The Immortal Path: The Tao of Tai Chi Chuan
$18.95 – $21.95
A discovery of Tai Chi Chuan and it’s relationship with the Tao. Journey to Wudang Mountain and explore the Internal and external styles of Wudang Martial Arts with our guide, Wudang Kungfu grandmaster and Taoist priest Zhong Yun Long.
In the Immortal Path: The Tao of Tai Chi Chuan we explore the religious faith of Taoism and the martial art of Tai Chi Chuan. Tai Chi can be called the Tao in motion. The classic Chinese text, Tao Te Ching acts as a guide to the principles of Tai Chi Chuan. As Wudang Taoist master Zhong Yun Long states “The Tao Te Ching tells us that everything in the universe changes and is the balance of Yin and Yang. This is also the heart of Tai Chi Chuan.” Master Zhong Yun Long broke years of solitary Tai Chi practice and meditation to come down from his Mountain cave and resume teaching at his Kungfu school, San Feng Pai. In the Immortal Path we explore this and other Wudang schools of Tai Chi to uncover the secrets of ‘tapping into our potential’ and to reach the goal of Taoist practice… to become an immortal. Grandmaster Zhong Yun Long is Wudang's leading authority on the internal martial arts and featured in our documentary, Masters of Heaven and Earth.
Below Purple Heaven Palace is a Martial Arts school that embraces the Tao in their Standing Meditation practice each day… like most Tai Chi schools across Wudang mountain. Dragongate school, one of Wudangs oldest lineages of Tai Chi Chuan practices both Internal and External styles of Wudang Kungfu with particular emphasis on Qigong. Master Zhong Yun Long’s own school, the San Feng Pai insists students train in Hard Qigong to strengthen their body for fighting. “From Wuji to Tai Chi to Liangyi is the core of our practice” says Master Zhong Yun Long, “Liangyi shows us that from softness comes explosive fighting force. However the principle of Taoism is to cherish life. We use Tai Chi Chuan to oppose the strong with softness. To overcome an enemy but not destroy him." At the heart of all the schools on Wudang Mountain is the Tai Chi form… the mind and body moving between Yin and Yang. In the words of the Wudang masters… Tai Chi is the Tao in motion. Welcome to The Immortal Path: The Tao of Tai Chi Chuan.
Additional information
| Length (Runtime) | 75 Minutes |
|---|---|
| Digital Format | HD 1920×1080 MP4 |
| Subtitles | English Language |
Left Hand of Snarkness –
This mostly high-quality and very interesting English-language documentary provides a glimpse into what’s happening at Wudang today. The Daoist counterpart to the Buddhist Shaolin Temple in the history, folklore, and legends of Chinese martial arts, Wudang is once again gaining equal stature. Those familiar with these arts or Mandarin Chinese may have some criticisms, but most will still find this interesting.
The film takes an uncritical approach to recent tourism-focused development at Wudang, and to the rediscovered traditions now combined there into a modern syncretism of religion, martial arts, health cultivation, and mediation techniques that advocates often claim without much evidence to be hundreds or even thousands of years old. And then there’s the truly ancient Chinese pursuit of immortality; apparently that’s still a thing. This approach results in somewhat superficial reporting on many of the topics, but there is only so much that can be delved into within an hour or so, and masters who have devoted their lives to teaching and upkeep of key Wudang traditions receive positive and respectful coverage.
Anyone who has even passing familiarity with these arts or the language will wince at the otherwise professional English-speaking narrator’s repeated mispronunciation of the “Tai” in Tai-chi. I got past it, but whatever was saved in time and money by this approach cheapens an otherwise professional production.
most other arts taught at Wudang today did not actually originate there. Discussions of this history could fill volumes, and you’ll find plenty of footnotes in Wikipedia articles on Wudang Quan and related topics if you’re interested. Overall this is an enjoyable video with something for everyone. For one thing, this foreign devil found that Daoist horsetail whisk (fúchén) way.
Leonel Pedraza –
I have just finished watching The Immortal Path, I have to say I loved it! I am the mexican student of Master Wang Xing Qing that appears in the film. Your documentaries are a great part of why my path took me to Wudangshan. Again thank you, not only for including me in this film but for doing all these great films that I am sure are inspiring and changing a lot of peoples lives, just like mine.
Slanted Flying Tai Chi –
The latest documentary by Empty Mind Films looks at the Wudang schools of Tai Chi Chuan. Once again, as with all of the Empty Mind Films productions, it is beautifully filmed and in quality HD format. The film features Taoist master Zhong Yun Long and other schools of the Wudang style of Tai Chi Chuan. Now you can own this wonderful documentary about the Wudang schools of Tai Chi Chuan!
Peter Farnsworth –
I usually order DVD’s and have not been disappointed. This time I downloaded and it went well and the picture quality is great. This film is the best I have seen. It really captures the essence of those featured in the film. I highly recommend this film to all – especially those who practice Tai Chi and Qigong. It is very inspirational. The word superlative comes to mind. Well done from a Tai Chi practitioner.
Andrew Coverdale –
I thought the movie FANTASTIC- I really enjoyed it. It has inspired me to work harder at my form. Thank you for the pleasure you have given me.
Steve Danielsson –
This has become my favorite martial arts documentary alongside Masters of Heaven and Earth. The Immortal Path is recommended for any practitioner of Chinese martial arts, not just for students of taijiquan. The focus is on the martial arts and the film does not delve too deeply into the esoteric aspects of Daoism. As usual director Jon Braeley allow the scenes to play out at their own pace and does not fear long, slow shots, giving time and space to atmosphere and contemplation. Highly recommended.
Stan Chun –
One of the best docs on Wudang Tai Chi I have seen. John Braeley is a master at getting the Masters in front of his cameras.He has chosen the best in the business..!!
Doctor SNJ Neal S –
Excellent video showing real life and Tai Chi in China. Very accurate facts. Lots of great knowledge and wisdom!
Kenneth Cohen –
The Immortal Path every scene is perfectly framed. We move step by step through the Daoist experience. The importance of standing meditation and other methods of physical and spiritual cultivation. I highly recommend this beautiful comprehensive film
Abraham E. Ortiz –
Well developed video on Wudang concepts. Shows several Internal arrs schools of the region. Pleasant to watch and of course the presence of Master Zhong Lun Jong is outstanding. Highly recommended.
Pete Johnson –
Very interesting and informative. Very well researched, written, and produced. Fascinating trip into Wudang tradition.