Instructor Certification

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Our Mission Statement

Tai Chi Healthways, registered in San Diego, California, is internationally recognized as a leader in Tai Chi/Qigong education and instructor’s certification, led by Dr. Jesse Tsao who has Ph.D. in Tai Chi and Qigong education from Shanghai Sport University. Since our first workshop in Tucson, Arizona in 1987, we have certified thousands of instructors over 26 countries.  Our mission is to uphold and pass on the traditional teachings of this unique Chinese healing art and martial art. We are committed to setting and promoting the highest teaching standards in the industry, training the instructors today and tomorrow in order to preserve and carry on the classical teachings of Tai Chi and Qigong. Leadership starts here. Tai Chi Healthways supports diversity and encourages the advancement of all styles of Tai Chi and Qigong. Our well developed Distance Learning Certification program is for you if you are not able come to our live class for training. --Our certification offers a strong proof of your qualifications to the public, including your current or potential students and employers: "I am proud to associate with Tai Chi Healthways. You probably know this that Tai Chi Healthways is one of the recognized organizations by Silver Sneaker for certification. I did not realize this until I took their training. Qin Z. who was just certified by Tai Chi Healthways is now hired by YMCA to teach Tai Chi."

Get Certified With Us:

• No Annual Fee
• Low Cost
• Distance Learning Certification program
• In-person for master training 
• Learn From A True Tai Chi/Qigong Master with both traditional lineage and Ph.D academicaly
• Associate To Executive Tai Chi Certification
• Entry Level Tai Chi Instructor Certification
• Entry To Standard Qigong Certification
• No Prerequisitest

Distance Learning & Certification Program Guideline:

Note: Tai Chi Healthways Association hosts intensive 5-day training in San Diego, California during each year.

Instructors can be certified from anywhere in the world through Tai Chi Healthways' convenient Distance Learning Certification program. You don't need to make a trip if you can pass the on-line Tai Chi theory exam, and provide enough evidence through your video to show your skill for the certificate. If you have previous Tai Chi experience and can perform any short or long routine/form, you are eligible for Associate Tai Chi Instructor or above. 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. We teach 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.

The first step is to register as a long-distance instructor trainee, no need to select a certificate level.  The evaluation committee will decide it based on your skill.  We will send you the instructor’s training materials package, which includes:

(1) The Tai Chi Fundamentals for Beginners DVD, and a bonus video Easy Tai Chi for Health (based on the Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi: 12 Weeks to a Healthy Body, Strong Heart, and Sharp Mind), through instant download free codes (if you have difficulty to download, email us, we can mail you just one disc through regular mail.  It may take up to two weeks time for the mail).
(2) Leadership Manual. We put a 30-hour self-study materials through internet file, so you can study and train at your home. We keep this Leadership Manual as an e-book continually updated with the most useful information.
(3) The Tai Chi Theory Exam for Tai Chi Instructor Certification.
(4) Evaluation: When you are ready, return your exam answers to us and send us a videotape, video file, or DVD of yourself doing Tai Chi movements. You can send the answer of exam and video through internet. www.YouTube.com and some other website provide free video sharing hosting. You can just upload your video and send us the links. We will review and evaluate it and issue you the teaching certificate. If your postures, movements or routines need more works, we will provide corrections and suggestions for you to improve. No monthly or annual dues to Tai Chi Healthways. Life long valid after you become a certified instructor, but we do hope you can come to workshop once every two years to update your skills.

The total cost for this Distance Learning Certification program (including materials package, exam, evaluation, and certificate) will be $275.  There is no fee for retesting should someone not pass on the first attempt, either the written test or the demonstration.

The package also includes permanent listing of your name and contact info on the Tai Chi Healthways Certified Instructors listing, and a 20% discount on all Tai Chi Healthways workshops and all private lessons with Master Tsao.  You can aslo ask the special online download link for any of our instructional DVD at 20% off ($19.95 each video).

The registration fee can be paid through PayPal accpount at: [email protected],  or Venmo account:[email protected], or Zelle bank transfer:[email protected], or send a check payable to: Master Jesse Tsao, 5051 Sterling Grove Lane, San Diego, CA 92130.

To upgrade your certification to the next level, the processing fee is $150. This includes one free DVD video download of your choice, another evaluation and the upgraded certificate. The fee of $150 can pay through PayPal account: [email protected], or Venmo account [email protected], or pay through mailing check.

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

(1) Pass the Tai Chi theory exam with 75% accurate (25 multiple choice questions).
(2) Complete an essay: write a handout to demonstrate your ability to research Tai Chi philosophy and its health benefits. This handout could be used later when you teach your own class or for presentations.
(3) Perform forms/routines postures.  You can just record a demonstration video of your abilities.  No need instructional talk through. A five minutes video for Entry-level and Associate level instructor certificate; Standard Tai Chi Instructor and above need 20 plus minutes to demo a long form, weapon, push hands. Associate Instructor (Town/small city and community Level) need 300 class-hour, 30 Leadership/workshop training hours (the hours are for in-person training for beginners; for Distance Learning people, no worry if you do not have the records for the class hours, your home self-study, or accumulated sporadic practice all can be counted as the hour credit, the committee will just based on your form practice to estimate your previous training hours, the leadership 30 hours will be credited from the Tai Chi exam and Leadership manual home study) + one tai chi routine; Standard Instructor (City Level) need 500 class-hour, 50 Leadership/workshop training hours + at least one traditional tai chi long form routine, tai chi weapon, and tai chi push hands; Senior Instructor (State-wide/regional Level) need 700 class-hour, 100 Leadership/workshop training hours + two traditional tai chi long form routines, tai chi weapons, tai chi push hands, and self-defense application; Executive Instructor (National Level) need 1000 class-hour, 150 Leadership/workshop training hours + three traditional tai chi long form routines, tai chi weapons, tai chi push hands, and self-defense and self-healing application. (Note: For people with tai chi experience before, you do not need to start from the entry-level. The committee will evaluate you to higher certificate level based on your demo of what you can do. For beginners, each certificate level requires progressive development and refinement of skills as determined by the Committee.)  There is no time limit to finish the distance learning course.  It is on your own pace.  Some people can get certified within two month; some people take for more than a few years.

Special Offer: There is a large and growing demand for qualified Tai Chi instructors. Jul 24, 2017 - Tai Chi: Consumer Reports looks at new surprising evidence showing that tai chi reduces the risk of falls better than than other approaches such as physical therapy, balance training, resistance exercises, stretching, or yoga. The New York Times also reported this study on August 6th, 2017.  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. Instructor candidates living outside of the San Diego area can simply use the Tai Chi Fundamentals for Beginners DVD, or the Esay Tai Chi For Health 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. You can email us the tai chi theory exam and your video clip for evaluation.

Qigong Instructor Certification:
Tai Chi Healthways also offers Qigong Instructor Certification for distance learning people, similar to the Tai Chi Instructor Certification program. You don't need show us proof of class hours, but you must pass the on-line Qigong theory exam and write an essay giving an introduction to Qigong. You must also submit a video for assessments. The total cost for evaluation and certification is $275, which includes:

The Qigong Fundamentals for Beginners DVD free instant download code； Qigong Leadership Manual through internet e-file, so you can study and train at your home. We keep this Leadership Manual as an e-book continually updated with the most useful information； The Exam for Qigong Instructor Certification. The package also includes permanent listing of your name and contact info on the Tai Chi Healthways Certified Instructors listing, and a 20% discount on all Tai Chi Healthways workshops.

Successive levels of Qigong Instructor Certification:

Entry level requires only that you know how to demonstrate the Qigong Fundamentals for Beginners set.  You can just provide a demonstration of your practice, no need instructional talk through.
Associate level requires mastery of additional two sets/DVD titles, apart from the Qigong Fundamentals for Beginners.  Just provide a demonstration of your practice, no need instructional talk through.

Standard level requires mastery of three additional sets/DVD titles, after the Qigong Fundamental for Beginners.  And also, the trainee needs to present the knowlages on Qigong's healing aspect beyond those simple physical moves. 

Senior Qigong Instructor level requires in person training in seminar/workshop, or private lessons, or Zoom lesson.

The registration fee can be paid through PayPal account at: [email protected],  or Venmo account:[email protected], or Zelle bank transfer:[email protected], or send a check payable to: Master Jesse Tsao, 5051 Sterling Grove Lane, San Diego, CA 92130.

To upgrade your certification to the next level, the processing fee is $150. Pay through PayPal at: [email protected]  This includes one DVD video download of your choice, another evaluation and the upgraded certificate.  ++++++(Please click the subtitles below for more details)

• Why Get Certified Through Tai Chi Healthways?

  • • 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
  • • Our instructional DVDs provide teacher's reference for all major styles/routines with suggested class-hour to meet the demand of growing class
  • • To enhance the learning process, we host several workshops annually, which are conducted by world-renowned Tai Chi Grand Masters
  • • We offer continuing education programs in order to provide our instructors with ongoing support
  • • Tai Chi is the fastest-growing practice in the fitness and wellness industry
  • • The need for great class teachers and private instructors is quickly expanding
  • • No annual fee & low cost
  • • Learn from a true Tai Chi/Qigong Master from China
  • • Associate to Executive Tai Chi certification
  • • Entry-level Tai Chi Instructor certification
  • • Entry to Standard Qigong certification
  • • In-person or distance certification and training
  • • Three of today’s most respected Grand Masters, Chen Zhenglei, Zhu Tiancai, and Yu Dinghai, act as Tai Chi Healthways honorary advisors and 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
    

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• Distance Learning & Certification

  Instructors can be certified from anywhere in the world through Tai Chi Healthways' convenient Distance Learning certification program.  You don't need to make a trip if you can provide enough evidence, and your video shows your skill well enough for the certificate level you are applying for.  Here is how:

  1. 1) The first step is to register as a long-distance instructor trainee. We will send you the instructor’s training materials package, which includes:
     • (1) The Tai Chi Fundamentals for Beginners DVD through instant free download code.
     • (2) Leadership Manual. We put a 30-hour self-study materials through internet file, so you can study and train at your home. We keep this Leadership Manual as an e-book continually updated with the most useful information.  
     • (3) The Exam for Tai Chi Instructor Certification.
  2. 2) When you are ready, return your exam answers to us and send us a videotape, video file, or DVD of yourself doing Tai Chi movements. You can send the answer of exam and video through internet.  www.YouTube.com and some other website provide free video sharing hosting.  You can just upload your video and send us the links. We will review and evaluate it and will be happy to issue you the teaching certificate. If your postures, movements or routines need more works, we will provide corrections and suggestions for you to improve.  No monthly or annual dues to Tai Chi Healthways.  Life long valid after you become a certified instructor, but we do hope you can come to workshop once every two years to update your skills.
  3. 3) The total cost for this Distance Learning Certification program (including materials package, exam, evaluation, and certificate) will be $275.

     The package also includes permanent listing of your name and contact info on the Tai Chi Healthways Certified Instructors listing, and a 20% discount on all Tai Chi Healthways workshops and all private lessons with Master Tsao

  4. 4) For Associate Instructor level, you also need to choose an instructional DVD from which to learn a standard or traditional routine/style through home study. Many Tai Chi and Qigong DVDs and instant download are available on the Tai Chi DVD page of this website. There is no need to order additional videos from us if you have previous Tai Chi experience and already know a routine. The Entry-Level Instructor applicants need only demonstrate basic hand patterns and basic steps. No Tai Chi routine is needed.
  5. 5) Those who apply for Instructor level and above may need to attend our workshops or arrange for weekend leadership training in San Diego, unless you can provide us strong evidence that you possess the skill and teaching experience.  You do not need a trip to us if you can demo not only a tai chi bare hand routine, but also a tai chi weapon routine, and push hands skill in your video.  This will be the best fit if you are a Tai Chi teacher already, but need a standard certificate to gain more teaching opportunities.  Our evaluation is based on the Tai Chi Classic which applies to all styles or routines, not only on Tai Chi Healthways curriculum.  

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• Who Can Be Certified & Guidelines for Evaluation Certification Level

  Who Can Be Certified?:

  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! Let Master Jesse Tsao be your mentor.

  • • New student? Simply enroll in any of our regular classes to begin accumulating class credit, or through distance learning for non-local people. No prerequisites necessary.
  • • Previous experience? For people with tai chi experience before, you do not need to start from the first level. The committee will evaluate you to higher certificate level based on your demo of what you can do. 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.

  How You Will Be Evaluated:

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

  • 1) Pass the theory exam (25 multiple choice questions).
  • 2) Complete an essay: write a handout to demonstrate your ability to research Tai Chi philosophy and its health benefits. This handout could be used later when you teach your own class or for presentations.
  • 3) Perform postures and moves smoothly.
  • 4) For Standard Instructor and above, you need name postures accurately and describe guidelines of each move or posture, and demonstrate ability to effectively adjust clients into proper alignment.
  • 5) For senior Instructor and above, you need to explain applications to be used in self-defense, and be familiar with major energy channels used in Tai Chi for self-healing.

  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. Classic routine means those traditional long forms, such as Chen, Yang, Wu, W'u, Sun, etc.

  Workshop hours hosted by Tai Chi Healthways count as credit, and private lessons with Jesse Tsao may also count as credit.

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  Associate Instructor

  View

  Community Level

  A: 300+1 tai chi routine
  
  
  

  B: 30

  Instructor

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  City Level

  A: 500 +1 classic routine,+ push hands & tai chi weapon
  
  

  B: 50

  Senior Instructor

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  State-wide/Regional Level

  A: 700+2 classic routines, push hands & tai chi weapon & self-defense application
  
  

  B: 100

  Executive Instructor

  View

  National Level

  A: 1000+3 classic routines, push hands, tai chi weapon, application on both self-defense and self-healing

  B: 150

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  Entry Level Instructor Certificate Now Avaiable:

  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.
  • • Get qualified to teach Tai Chi’s basic skills and lead exercises safely and effectively
  • • An excellent way to expand your repertoire of wellness and fitness knowledge
  • • Increase your success and value
  • • After completing the program, you will be properly equipped with everything you need to turn your passion into a rewarding career

  A minimum of 80 class hours, plus 6 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 use 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 (See below the "Distance Learning".) A student will be awarded certification when he or she demonstrates the required proficiency level to carry forward the Tai Chi tradition.

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• Tai Chi Evaluation and Certification Fee

  The total cost for evaluation and certification is $275, includes:

  1. (1) The Tai Chi Fundamentals for Beginners DVD instant download free code, or if you have this knowledge already, email us your choice of DVD title.
  2. (2) Leadership Manual and exam (e-book through e-mail);
  3. (3) A 60-minute evaluation can be scheduled in advance for those who come for evaluation in person;
  4. (4) Certificate.
  5. (5) 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. Listing your name and contact info on the Tai Chi Healthways Certified Instructors listing page, no monthly or annual dues to Tai Chi Healthways. Life long valid after you become a certified instructor.

  To upgrade your certification to the next level, the processing fee is $150. Pay to PayPal account: [email protected]  This includes one free DVD download code of your choice, another evaluation and the upgraded certificate.

  Get Started Now

• United Kingdom Certification / OCN

  Entry-Level Instructor Certification:

  We offer a special program in conjunction with England  Somerset Skills and Learning to attain the Tai Chi Healthways Entry-Level Instructor Certification for only $95 if you are a qualified Open College Network Tai Chi Foundation Instructor.  OCN courses are accepted as qualifications in England for people would work in health–cardiac nurses, occupational therapists, Tai Chi instructors running health classes, etc.

  This fee includes the Fundamentals DVD free doanload code and an assessment, submitted by video to Tai Chi Healthways, and exempts you from the Tai Chi Healthways written test.  You will need to submit proof of OCN qualification before you receive the Tai Chi Healthways certification.

  If you are currently an OCN student preparing to achieve both instructor certifications, please click the payment button below for the $95 Tai Chi Healthways assessment and Fundamentals DVD. 

  Tai Chi Bang Instructor Accreditation:

  Enquires are welcome from people who would like to set up practical workshops led by Master Jesse Tsao in their country for this OCN accredited course.  www.taichibang.com

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• Qigong Instructor Certification

  Tai Chi Healthways also offers Qigong Instructor Certification similar to the Tai Chi Instructor Certification program. You don't need show us proof of class hours, but you must pass the exam and write an essay giving an introduction to Qigong. You must also submit a video for assessments.  The total cost for evaluation and certification is $275, which includes:

  1. 1) The Qigong Fundamentals for Beginners DVD on-line free download code.
  2. 2) Qigong Leadership Manual through internet e-file, so you can study and train at your home. We keep this Leadership Manual as an e-book continually updated with the most useful information.  
  3. 3) The Exam for Qigong Instructor Certification.  The package also includes permanent listing of your name and contact info on the Tai Chi Healthways Certified Instructors listing, and a 20% discount on all Tai Chi Healthways workshops and all private lessons with Master Tsao.

  Successive levels of Qigong Instructor Certification:

  • - Entry level requires only that you know how to demonstrate and teach the Qigong Fundamentals for Beginners set.
  • - Associate level requires mastery of two sets/DVD titles, apart from the Fundamentals for Beginners.
  • - Standard level requires mastery of three sets in all, one in addition to the two learned for Associate level.

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• Our Certification Committee Members And Instructor List

  Your application will be processed by our Certification Committee Members: Master Jesse Tsao, Ph.D.; 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, PhD. 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 48 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 health care consultant. Katharine is the Practice Leader for HealthyPeopleTeam.com. 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.

  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.

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  Our Certified Instructor List

  To view a full list of our instructors please follow this link, click here.