Aang just got the Avatar State, then he got blasted with lightning came back from death,or atleast the brink of death. But, now Aang has to take the next step in his Avatardom(not a word but I don't care) which isn't just Firebending. Aang is just too soft. He got knocked around far too much in that battle to say he's the most powerful bender in the world. I hope the Firebender that teaches Aang addresses this issue. Aang wouldn't have surived without Katara being there and I'm almost certain Aang will have to do the bulk of the final showdown with the Fire Nation on his lonesome. He has to adapt that Anti-Airbender killer instinct. Azula didn't hesiate in dealing that fatal blow, hopefully this'll advance Aang's battling mindset. I know he's 12 but damnit he's gotta step his game up. And fighting like a Firebender will be just the remedy.

What does everyone else think? Can Aang do it the way he is or does this youngin' need to man up and get more Firebender-like to beat Firebenders.

Both me & hubby have noticed, time & time again, Aang does not show offensive moves, which is why I truly believe he has been beaten by Azula everytime he has fought her.

Think about it, she had him by the collar out cold in The Drill, it was her own demise of seeking glory before the final blow that stopped something that should have been.?? She also had him trapped in The Chase.?? If it hadn't been for Katara showing up and freeing him from the beams across his body in the beat up building, who knows.?? oops... edit... I forgot, Bumi was the one who took Azula out in Return to Omashu, another example.

Airbenders are naturally peaceful (i.e. Monks and nomads).?? Aang needs to utilize more offensive moves in his fighting if he is to conquer the powers of the fire nation.?? Note Katara was VERY offensive with Azula and basically had her outpowered.?? If it hadn't been for Zuko breaking her grip on Azula, Katara was about to take her down.?? Yet Aang was fighting Zuko and instead of using his earthbending to trip his stance to weaken his firepower (or even when he charged Azula he could have done this)... instead he takes defensive moves and incorporates them into his attacks.??

I think that is why Jeong Jeong said Aang was not ready to learn firebending.?? He must truly grasp the power of the attack power of earthbending (like Toph does) and then he will be able to move up to the more aggressive figthing of firebending.

Both me & hubby have noticed, time & time again, Aang does not show offensive moves, which is why I truly believe he has been beaten by Azula everytime he has fought her.

Think about it, she had him by the collar out cold in The Drill, it was her own demise of seeking glory before the final blow that stopped something that should have been.?? She also had him trapped in The Chase.?? If it hadn't been for Katara showing up and freeing him from the beams across his body in the beat up building, who knows.?? oops... edit... I forgot, Bumi was the one who took Azula out in Return to Omashu, another example.

Airbenders are naturally peaceful (i.e. Monks and nomads).?? Aang needs to utilize more offensive moves in his fighting if he is to conquer the powers of the fire nation.?? Note Katara was VERY offensive with Azula and basically had her outpowered.?? If it hadn't been for Zuko breaking her grip on Azula, Katara was about to take her down.?? Yet Aang was fighting Zuko and instead of using his earthbending to trip his stance to weaken his firepower (or even when he charged Azula he could have done this)... instead he takes defensive moves and incorporates them into his attacks.??

I think that is why Jeong Jeong said Aang was not ready to learn firebending.?? He must truly grasp the power of the attack power of earthbending (like Toph does) and then he will be able to move up to the more aggressive figthing of firebending.

Aang's progress to date:
???air: collect and distribute (Gyatso et al)
???water: pull and push (Katara et al)
???earth: bind and break (Toph)

Aang's current step:
???energy: yin and yang (Patik)

Aang's next step:
???fire: contain and ignite

Bumi said earthbending was about listening and waiting for the time to strike. To prepare for firebending, Aang probably needs to learn how to seek an opening in an effort to reduce the time he needs to wait before striking.