The Professor: Tai Chi’s Journey West

Q&A filmmaker Barry Strugatz and tai chi instructor Ed Young with JBFC Programming Director Brian Ackerman

Tai chi, an ancient Chinese form of exercise created as a fighting art, is now practiced by millions of people worldwide for relaxation and health. It’s also a way of life and spiritual practice designed to achieve balance in mind, body, and spirit. The Professor: Tai Chi’s Journey West focuses one of its greatest masters, Cheng Man-Ching, who brought the practice to America during the turbulent ’60s. Cheng—a poet, painter, and calligrapher, as well as a martial artist—comes to vivid life in riveting footage of his teachings and in stories told by his former students. You’ll come away from this affectionate, enjoyable portrait with a deep understanding of this master of moving meditation.