero, it just kind of pans out like that. I train to be a protector.

Spirit

A. General

The spirit of a martial artist is something that cannot be broken. A martial artist has the kind of drive that really just cannot be denied, a strong will, and a powerful conviction to see something through to the bitter end. What is the spirit, you ask? The spirit is your connection to the world, and to other people. Your spirit is your compassion, your empathy, and your kindness, but it is also your cruelty, your wrath and your apathy. In a lot of aspects, you can’t really describe your spirit. I suppose your spirit is what "keeps you going". Your spirit is the voice...no, the feeling that tells you that there is no such thing as giving up. Your spirit is the feeling that drives you to do things no one thinks you’re capable of doing. The Spirit is that feeling that says, "Just a little more...Give just a little bit more..." Your Spirit is your true strength, or speed, or power. Your spirit connects you to all things in this world. Your spirit is what makes you smile in the face of danger. It’s your courage, your endurance, your virtue. In a broad, large sense of the term, it is your emotions, your human aspect, the part of yourself that helps you grow and progress, which helps you improve. Many people speculate that to have a spirit is to have a hindrance, to have a spirit and to obey your emotions is a vice, but I, and many of my...associates... would severely disagree. Feeling anguish and pain, that only drives me to push harder, and give more into what I am doing. I never feel discouraged about my abilities as a martial artist because my spirit is strong. And your spirit is only as strong as you want it to be. If you believe that you are weak, your spirit will make it so, but if you believe that you are strong, your spirit will reward you with strength. Confidence is the key to a strong spirit, but overconfidence is your downfall. This of course leads straight back to the issue of balance. In order for one to truly become great, an equal balance between body, mind, and spirit must be reached.

B. Weapons

Weapons are a whole different experience when the spirit is put into play. You have to have a serious connection with your weapon. There is a clichéd saying about letting the weapon be an "Extension of you." As cliché as this is, it is entirely true. The weapon must become a part of you. Don't think of at as a "weapon," as that name implies that it was made for, and will be used for combat and the slaying of others. No, the "weapon" should be viewed as more of a tool, for which the user to decide what said tool will be used for. And in a larger sense, the weapon should be viewed as a companion as well, a fellow warrior at your side working together with you in perfect harmony. The sword should not only be an extension of yourself, but a partner that works with its user so flawlessly and majestically that they are seen as one. For some of those that were tagged, when you see someone holding a weapon for the first time, you see two individuals, you see the weapon, and you see the person. You as a martial artist know how that weapon is meant to be used, what needs to be done in order for that weapon's skill to blossom. And you don't just know it with your mind, either. if you are familiar with the weapon, or if it is even a weapon that belongs to you, then you don’t just know it, you feel it. You have a deep appreciation for what that weapon truly is, and what it has the potential for.

That...Isn't even the half of what I am aware of in terms of the martial arts.

Imagine the bulk of what I just posted as like the skeletal system of the martial arts. There is so much more in terms of history, personal experience, spiritual energy (which needs an essay all of its own just to cover most of it), and a whole gambit of other information just swimming around inside my head.

But for now, my fingers are tired, and I must go eat, for I am hungry.

Later,

MspltChwdr