Zoom: Tai Chi for Diabetes Instructor Training with MT Mike Poole and MT Betty Scanlon (2 half-days)

Tai Chi for Diabetes

Tai Chi for Diabetes is a tai chi form, specially designed by Dr Paul Lam in conjunction with his team of medical specialists and tai chi experts, to improve the management of diabetes. The program will help to increase flexibility and muscle strength, increase heart/lung activity, align posture, improve balance, and integrate the mind and body. This safe, effective program is supported by Diabetes Australia. The Tai Chi for Diabetes program had been designated as research-based.

Based on the Sun and Yang styles of tai chi, Tai Chi for Diabetes (TCD) is easy to learn, effective, and safe. The program includes warm-up and cool-down exercises, the teaching method, basic knowledge about diabetes, and how to teach this program safely. Qualified participants who complete the course may be accredited by the Tai Chi for Health Institute to teach this exercise program.

Dr Lam created this program with two parts. The Self-Paced Instructor Preparation Package (SIPP) is a self-paced virtual program containing essential material plus instruction in the basic movements to train effective and safe instructors. All you have to do is follow the sequence with Dr Lam’s video guides for every step.  Complete the quizzes at the end of each unit to move on, and at completion of the SIPP you may download your Certificate of Completion to send to the Master Trainer in advance of the live, interactive training.

After completion of the SIPP (which may take between 20 - 70 hours to complete) you will be ready for a live instructor training workshop to be eligible to become a Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI) Board Certified instructor). All TCHI Master Trainers around the world can conduct this workshop as listed online at the Tai Chi for Health Institute (tchi.org) website.

This live workshop is very personal. The Master Trainer will work with you to answer your questions, help to improve your tai chi, and ensure you can teach the program safely and effectively.

There will be discussions, practice sessions, sharing of skills and knowledge, Question and Answer portions, and, most importantly, personal attention. The Master Trainer will give you feedback on what you did well and how you can improve your tai chi and teaching skills.  and connect you to the Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI), fellow instructors, and Senior Trainers.

Reasons to participate in the Tai Chi for Diabetes training workshop:

• Gain knowledge of tai chi and how it helps people with diabetes
• Be able to perform the Tai Chi for Diabetes set.
• Learn a new program incorporating a different tai chi style (Yang) for your existing and new students
• Yang-style instructors will learn new perspectives to help improve your tai chi and introduce you to a proven teaching system
• Beginners can learn this for themselves to help improve their health and harmony
• To be a part of the Tai Chi for Health international family

Who is eligible to attend this training?

Diabetes Educators, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Exercise Physiologists, Certified Allied Health Assistants, Diversional Therapists, Lifestyle Coordinators, Health practitioners, Nurses, Tai Chi teachers and advanced Tai Chi students

Registration Process

When you register for the live interactive training, you will receive a link to purchase the prerequisite online SIPP course. Normally priced at USD80, your link will allow you to purchase it at a 30% discount for about $56. You must go to Online Courses and purchase this separately from paying your course fee to the Master Trainer. It must be completed before the live interactive training. Allow 20-70 hours, on your schedule, and forward the Certificate of Completion to the trainer to qualify you for participation in the live interactive workshop. Do enrol ASAP because you must complete it before participating in the live interactive portion. You will have access to the online SIPP material for one year, and you will find it a great support for your teaching skills.

There will be discussions, practice sessions, sharing of skills and knowledge, Question and Answer portions, and, most importantly, personal attention. The Master Trainer will give you feedback on what you did well and how you can improve your tai chi and teaching skills. Connect you to the Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI), fellow instructors, Senior Trainers and offer continual support.

By the Completion of the Workshop, you will:

• Know the Tai Chi for Diabetes set at a deeper level
• Understand how tai chi improves health and relaxation
• Have learned how to teach this program effectively and safely
• Have improved your tai chi skill and knowledge
• Have learned how to attract and retain more students

Board Certification

Following successful completion of this course, you will be required to register to become a Tai Chi for Health Institute Board-certified instructor before teaching the program (if not already a member). One annual fee covers Board Certification for all your Tai Chi for Health qualifications. You will then be listed with your certifications on the TCHI website.

Clothing

Wear loose, comfortable clothes and flat shoes suitable for exercise.

About the Creator of Tai Chi for Diabetes

Dr Paul Lam is an Australian family physician and tai chi expert, and a world leader in the field of tai chi for health. He is a well-recognized teacher and the author of several books on tai chi and health, including Living Well with Diabetes by Dr Paul Lam and Pat Phillips, and best-selling instructional tai chi DVDs. Over five million people worldwide practice a Tai Chi for Health program every day. 

Dr Lam is one of the most sought-after tai chi teachers, having trained thousands of instructors. Many travel around the world to attend his workshop.

Details

This training includes TWO STEPS.

STEP 1 is a Self-Paced Instructor Preparation Package via online lessons. As soon as you register, an invoice will be issued. Once paid, access to SIPP will be sent to you at no additional cost.  Please see below for more details.

Once STEP 1: SELF-PACED INSTRUCTOR PREPARATION PACKAGE (SIPP) is completed, you will send the completion Certificate to MT Mike Poole earthandcup@gmail.com .

Places are limited. Acceptance is on a first-come, first-served basis.

You can be part of the NEW Self-Paced Program for Tai Chi Diabetes instructors trained by attending this virtual workshop.

The Tai Chi for Diabetes program was created by Dr Paul Lam and his team.

After completion of SIPP (knowledge-based program and online lessons), you will be ready for STEP 2: THE PRACTICAL TRAINING (practical session) - a 1-day instructor training workshop to be eligible to become a Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI) Board Certified instructor.

Suitable participants include health and fitness professionals or other similar qualifications and experienced tai chi students.

Resource Materials.

• Teaching Tai Chi Effectively Book
• Tai Chi for Diabetes Handbook
• Tai Chi for Diabetes dvd
• Tai Chi for Diabetes wall chart
• Dr Lam’s book “Tai Chi for Diabetes: Living Well with Diabetes”
• *Teaching Effectively book, TCD handbook and TCD dvd may be purchased as a bundle
•  **You will have access to the STAGE 1 online lessons for 12 months once you register and activate the SIPP.

STEP 2 is the In-Person Practical workshop on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 9 am - 1 pm and Friday, April 17. 2026 from 9 am - 1 pm USA EST with Master Trainers Mike Poole and Betty Scanlon. This is two (2) half days.
You must complete STEP 1 Self-Paced Instructor Preparation Package (SIPP) PROGRAM beforehand.

What to Expect:

• We will take frequent breaks
• You must be present for all of the training
• 7 Hours of Training
• Post Zoom session(S) may be necessary if requirements are not met, fees are applicable
• Certifications will be awarded once all training requirements have been completed
• Upon teaching, will make sure to have CPR/First Aid training

Cost

$250 - This is the total fee for the TWO Half-Day virtual Practical instructor qualification training workshop with Master Trainers Mike Poole and Betty Scanlon (8 hours, including breaks).

$56 - SIPP (with discount code)

$52 - all rerequired and recommended resource (with discount)

Recertification in TCD - $150

Just for Fun (no certification) - $75

Cancellations $100 Fee

Updates for other TCH Programs $150 for first update, $50 per program after  - Each program assignment will be required prior to attending.

This workshop will be virtual over Zoom.

Master Trainer Mike Poole: earthandcup@gmail.com

Master Trainer Betty Scanlon: TaiChi@comcast.net