If you have seen a group of people slowly moving in unison at your local park, they are likely practicing Tai Chi. Tai Chi has become one of the most popular martial arts practiced in the US because of its approach to providing a gentle workout that offers several benefits.
Perhaps you’ve been an active practitioner in our free Tai Chi class for beginners in Heartwell Park, Long Beach, CA, next to the duck pond, and you feel ready to pass your knowledge to your class. Fortunately, there are many tools available to become a Tai Chi instructor.
Today, we’ll review what you may need to prepare to become a certified Tai Chi instructor.
Develop a Strong Foundation
This may be apparent, though it’s essential to build upon a strong foundation of Tai Chi. This can be developed through in-person classes, such as our free Long Beach class, or various online tools. This includes the Tai Chi for Beginners playlist hosted by Dr. Hoover, a Tai Chi Master and 5th Degree Black Belt in Shaolin Kempo. Ideally, you’ll want to master the basic movements and understand the underlying principles of Tai Chi. This means understanding the movements within the form as we know the philosophies of Tai Chi.
If you can complete the basic form accurately and fluently, congratulations, you may be ready to learn how to become an instructor and teach your class.
Gain Teaching Experience
Being able to perform the movements and understand the principles and philosophies of Tai Chi is a great start. Though learning Tai Chi and teaching it require two distinct abilities. You can obtain practical teaching experience by assisting experienced instructors. Hands-on experience is crucial for being able to develop an effective teaching method. As well as building confidence in your abilities as an instructor.
Communication Skills are Crucial
Many of the best Tai Chi instructors are great communicators. Only some students will learn using the same method as you did. Communicating well also allows instructors to adapt their teaching styles to suit students’ learning styles. Clear communication on safety and proper movements can help prevent injuries. While Tai Chi is generally seen as a safe exercise to practice for nearly everyone, many students with limited mobility will need to modify a pose to fit their needs.
You’ll need to be able to communicate with your students well to ensure they understand the movements and teachings of Tai Chi. New students exploring Tai Chi for the first time will frequently have many questions. As an instructor, you’ll need to be able to articulate responses to these students’ questions, allowing them to deepen their understanding of Tai Chi.
Education and Certification
Gaining a formal Tai Chi instructor’s certification is essential to becoming a Tai Chi instructor.
At SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach, CA, we offer training courses and certifications for individuals aspiring to become qualified Tai Chi instructors.
This 100-hour course prepares you to teach your class. You’ll learn from Dr. Hoover, who will give students a detailed understanding of Tai Chi. His unique approach blends the principles of Tai Chi Chuan and medical traditions, allowing his students to understand Tai Chi and how to apply it.
Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine
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Located in Long Beach, CA, we help individuals from the surrounding cities.
We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.
