Embracing the Tiger

Stuart Alve Olson appeared in the T’ai Chi documentary, Embracing the Tiger, from Elysian Films. For more information, or to order a copy, click on links.

The World’s First Documentary exclusively about Tai Chi

This hour-long documentary explores the history, philosophy, health benefits, martial aspects and practice of Tai Chi—uncovering the reasons behind its rising popularity in the world today. Tai Chi consists of graceful, continuous movements combined with breath control to promote relaxation, balance and coordination. It also leads to improved circulation, immunity, mental and physical health, enabling practitioners to maximize their potential in all areas of life.

Dating back to 14th century China (earlier, according to some sources), this ancient art arose from the combining of traditional defensive and offensive martial techniques with the internal arts of meditation and Qigong. In addition to bare hand techniques, weapons such as the sword, sabre and spear are also used. Several schools of Tai Chi (also known as Tai Chi Chuan) have evolved, namely the Chen, Yang, Wu and Sun, each style passed down within the different families from generation to generation.

There are many legends surrounding the origins of Tai Chi: Chang Sanfeng, father of the art, is said to have dreamed of a fight between a snake and a crane. Each time the crane swooped down to take the snake, it was deflected by the smooth, yielding movements of the snake. Chang Sanfeng realized the wisdom of flexibility, softness and yielding when deflecting an attack — and this ability to retract, recoil and return the attack became a symbol for the motion and intent of Tai Chi.

The principles of Tai Chi are documented in the Tai Chi Classics, the oldest Chinese texts concerning the practice of Tai Chi, which are featured in this film. It also touches on most aspects of Chinese culture — from calligraphy to traditional Chinese medicine, including Qi Gong, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and massage; from Taoism to Confucianism and the I-Ching. Finally, the film highlights not only the health and spiritual aspects of the practice, but also the vital importance of Tai Chi’s self-defence applications.

"Tai Chi is an exercise and philosophy applied equally to the four primary attainments and goals of optimum health, self defence, wisdom and longevity. Drawing its principles and philosophy from many sources in China’s antiquity, Tai Chi is unquestionably the most complete and effective method for achieving these four goals. It is the culmination of Chinese culture and philosophy put into motion. No other system of exercise or philosophy developed out of China’s long history incorporates the very essence of the Chinese mind."

(From Steal My Art by contributor Stuart Alve Olson.)