Lion on the Mat
This short documentary follows Mai Nguyen, a Vietnamese-American martial artist, as she trains for an upcoming Jiu Jitsu match. We witness how she mentally, as well as physically, prepares, balancing the demands of regular life—job, being a single mother—with training. As we gradually learn more about her past, we understand her commitment to martial arts as a way to recover from the trauma of her abusive childhood and ex-husband.
Director: Asali Echols
Runtime: 17 min
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: Asali Echols
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Lion on the Mat about?
- This short documentary follows Mai Nguyen, a Vietnamese-American martial artist, as she trains for an upcoming Jiu Jitsu match. We witness how she mentally, as well as physically, prepares, balancing the demands of regular life—job, being a single mother—with training. As we gradually learn more about her past, we understand her commitment to martial arts as a way to recover from the trauma of her abusive childhood and ex-husband.
- Who directed Lion on the Mat?
- Lion on the Mat was directed by Asali Echols.
- How long is Lion on the Mat?
- Lion on the Mat has a runtime of 17m (17 minutes).