Associate Instructor Pathway
A Clear, Structured Pathway with Personal Support
Read this page or simply call Robert on 07771 333 369.
Transform your life by teaching Tai Chi
If you've ever thought about teaching Tai Chi, you may have wondered:
Where do I start? What do I actually need to learn? How long will it take before I feel ready?
The Associate Instructor Pathway answers those questions. It is a focused, step-by-step six-month programme that takes you from student to confident beginner instructor, with clear guidance at every stage on what to practise, learn, and teach.
Prior Tai Chi or Qigong experience is not required, though commitment is essential.
Which Path Is Right For You?
There are two routes to becoming a Tai Chi instructor with the Academy. The right choice depends on how you prefer to learn and what you want from your training.
Choose the Associate Instructor Pathway if:
⦿ You want a clear, structured step-by-step programme
⦿ You like defined goals and a fixed timeframe
⦿ You want regular guidance and accountability
⦿ You are ready to commit to consistent weekly practice
⦿ You want to begin teaching within six months
Choose the Full Instructor Training Programme if:
⦿ You prefer a more flexible, self-paced approach to training
⦿ You want to explore Tai Chi in greater depth over a longer period
⦿ You are interested in a broader range of material - not just the essentials
⦿ You see teaching as part of a longer personal journey
Not Sure?
Register your interest and Robert will help you decide based on your background and goals.
What You Will Learn
Over six months, focus is placed on the core skills you need for safe, effective teaching.
Practical Training:
⦿ 8 Move 1 Step Form
⦿ Slow Power Form
⦿ Floating Hands patterns
⦿ A structured warm-up routine
⦿ 5 Move Qigong set
Teaching Essentials:
⦿ How to structure and run a class
⦿ Key principles of Tai Chi and Qigong
⦿ Basic history and philosophy
⦿ Safety awareness and first aid considerations
This is not about learning everything. It is about learning what matters most, and learning it well.
How The Programme Works
You will be guided every step of the way.
Live Zoom Training Sessions
Sessions follow an alternating weekly pattern:
⦿ One week includes two sessions (Monday and Wednesday, 8:00 – 9:00 p.m.)
⦿ The following week includes one session (Monday, 8:00 – 9:00 p.m.)
⦿ If Monday falls on a bank holiday, that session moves to Tuesday, 9:00 – 10:00 p.m.
This gives you an average of around six dedicated sessions each month.
Recorded Material
Nearly all sessions are recorded and available for review. A minimum of two hours per week studying recorded material is expected, in addition to attending live sessions.
Access to All Group Zoom Sessions
For the full six months, you have free access to all Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evening group Zoom sessions. This gives you optional additional practice time and a chance to observe real class structures in action. (Standard subscription value: £24/month - included at no extra cost.)
Personal Practice
Independent practice of at least 30 minutes per day, six days per week, is required. This is what embeds the material in both 'brain memory' and 'muscle memory' .
Monthly One-to-One Session
Each month includes a one-hour personal session with Robert to review your progress, address any difficulties, and make sure you remain on track. That is six sessions of individual attention across the programme.
Group Training Days
Every other month, there is a four-hour group training session - three in total over the programme. These can be attended in person or via Zoom, and the content is suitable for all students regardless of where they are in the programme.
Your Commitment
Your Training Diary
You maintain an online training diary on your personal page in the academy website. This keeps your practice structured and creates a clear record of your progress.
Attendance and Accountability (and Why It Matters)
This programme is designed for success, and that requires genuine commitment
⦿ Attend at least six hours of Zoom training each month.
⦿ Attend all three group training days during the six-month period.
⦿ Maintain your daily personal practice.
⦿ Keep your training diary up to date.
If a month falls short of the required attendance without prior agreement, it is simply repeated. The goal is for you to finish genuinely ready to teach, not just to finish. Illness and agreed absences are always accommodated fairly.
Pausing the Programme
If you need to pause for one calendar month, your place is held and the programme extends accordingly at no extra cost. For a longer pause, a replacement student may be admitted and you re-join from the waiting list when you are ready.
Final Assessment
Standard route (included in the programme fee)
At the end of the six months, you submit a video recording of yourself teaching a real class. Detailed feedback will be given either in writing or via a Zoom debrief session.
In-person option (+£250)
If you are within approximately 90 minutes' drive of Rushden, Northamptonshire, you can request an in-person observation instead - Robert attends one of your live classes to observe and give direct feedback. Travel and accommodation are covered by the £250 fixed fee.
Your Qualification
On successful completion, you are awarded the Associate Tai Chi Instructor qualification from the Agar-Hutton Tai Chi Academy. The £175 registration fee for this qualification is included in your programme fee.
As a graduate of this pathway you may choose to continue your development through the full Instructor Training Programme. The two programmes are designed to complement each other.
What is the Investment?
Payment options:
Single upfront payment £1,500
or
Six monthly payments £285 per month (total £1,710)
Saving for paying upfront £210
Your fee includes:
⦿ All dedicated live Zoom training sessions
⦿ Free access to all group Zoom sessions for six months
⦿ All three group training days (in person or Zoom)
⦿ Six monthly one-to-one sessions with Robert
⦿ Final video assessment and Zoom debrief
⦿ Associate Tai Chi Instructor registration (£175 value)
Not included:
⦿ In-person final assessment upgrade (+£250, if chosen)
⦿ Annual recertification fee (£175/year, begins one year after completion)
Places are limited to a maximum of six students at any one time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior Tai Chi experience?
No. Commitment and consistency are what matter. The programme starts from the very beginning.
Will I be ready to teach in six months?
The aim is to produce a confident beginner instructor. You will be capable of safely guiding others through structured classes. You will not know everything, but you will be genuinely ready to begin.
How much time do I need each week?
Approximately six to seven hours: around two hours of live Zoom sessions, two hours reviewing recorded material, and thirty minutes of personal practice six days a week. Consistency matters far more than intensity.
Is this a recognised qualification?
No government-regulated framework for Tai Chi instruction exists in the UK. Your qualification is awarded by the Agar-Hutton Tai Chi Academy. More importantly, you will have real, practical teaching ability and genuine experience delivering classes under guidance.
What if I am not sure that I am ready?
Register your interest and Robert will personally review your details. A short conversation will establish whether this programme is the right fit for you at this stage.
Take Your Next Step Forward Today
Register Your Interest
Click the 'Register Interest' button below and complete a short form. Robert will personally review your details and will ten arrange a short call to talk it through with you. There is no obligation.
Final notes:
This is a structured programme that requires commitment, regular practice, session attendance, and serious engagement. If that's you, we look forward to hearing from you.
Participation in training, qualification, and ongoing certification remains at the sole discretion of Robert Agar-Hutton, ensuring consistent quality and professional standards.
Places are limited to six students at any one time.
Please note we screen unlisted numbers, so email contact is preferred if your number doesn't display your caller ID. Include your phone number in any email, and we'll call you back promptly.
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