This is in response to a post in another thread under Mantis. I didn't want to digress that thread so my response is below -
Let me offer my take on Embrace Tiger Return to Mountain.
First a couple points -
1. The move is applied as if someone is attacking from the rear with strike and/or kick.
2. The description of application offered in Yang Cheng Fu's 'Essence and Application of Yang Style Taijiquan' explains that the opponents hand and foot attack is fast and you can only brush them off which is followed by their counter-attack. As they counter, you move into Lu (Roll Back) which is stable and secure.
With that said - Tigers stalk their prey and attack from behind. Certain tribes when moving through Tiger country would adorn the last person in the party with a mask that faced behind them. The mask would have eyes and other facial features painted on it. Tigers want the element of surprise and would therefore move on to other prey as they would assume they were being watched and their surprise was foiled.
So if you look at this and apply that logic to the nature of the move - you are turning to look (embrace) the tiger. Since your move is countered you apply Lu and return to the mountain (or secure posture).
Just my opinion so feel free to comment, correct, or cross.
Randy Brown
www.iron-needle.com