Sifu Kisu
From Avatar Wiki, the Avatar: The Last Airbender database
 |
Sifu Kisu is the fighting instructor and consultant for the show's creators due to his extensive knowledge and abilities with various styles of martial arts. It was with his help that the styles of the four types of bending were matched with actual martial art styles to make them more realistic, as seen in Creating the Legend. He also often served as a reference to the show's animators.
[edit] Biography
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 1980 he became a disciple of Master Hui Ho Kwong and trained with him for the next 26 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.
"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
Sifu Kisu's impressive entertainment career spans TV, film, and theatre. His credits include appearances on TV's Charlie's Angels, Murder, She Wrote, The Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, and Big Bad Beetleborgs, as well as in films such as The Octagon and Dragonfire.
[edit] Trivia
- The creators of Avatar dedicated the character appearance of sword master Piandao to Sifu Kisu.
- Kisu also possesses two swords that were the reference for Sokka's sword and Piandao's sword.
- During Bitter Work, Aang calls Katara "Sifu Katara" in a manner to address a teacher. "Sifu" and "Shifu" are two Chinese terms that mean the same thing: a teacher or a master.
