What is a Senior Trainer (ST) and How to Become One
How experienced instructors can take on a greater role in supporting the Tai Chi for Health community
What is a Senior Trainer (ST)?
A Senior Trainer (ST) is an experienced instructor who supports the aims and principles of the Tai Chi for Health Institute and is committed to one or more of the following:
- Assisting and working with Master Trainers (MTs) in matters relating to Tai Chi for Health programs
- Conducting regional instructor practice sessions (skill-builders)
- Supporting instructors in a particular region by maintaining communication and helping them continue to upgrade their skills
STs contribute to the Tai Chi for Health community in many ways. Some assist MTs at workshops. Some run regular skill-builders for instructors in their area. Some focus on communication and support for a regional group of instructors. The ST role is flexible — what matters is that you are actively contributing to the mission.
Requirements to Become a Senior Trainer
- Have organised at least one Tai Chi for Health instructor training workshop
- Know Tai Chi for Arthritis Part 1 and Part 2 well, with current instructor certification in TCA Part 1 and having attended a TCA Part 2
- Be currently Board Certified
- Know the Sun Style 73 Forms at a high level
- Be actively teaching Tai Chi for Health programs, conducting one or more classes on a regular basis
- Preferably have attended Dr Lam’s Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis workshop at least once
- Be prepared to assist MTs in organising and/or conducting workshops
- Be available to help instructors upgrade their skills at regular intervals
- Have good communication, organisational, and teaching skills
- Have a willingness and compassion to promote Tai Chi for Health programs to improve people’s health and quality of life
- Hold a current first aid certification or equivalent
How to Become an ST
If you meet the requirements above and are interested in taking on a greater role in supporting instructors and growing the Tai Chi for Health community in your region:
- Submit an Expression of Interest. Complete the ST Expression of Interest form to let TCHI know you are interested. If you have not already found a mentor (an MT or experienced ST), we will connect you with one to discuss the role and guide your development.
- Work with your mentor. Your mentor will help you understand what being an ST involves and will work with you on the training needed to carry out the role confidently. The content and timeline of this preparation will be decided between you and your mentor.
- Formal endorsement. When you and your mentor agree you are ready, your mentor and a second MT or ST 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.
Once approved, you are appointed as a Senior Trainer. Appointment is not contingent on having completed the ST Training Workshop first — training can follow appointment.
ST Training Workshop
All new STs are required to attend an ST Training Workshop within an agreed timeframe after appointment. The workshop is delivered in person or online by Dr Lam or a board-approved MT trainer and covers:
- The ST role and responsibilities
- Supporting Master Trainers and instructors
- Organising and running skill-builders
- Using the ST Update Summary Sheet
A separate, shorter update training is available for current STs (see below).
Responsibilities of STs
- Arrange and conduct regional gatherings (skill-builders) to upgrade skills for instructors
- Assist MTs and STs, and contribute to the Tai Chi for Health programs to the best of your ability and availability
- Have regular training with your mentor at suitable intervals (to be agreed between you and your mentor)
- Remain actively involved in supporting the spread of the Tai Chi for Health programs
- Be currently qualified in the required Tai Chi for Health programs and abide by the rules and Code of Ethics
Staying current: the ST update process
STs are required to participate in TCHI-approved update training at least once every two years. Update training is distinct from initial ST training — it is a focused session to refresh skills, review responsibilities, and share best practices with other STs.
As part of the update process, STs complete and submit an ST Update Summary Sheet every two years. The Summary Sheet records your activities (workshop support, skill-builders conducted, instructor development, and other contributions to TCHI) and supports the review process between you, your mentor, and TCHI.
Workshop attendance combined with a completed Summary Sheet fulfils the biennial update requirement.
If your mentoring relationship changes for any reason, contact the Tai Chi for Health Institute to be matched with a new mentor. Your ST status is based on your ongoing activity and qualifications, not on a single mentoring relationship.
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 ST requirements.
Benefits of Being an ST
- Contribute more to the Tai Chi for Health programs and community
- Be more involved in the vision, mission, and activities of TCHI
- Be recognised as a significant contributor to the Tai Chi for Health programs
- Have the opportunity to train more closely with your mentor and other MTs, STs, and Dr Lam
- Receive a tuition discount at Dr Lam’s workshops (contact TCHI for current details)
- The experience gained as an ST provides a strong foundation for those wishing to be considered for MT in the future
