What is a Master Trainer (MT) and How to Become One
How experienced instructors become certified to train and certify others in the Tai Chi for Health programs
What is a Master Trainer (MT)?
A Master Trainer (MT) is an experienced Tai Chi for Health instructor who is trained and authorised by the Tai Chi for Health Institute to train and certify instructors in the Tai Chi for Health programs.
MTs are passionate about improving people’s health and quality of life through tai chi. Their major goal is to train safe, effective instructors so that more people can benefit from the programs.
As members of TCHI, MTs play an essential role in achieving the Institute’s mission. They certify instructors, conduct instructor updates, endorse and train Senior Trainers, and represent the Tai Chi for Health Institute and its programs at a high standard of professionalism.
All MTs are listed on this website.
What Does an MT Do?
MTs have the ability to:
- Translate the complex art of tai chi into something simple and easy to understand
- Communicate effectively with participants, health agencies, administrators, and medical professionals
- Reach out into the community to develop opportunities for instructor training
- Conduct instructor certifying training workshops effectively
- Contribute to TCHI’s goals through committee work, planning, and volunteering
Requirements to Become an MT
As representatives of the Tai Chi for Health Institute, MTs need the right combination of skills, experience, and values for the role.
Prior requirements
- Be a certified instructor in Tai Chi for Arthritis (or Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention and Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis), with current CPR/First Aid certification
- Be currently Board Certified as an instructor of Tai Chi for Arthritis I and II
- Have organised (co-ordinated) at least two TCA/TCH instructor training workshops
- Know Tai Chi for Arthritis Parts I and II well
- Practice the Sun Style 73 Forms at a high level
- Be a certified instructor in at least one other Tai Chi for Health program
Additional requirements
- Have attended Dr Lam’s Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis workshop at least once
- Have attended a workshop in the Sun 73 Forms approved by Dr Lam or the TCHI board
- Be willing to learn how to conduct Instructor Training Workshops for Tai Chi for Arthritis or Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
- Demonstrate good communication and teaching skills
- Demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism by participating in TCHI committees and projects
- Be prepared to conduct at least two instructor training workshops per year to maintain your MT qualification
- Be passionate about using the Tai Chi for Health programs to improve people’s health and quality of life
- Hold a current CPR qualification or equivalent
How to Become an MT
If you are interested in becoming an MT, start by reading the requirements above carefully. It is important to understand why you want to be an MT. The title does not imply a rank — it refers to the mastery of conducting instructor training. Compensation varies widely; financial gain should not be a primary consideration. Be familiar with the TCHI Code of Ethics.
If these requirements fit your goals, and you have satisfied (or are working toward) the prior requirements listed above:
- Submit an Expression of Interest. Complete the MT Expression of Interest form to let TCHI know you are interested. If you have not already found a mentor, we will connect you with one to guide your development.
- Work with an MT mentor. Your mentor will help you understand what being an MT involves and will support your development toward meeting all the requirements.
- Formal application. When you and your mentor agree you are ready, your mentor and a second MT will endorse your application. The application is then submitted to the Tai Chi for Health Institute for review and approval, including endorsement by at least half the MTs in the candidate’s country and final approval by Dr Lam or the TCHI board.
MT training
Once an MT candidate is approved to participate in an MT training workshop, they should be prepared to:
- Study extensive materials in preparation for the training.
- Attend MT training workshops: A 2- to 4-day face-to-face workshop delivered by Dr Lam or a board-approved MT trainer, and the “Exploring the Depth of Sun 73 Forms” workshop. Both contain a comprehensive curriculum including in-depth knowledge of tai chi, teaching skill, program delivery, knowledge of chronic conditions, and all other aspects of the programs.
- Complete mentorship: Conduct two workshops under the mentorship of a fully qualified MT (team-teaching) before conducting an instructor training workshop independently.
- Ongoing requirements: Practice tai chi regularly, support the people you have trained, contribute volunteer time to TCHI, and be updated every two years by participating in an MT Update Workshop.
Benefits of being an MT
- Support from the Tai Chi for Health Institute, Dr Paul Lam, and fellow MT colleagues
- Authorisation to certify instructors and conduct updates for programs you are qualified in
- Ability to endorse and train Senior Trainers
- Ability to endorse MT candidates
- Receive a tuition discount at Dr Lam’s workshops (contact TCHI for current details)
Where to Learn the Sun 73 Forms
You can learn the Sun 73 at the annual Sydney workshop (second week of January) or at the USA workshop (usually the middle of June). Dr Lam’s Sun Style 73 Forms instructional online lessons are very helpful, however face-to-face training is essential to reach a high level for MT requirements.
A Note on the Journey
Do keep up with your interest and dedication to Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention. If your goal is to improve people’s health with tai chi, then there is plenty of space and work within the Tai Chi for Health community whether you become an MT or not. Becoming an MT is like practising tai chi — when everything flows at the right time and rhythm, the right event will happen. The flow comes naturally when everything is right.
