Basic Earthbending
![earth](http://i.imgur.com/Rqw3Hl4.gif)
![earth](https://33.media.tumblr.com/a50481d5edc541b06d2332ff20be9756/tumblr_ng4ikuUMx41t7kp9jo1_500.gif)
Earth is the element of substance. The element itself is enduring, strong, and passive, so earthbender philosophy follows the same logic. Earthbending emphasizes neutral jing, which is waiting patiently for the right time to strike. Like the other three physical elements, earthbending first came from Lion Turtles. When they left, the first humans to study earthbending again were Oma and Shu. They observed the badger moles and slowly began to master earthbending once more.
Like all the other elements, earthbending possesses no real edge over the other three unless in special circumstnaces. Of course, for earthbending to be more successful, you should be surrounded by rock or ground, which you normally would be. Yet this is also a weakness for earthbenders. As soon as they are far away enough from land and held by wooden cages, they have no chance of escape unless someone brings earth into the vicinity. Metal was thought to be impossible to bend until Toph Beifong was able to the control earth inside the metal. Since earth is abundant and available in many forms, different styles can be developed, but most earthbenders usually resort to graceful but brute force during fights.
Earthbenders have historically stayed in the Earth Kingdom, with no reason to leave due to its size. Due to the country being united before Avatar Aang, earthbenders mostly had one style. During Legend of Korra, more styles have been developed with the advent of the United Republic of Nations.