Waterbending

A martial art style which manipulates water in all physical stages, Waterbending has so far been seen practiced by previously-unknown human inhabitants of the moon Sozen IV in the core system of the Phoenix Empire. However, it has been implied that this is but one place Waterbenders exist.

Flowing and practiced, Waterbending does not focus on either offense or defense. Rather, it forgoes a separate set of offensive techniques in favor of fluidly using defense to shift into counters and turning an opponent's force against them.

So far, while it is confirmed that at least four Waterbenders of a larger population exist on Sozen IV, the only one who has been named is the one called Pakku.

Characteristics
Being users of the element of change, Waterbenders are dynamic and complex. While they can maintain the utmost calm and focus even in a dire combat situation, just like how the sea can change from serene to furiously storming in moments, their passive movements and lack of anger bely what can be a brutally efficient style when used by a master.

Quick to assist those in need, Waterbenders place great importance in maintaining balance and harmony in one's heart and resisting the urge to strike their foes in anger. However, while they are peaceful and resourceful individuals who make capable problem-solvers, Waterbenders can be abstruse and difficult to read in a way that infuriates those who are unfamiliar with such a way of life.

Style
Primarily based on the Chinese martial art of Tai Chi Chuan, Waterbending's technique is identified by slow movements and elegant forms which evoke the feeling of how water itself flows. As well, Waterbending possesses a certain balance between offense and defense, though not in the same manner as Earthbending.

Whereas Earthbending treats offense and defense separately, as mentioned, Waterbending channels defensive movements into offensive retaliation, countering against foes. Rather than meeting force with greater force, in the same way that the sea's tides ebb and flow, Waterbenders strategically yield to an opponent's attacks, then turn their strikes against them.

As Waterbending's defense is based on strict control and precise, relaxed movements, any Waterbender must first master the art of meditation in a calm setting. Once this is mastered to the highest degree they can attain, they must learn to reach a state of calm in the midst of sparring. This is because attacking one's foes in anger invites mistakes and discrepancies into a Waterbender's form, which inevitably will cause their technique to fail if such a battle wears on for more than a couple of minutes.

Flexible and readily altered to suit different situations, there are few foes a Waterbender cannot match. However, while an all-out assault can normally stand no chance in combat against this style, at the hand of a master in such a method of attack, it can be a Waterbender's greatest undoing. Simply, there are opponents who strike with such brute force and rapid movements that the practice of yielding could backfire and do the user great harm.

Basic-Level Waterbending
Water Manipulation: Waterbenders are able to easily manipulate bodies of water for various purposes which most certainly extend beyong the combat applications seen thus far. More skilled users like Pakku can direct larger amounts of water and with greater force.

Water Freezing: Though it can take some time for very unpracticed users, Waterbenders of any level are able to freeze water into solid ice. Those of Pakku's level can freeze huge masses of still-moving water in a near instant.

Snow Manipulation: As snow is simply a different physical state of water, it is no difficult matter for a Waterbender to direct snow in masses. More skilled users can also compress snow untl it hardens into ice.

Adept-Level Waterbending
Water Whip: A more advanced form of Water Manipulation, this technique condenses and focuses the water affected into a tendril which can strike with enough force to lay a much larger individual flat.

Remote Water Manipulation: While specifics on range are unknown, skilled Waterbenders are able to draw water to them even while it is separated from their access by, say, a thick sheet of ice.

Trivia

 * Based on the nature of this style, it can be presumed that Waterbending civilizations live anywhere where water is in great abundance, i.e., arctic regions.