[quote=Iluvatar]
Does this have any similarities to the 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' series (not the film, that sucked), what with element bending techniques resembling martial arts and the mention of chi, an important part of the storyline. I don't expect there to be bending, but will the magic side of it be controlled similarly?And are the magicians and sciency guys at war?
[/quote]

It varies but yes sort of magical arts exist and are taught, though some places and people do more standard style magic. 

As for war, no. As in the major two civilization on that planet are not at war. There are other groups that are, and there are conflicts with specific factions that would count as such. The current state is that of a violent peace though. No actual war going on, but still a lot of fighting and issues on all sides.