To become a certified tai chi instructor, one must complete a combination of classes and instructor training, which can be done through face-to-face classes, distance education, or workshops. It is best to specialize in a specific style and complete 200-700 classroom hours and 20-150 hours of leadership training. Certification assessments vary, but passing a written and performance exam is usually required. Joining a professional organization can provide benefits such as listing the instructor and offering continuing education classes.
The most effective way to become a tai chi instructor is to get certified as a tai chi instructor. There are several ways to earn certification, usually through a combination of classes and instructor training. This training can take many forms, including face-to-face classes, distance education and workshops.
There are many different styles of tai chi, which is a Chinese martial art that emphasizes flow of movement to help reduce stress and improve flexibility and balance. While it is generally helpful to know as many styles as possible, before choosing to become a tai chi instructor, it is usually best to choose a specific style in which to specialize. Classes are one of the best ways to determine if someone wants to become a tai chi instructor, and since class schedules are usually part of the certification process, the student will already be well on their way to receiving instructor certification.
Within the certification process, there are several levels that a student can complete. Classroom hours required for certification generally range from 200 to 700 hours. Along with the class schedule, there are usually training courses for instructors or leaders, and a range of 20 to 150 hours is usually required. The combination of classroom hours and leadership training teaches not only everyday tai chi skills, including body movements and positions, but also the teaching skills, history and theory behind the art.
The education to become a tai chi instructor can be obtained in many ways. Perhaps most helpful is taking classes in person, in a group, or one-on-one with a tai chi master; this is generally recommended because errors in body positioning can be easily and immediately corrected. There are other options, however. Some organizations offer training DVDs and manuals. Web-based distance education is also an option, and workshops are sometimes held several times a year.
Depending on the organization, the certification assessment process can be different. All potential tai chi instructors must generally pass the exam before becoming certified. For example, to become a tai chi instructor, a written exam and a performance/demonstration exam usually must be passed. For people who train through distance education, a video or DVD of the student completing the required demonstrations is sent to whoever is in charge of approving the certification.
There are professional and accredited tai chi organizations that offer certification. One of the benefits of belonging to an organization is that the organization can list the instructor upon completion of certification, which can provide potential customers for the instructor. These organizations often offer continuing education classes as well, so that the tai chi instructor can stay current or increase their knowledge to be more effective.
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