Tai Chi is a form of martial art that takes years to learn. But once you have learned about the art, you may want to take things one step further and earn a Tai Chi certificate. In order to earn Tai Chi certification, you must first become a student of Tai Chi yourself, partaking in formal Tai Chi classes for several years. Once you have demonstrated your knowledge of the art, you must then demonstrate your understanding and expertise by teaching such classes for yourself. Let’s take a closer look at Tai Chi certification including who qualifies for it, as well as where you can go to earn it.
In order to qualify to earn a Tai Chi certificate, one must demonstrate over 2, 000 hours of class time and practical experience. These hours must be recognized and documented by a Tai Chi master in a registered school. While certification is not always necessary to teach Tai Chi, it can definitely be beneficial in attracting students to your class, showing them that you are in fact a reputable Tai Chi master who has extensive knowledge surrounding the form of martial art. In order to qualify for certification, you may also be required to pass a written exam regarding the history and health benefits associated with the art of Tai Chi.
There are many different schools that offer training and education surrounding the art of Tai Chi. In these schools you will learn about the technique of Tai Chi, the history of Tai Chi, and the philosophy surrounding Tai Chi. Most schools will also teach its martial applications. In order to pass certification, a student must be able to demonstrate an understanding of the different Tai Chi forms, showing that they understand how to perform the movements, postures, and applications properly. Many Tai Chi courses also include classes that teach students how to run their own Tai Chi programs, as well as how to market their school.
In order to achieve a Tai Chi certificate, a particular number of hours in formal instruction and practical experience will be required. While this number will vary greatly from school to school, most courses require between 150 hours to 2000 hours of experience for certification. Generally speaking, the more advanced the certificate, the more hours you will need to receive it. Tuition for classes will also vary from school to school, and some courses will require you to pay an annual fee in order to keep your certificate active.
In order to find a Tai Chi program that meets your needs, you will want to take your time and contact several different schools. Ask each school about the courses that they offer and why they feel they are the best school for you. Compare courses and ask about the instructors experience and credentials. There are several different organizations that offer Tai Chi certification including the American Tai Chi and Qigong Association, the American Fitness Professionals Association, and the International Fitness Professionals Association.
Is a Tai Chi certificate the right choice for you? If you want to teach Tai Chi, than certification will go a long way in building your student base. Start contacting different schools today and discuss your future in teaching Tai Chi! Where can you begin? Start here – TCSociety.com.