In-Person - Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention New Instructor & Recertification w/Bill & Linda - Knoxville, TN

New Instructors

Key Point for Success: 

Register early: At least three (3) weeks before the workshop date is recommended. 

Maximum Participants 15 - This is a train-the-trainer workshop - please allow yourself time to prepare.

This training has two parts: a self-paced online portion and a live interactive portion.

Part 1 New Instructors - Complete the Self-Paced Instructor Preparation Package (SIPP) Program

The Self-Paced Instructor Preparation Package (SIPP) is a self-paced virtual program that covers essential material in the basic tai chi movements and provides instruction to train effective and safe instructors. To complete the SIPP, follow the sequence with Dr. Lam’s video guides for every step. Finish the quizzes at the end of each unit to move on and complete all SIPP modules at your own pace. The SIPP can take 20-70 hours to complete, so please allow ample time for preparation.

After registration, you will receive email instructions for accessing the SIPP and obtaining the Teaching Tai Chi Effectively book and the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Handbook.  Completing the Self-paced Instructor Preparation Package (SIPP) is required to qualify you for Part 2.  The SIPP is your introduction to the TCAFP program. You will learn the warmups and Tai Chi for Arthritis form from the online training, like being in a classroom taught by Dr. Lam.  Practice the movements until you are comfortable with the warmups and the Tai Chi sequence from memory.  After completing all the SIPP, you will get a completion certificate.  Send this to the Master Trainer (MT).  Part 2 will help you refine your tai chi practice and teach the program safely and effectively.

Teaching Safely is first in mind, which is why the CDC and other organizations (NCOA, etc.) recommend us. Therefore, it is up to the Master Trainer to ensure that you, as an instructor, will keep the Program Safe and Effective. To be awarded the instructor qualification, you will be given a pre-workshop knowledge test, a review of your warmups, and a tai chi form check. 

Complete the scheduled workshop with the MT, complying with the minimum qualifications defined on the TCHI website. In the workshop, you will refine your tai chi, practice the "Stepwise Progressive Teaching Method," discuss and ask questions, network with others, and learn what's next.  The trainers will work with you until you are ready to become a board-certified instructor**.  

** The term Board-Certified Instructor indicates the individual is a Qualified Instructor in a TCHI Program and has joined the TCHI as a Board-Certified Instructor with a yearly membership fee of $27 USD/$40 AUS. For more info, see: https://taichiforhealthinstitute.org/how-to-become-a-certified-tai-chi-instructor-of-dr-paul-lams-programs/

Recertifications - Also a two (2) part process:

All instructors/leaders for the Tai Chi for Health programs must renew their certifications every two years to update their skills and knowledge of the program(s). Dr. Lam and the Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI) also recommend that everyone complete their new Self-Paced Instructor Preparation Package (SIPP) for their next recertification. The SIPP replaces the paper or Google Docs forms used in the past for homework.  It does have updated information on fall prevention and new Knowledge Units w/quizes for instructors. 

Part 1 Recertifications - Complete the Self-paced Instructor Preparation Package (SIPP) Program

If your instructor certification is current and you have completed a SIPP online program within the last two (2) years, you are complete with Part 1.  Please note in the comments when you register and send a copy of your certificate to the MT.  Please continue to practice and be prepared.

If it has been two (2) years since your last recertification, the SIPP is required as homework.  Register first - Instructions will be sent to acquire the SIPP. Completing the Self-paced Instructor Preparation Package (SIPP) is required as homework for your recertification.  Existing TCA instructors usually complete the SIPP in 15-20 hours. Please allow ample time before the workshop.

Part 2 -  New Instructors & recertifications: Attend the Live Interactive Workshop Training (LIWT)
Attending the scheduled workshop with the MT will further improve your tai chi, practice the "Stepwise Progressive Teaching Method" with new instructors, discuss and ask questions, and meet new instructors.  If you have conflicts with this workshop date, please contact the MT for other LIWT or correspondence options.

Total Cost:  $490 ($380 Workshop Fee + $110 Materials and Membership Fee)

• $380:  In-Person TCA/TCAFP Instructor Training Workshop

• $110:  Required Training Materials & Membership Fee (required for each participant) includes:

  • Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention Self-Paced Preparation Package Online Course (SIPP) - $56

  • Teaching Tai Chi Effectively & Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention Handbook - $27

  • 1-year Standard Board Membership with Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI) - $27

Recertification: TCA & TCAFP

Total Cost:  $256 ($200 Workshop Fee + $56 SIPP)

• $200:  In-Person TCA/TCAFP Instructor Training Workshop

•  $56:  Required Training Materials & Membership Fee (required for each participant) includes:

  • Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention Self-Paced Preparation Package Online Course (SIPP) - $56

  • Teaching Tai Chi Effectively & Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention Handbook - (existing instructor should have)

After registration, detailed instructions for accessing all required material and an invoice will be sent. You can pay with a check, money order, or credit card (Note: 3.4% is added for the cc fee).

Best Western Plus Hotel
420 N Peters Road
Knoxville, TN 37922

For Out of Town Participants, a discounted room rate is available - contact Bill

Contact Bill or Linda for questions

Bill Pickett (Master Trainer)
              (865) 567-4837         BillPickett20@gmail.com
Linda Pickett (Senior Trainer)
            (865) 414-7334           Lpickett@tds.net