Tai Chi Instructors: Get Certified by Tai Chi Healthways in San Diego!  Learn from a true Tai Chi master and carry Forward the Tai Chi/Chi Kung (Qigong) tradition.

Instructor Certification

I.	Mission Statement
II.	Why get certified through Tai Chi Healthways?
III.	Who can be certified? How?
IV.	Guidelines For Our Certification Evaluation
V.	Certification Levels
VI.	Distance Learning
VII.	Evaluation and Certification Fees

I. Mission Statement

Tai Chi Healthways is internationally recognized as a leader in Tai Chi education and instructor’s certification. Our mission is to uphold and pass on the traditional teachings of this unique Chinese martial art and healing art. We are committed to setting and promoting the highest teaching standards in the industry today in order to preserve and carry on the classical teachings of Tai Chi. Tai Chi Healthways supports diversity and encourages the advancement of all styles of Tai Chi.

II. Why get certified through Tai Chi Healthways?

We are proud and honored to follow the proven teaching methodology of Professor Li Deyin, one of the foremost Tai Chi experts in the world today. We are dedicated to providing the highest-quality training. We provide a comprehensive set of resources, including individual and group training, supplemental educational training aides such as DVD videos and manuals, and opportunities for convenient distance learning. To enhance the learning process, we host several workshops annually, which are conducted by world-renowned Tai Chi Grand Masters. Three of today’s most respected Grand Masters, Chen Zhenglei, Zhu Tiancai, and Abraham Liu, act as Tai Chi Healthways honorary advisors. We also offer continuing education programs in order to provide our instructors with ongoing support.

Li Deyin	Chen Zhenglei	Zhu Tiancai	Abraham Liu

Your application will be processed by our Certification Committee Members: Master Jesse Tsao; Katharine Iskrant, Master of Public Health; Dr. Larry Cammarata, Ph.D., licensed consulting psychologist; and Sheryl Wilde, three-time USA national Tai Chi Grand Champion.

Jesse Tsao	Katharine Iskrant	Larry Cammarata	Sheryl Wilde

III. Who can be certified? How?

Tai Chi is the fastest-growing practice in the fitness and wellness industry. If you are interested in helping others improve their health, relieve stress, and develop energy and vitality – all while improving your own health and well-being – this instructor certification program is for you! There are no prerequisites. New students can simply enroll in any of our regular classes to begin accumulating class credit. If you have previous Tai Chi experience and can perform any short or long routine/form, you are eligible to enroll in our leadership training class. Your prior Tai Chi training can come from any school. Tai Chi Healthways certification is based on your knowledge of the Tai Chi Classics and is not limited to a particular style. The leadership class teaches you not only the practical, day-to-day skills necessary to excel as a Tai Chi instructor, but gives you the theoretical knowledge you need to succeed as well. Workshop hours hosted by Tai Chi Healthways count as credit, and private lessons with Jesse Tsao may also count as credit. We offer a weekend leadership training program for people living out of San Diego area.

IV. Guidelines For Our Certification Evaluation

Potential instructors will be evaluated by our Certification Committee Members based upon ability to meet the following criteria:

1. Perform and name moves or postures accurately.
2. Describe guidelines of each move or posture.
3. Demonstrate ability to effectively adjust clients into proper alignment.
4. Complete a written exam: write a handout to demonstrate your ability to research Tai Chi philosophy or its health benefits. This handout could be used later when you teach your own class or for presentations.
5. Explain applications to be used in self-defense and the major energy points for self-healing (Senior Instructor and above).

Each Certificate Level requires progressive development and refinement of skills as determined by the Committee.

V. Certification Levels & Minimum Credit Hours

Potential instructors must meet both the above mentioned Guidelines for Certification and Minimum Credit Hours to fulfill certification requirements. The required class credit hours can be earned from our school or another accredited school. If you have studied at another school, a letter from your former teacher stating your class hours would be helpful; however, the final decision regarding certification will depend on the Tai Chi Healthways Certification Committee’s evaluation of your skill level.

Special Offer: There is a large and growing demand for qualified Tai Chi instructors. To accommodate this need, we are offering a special Entry-level Instructor Certificate now! Personal trainers and group fitness instructors are especially welcome. The Entry-level Instructor Certificate will qualify you to teach Tai Chi’s basic skills and lead exercises safely and effectively. Not only is this program an excellent way to expand your repertoire of wellness and fitness knowledge, but it will also increase your success and value.

A minimum of 40 class hours, plus 3 hours of leadership training, are required to become an Entry-level Instructor. Once you are certified, you can begin teaching Tai Chi’s basic easy movements, providing a valuable resource for your community! Instructor candidates living outside of the San Diego area can simply order the Tai Chi Fundamentals for Beginners DVD for at-home self-study, with no workshops to attend and no expensive travel. Leadership training materials will be e-mailed to you for self-study. When you are ready, go to the next step for evaluation.

After completing the program, you will be properly equipped with everything you need to turn your passion into a rewarding career. A student will be awarded certification when he or she demonstrates the required proficiency level to carry forward the Tai Chi tradition.

VI. Distance Learning

Instructors can be certified from anywhere in the world through Tai Chi Healthways convenient Distance Learning program:

1. The first step is to order your Instructor’s Training materials. The Tai Chi Fundamentals for Beginners DVD is recommended for all instructor levels. For Associate Instructor level and above, you must also choose a DVD from which to learn a standard or traditional routine/style through home study. The Tai Chi Fundamentals for Beginners DVD, and many other DVD’s, are available on the Videos and Books page of this website. There is no need to order a DVD other than Tai Chi Fundamentals for Beginners if you already know a Tai Chi routine(s) from your past learning.
2. Those who apply for Associate Instructor and above may need to attend workshops or arrange weekend leadership training.
3. If you have previous Tai Chi experience and would like to apply for an Instructor's Certificate from Tai Chi Healthways, please submit a video of yourself in accordance with the Evaluation Guidelines stated above. You are welcome to come in person for face-to-face evaluation and coaching (preferred). If it is inconvenient for you to come for the leadership credit hours, you may show proof of accredited workshop you attended, or proof of your teaching experience before, or teach somebody and document the practical teaching after passing the video exam.

VII. Evaluation and Certification Fees

Evaluation can be done in person, or by video for students using the distance learning option. A 90-minute evaluation can be scheduled in advance for those who prefer to be evaluated in person. If you are a long-distance student, you can send us a video of your own Tai Chi movements when ready. We will review and evaluate it based on your ability to meet the criteria specified in the Tai Chi Classics. We will be happy to issue you the teaching certificate if you meet these standards. If your postures, movements or routines need more work, we will provide corrections and suggestions for you to improve. Then, you will have up to six months to work on it and send a video for re-evaluation, free of charge. The Entry-Level Instructor applicants need only demonstrate basic hand patterns and basic steps. No Tai Chi routine is needed.

The total cost for evaluation and certification is $175 per instructor level. If you are a long-distance student training for certification and are ready to submit your video for review, please mail it to the address listed at the bottom of the page. Also include the application fee for $175, payable to Jesse Tsao. Once you have become a Certified Instructor, you will become a member of Tai Chi Healthways Association, receive free referrals by Tai Chi Healthways for your local area, and have the option of listing your name or school on Tai Chi Healthways website.

More About Our Certification Committee Members

Jesse Tsao, M.S., internationally known Tai Chi master, Qigong therapist, and alternative medicine and wellness consultant, is the founder of Tai Chi Healthways. He is specialized in the areas of self-healing, preventive therapies, stress management and mind-body wellness. Born and trained in China, he has been practicing Tai Chi for over 38 years, including 10 years of intensive study with world renowned grand master Li Deyin in Beijing, China. He was the gold medallist in the Beijing Collegiate Wushu Competition in 1980.

Katharine Iskrant, MPH, CHCA, is a tai chi practitioner and a public health auditor. Ms. Iskrant has conducted over one hundred health plan quality of care audits. Ms. Iskrant’s educational background includes a Masters in Public Health from U.C. Berkeley and a Bachelors in Psychology (Honors) from Columbia College of Columbia University. Ms. Iskrant is in the process of publishing a manuscript on the Tai Chi fundamentals.

Larry Cammarata, Ph.D. is a clinical and consulting psychologist who maintains licenses in California and North Carolina.  He has practiced psychology for over 20 years and has special expertise in the areas of mind-body wellness, hypnosis, stress management, relationships, and men’s issues.  Dr. Cammarata is a professional speaker and workshop presenter who has made professional contributions to local, national, and international retreats and conferences. Besides his involvement in the profession of psychology, Dr. Cammarata is a certified instructor of Tai Chi Chuan, an ancient Chinese system of exercise, moving meditation, and self-defense.  In his spare time, he is a professional musician who has performed locally, nationally, and internationally.

Sheryl Wilde is a three-time International Tai Chi Grand Champion (2004 -2006) and a freelance writer specializing in corporate communications.  She has also written for television, magazines and newspapers for the past 15 years.  She holds a B.S. in Accounting and has more than 20 years of experience in the financial accounting industry.

Jesse Tsao/Tai Chi Healthways
5051 Sterling Grove Lane, San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 793-8939, E-mail: Jesse@TaiChiHealthways.com

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