Frequently Asked Questions regarding Tai Chi Instructor Training
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1. Program Overview & Value
2. Entry Requirements & Accessibility
3. Remote Training Feasibility & Setup
4. Remote Learning Experience & Quality
5. Remote Learning Experience & Quality
6. Certification & Progression
7. Teaching Scope & Opportunities
8. Business Practicalities
9. Getting Started
1. Program Overview & Value
Our program:
⦿ Combines the healing and martial aspects of Tai Chi
⦿ Integrates modern coaching methods with ancient wisdom
⦿ Includes CBT principles and anger management techniques
⦿ Offers flexible pacing with no mandatory timeframes
⦿ Provides affordable training without compromising quality
⦿ Gives you the credentials to style yourself as an "Agar-Hutton Tai Chi Academy" instructor
The program goes beyond just learning forms - it prepares you to teach with depth, authenticity, and professional confidence.
Robert Agar-Hutton is a seasoned corporate coach and Tai Chi master with decades of experience. His unique background includes:
⦿ Extensive Tai Chi, Qigong and martial arts expertise
⦿ Corporate coaching experience
⦿ Designing and delivering specialist training in anger management coaching
⦿ Expertise in both the healing and martial aspects of Tai Chi
Robert brings ancient wisdom together with modern training methods, providing a comprehensive and authentic learning experience.
Our comprehensive program combines:
⦿ Hands-on practice with direct physical training in Tai Chi forms and techniques
⦿ Live virtual coaching with personal guidance from Robert Agar-Hutton • Comprehensive online learning with structured curriculum materials
⦿ Historical and cultural education to understand Tai Chi's origins and philosophy
⦿ Teaching methodology on how to effectively instruct others
⦿ Health and wellness applications covering the therapeutic aspects of Tai Chi
You'll also learn a little about the martial aspects of this ancient art, ensuring you can teach with depth and authenticity.
2. Entry Requirements & Accessibility
While prior Tai Chi experience is obviously beneficial, it's not required. Our program is designed to accommodate different starting levels. However, you must have a genuine willingness and determination to learn Tai Chi and Qigong, commitment to developing the necessary teaching skills, and motivation to put in the required time and effort. The program is progressive, starting from the basics and building your knowledge and skills at each level.
Many people with various physical conditions can successfully learn and teach Tai Chi, as it's a low-impact, adaptable practice. However, it's important to discuss any health concerns with Robert during your initial consultation. Tai Chi can often be modified to accommodate different abilities, and your personal experience with adaptations can actually make you a more empathetic and effective instructor for students with similar challenges.
Absolutely! The program is ideal for:
⦿ Martial arts instructors wanting to add Tai Chi to their portfolio
⦿ Physical fitness professionals seeking to diversify their offerings
⦿ Yoga or meditation teachers wanting to incorporate Tai Chi
⦿ Healthcare professionals interested in movement therapy
⦿ Existing Tai Chi students who want to teach
Your existing knowledge and teaching experience will complement the Tai Chi-specific training beautifully.
While you don't need to become fluent in Chinese, understanding key terminology and the philosophical foundations of Tai Chi will make you a more authentic and knowledgeable instructor. Our program includes this cultural and historical context, which helps you teach with greater depth and gives you the ability to answer students' questions about the practice's origins and meanings.
3. Remote Training Feasibility & Setup
Our program is specifically designed to accommodate students from anywhere through our combination of live virtual coaching, comprehensive online learning materials, and remote assessment methods. The live virtual coaching sessions with Robert provide the personal attention you need for proper form correction and teaching guidance. At some point in your development as an instructor either visiting Robert's studio or having Robert visit your location will be required but this may be combined with you hosting a Tai Chi seminar/workshop so that you can get the attendees to cover the cost of Robert's time and travel.
While in-person training has its benefits, our remote program is extremely comprehensive. The key elements - form correction, teaching methodology, cultural understanding, and personal guidance - are all effectively delivered through our virtual platform. Some students actually prefer the one-on-one attention available in virtual sessions.
You'll need a reliable internet connection, a device with a camera (computer, tablet, or - although not ideal, a smartphone), and enough space to move freely during the virtual sessions. Good lighting and audio quality help with instruction, but basic equipment is sufficient to get started. We can provide technical guidance if needed.
The training cost is the same whether you participate remotely or in person. You may save on travel and accommodation expenses by training from home.
We can work with various connection qualities and can adjust session formats if needed. Sessions can be recorded for review if connection issues occur, and alternative arrangements like phone consultations can supplement video sessions when necessary. However, if you live somewhere with a really really bad connection then live training may be necessary. This is a subject to discuss directly with Robert so that a possible solution can be determined.
4. Remote Learning Experience & Quality
Remote assessment is conducted through live video sessions where you demonstrate your forms, teaching techniques, and understanding of the curriculum. Robert can observe your movements, provide corrections, and evaluate your readiness to advance to the next level. Many students find this process just as effective as in-person assessment, and it allows for flexible scheduling around your availability.
Through live video sessions, Robert can see your movements from multiple angles and provide detailed corrections. Many students are surprised at how effectively forms can be taught and corrected remotely. We also provide detailed instructional materials and may ask you to record practice sessions for review.
Not at all. The certification standards are identical regardless of how you complete the training. Your competence as an instructor will be evident in your teaching ability, knowledge, and skill level - not in whether you trained remotely or in person. Many highly respected instructors have completed remote certification programs.
We can arrange virtual group sessions where remote students practice together, and we encourage you to find local practice partners or Tai Chi groups in your area. Additionally, part of your development as an instructor involves teaching others, so you'll naturally build a practice community as you begin instructing at the Teaching Apprentice level.
If you're able to travel occasionally, we can certainly arrange in-person sessions to complement your remote training. This hybrid approach works well for some students who want the best of both worlds.
5. Remote Learning Experience & Quality
There is no mandatory timeframe for achieving any qualification level. Your progression is based entirely on your ability to perform and teach the required curriculum, not on a set schedule. Some students may achieve their first certification in months, while others may take longer depending on their dedication, practice time, and natural aptitude.
Throughout your training journey, you'll receive:
⦿ Personal guidance from Robert Agar-Hutton through live virtual coaching sessions
⦿ Access to comprehensive online learning materials
⦿ Ongoing feedback and corrections to help refine your technique
⦿ Encouragement and positive reinforcement to help you succeed.
The program is structured to provide detailed attention to every aspect of your development.
Email support is available for questions between sessions, and additional virtual coaching can be arranged if needed. The flexible nature of the program means we can provide extra support when required, regardless of your location.
The program is designed to support your success. If you need additional time or practice:
⦿ You can continue training at your current level until ready
⦿ Additional coaching and support will be available
⦿ There's no time pressure - advance when you're truly ready
⦿ Each level includes refinement and consolidation of previous knowledge
Remember, participation and advancement are your choice although certification is at the discretion of Robert Agar-Hutton,. This ensures high standards while supporting your development.
6. Certification & Progression
You can begin teaching from the first qualification level - 'Teaching Apprentice'. This allows you to start sharing your knowledge and gaining teaching experience while continuing your own development through the program. Each level builds upon the previous one, expanding your skills, knowledge, and the depth at which you can teach both Tai Chi and Qigong.
Yes, certification is renewed annually. This ensures:
⦿ Ongoing growth through continued and advanced training
⦿ Maintenance of teaching standards
⦿ Access to new techniques and methodologies
⦿ Continued professional development
Annual renewal also provides opportunities to advance through higher levels if you choose to continue your development.
Yes, as you progress through the levels, you can develop expertise in specific areas such as:
⦿ Tai Chi for health and wellness
⦿ Martial applications of Tai Chi
⦿ Anger management and stress relief techniques
⦿ Balance improvement for older adults
⦿ Competition preparation
And much more - there are many many different aspects of Tai Chi and many many different 'populations' whom you can teach.
The program's comprehensive nature allows you to focus on areas that align with your interests and the needs of your intended student population.
Beyond the annual recertification requirement, you can continue advancing through our level system (up to Level 4), attend workshops and seminars, participate in continuing education programs, and stay current with new research on Tai Chi's health benefits. The field of mind-body practices is constantly evolving, and staying engaged with ongoing learning benefits both you and your students.
7. Teaching Scope & Opportunities
Our program prepares you to teach almost anyone who wants to learn Tai Chi:
⦿ People wanting to maintain health and fitness
⦿ Those with balance issues or wanting to improve balance
⦿ Individuals recuperating from injury or illness (with medical approval)
⦿ People dealing with stress who need relaxation techniques
⦿ Those with anger management needs
⦿ Anyone interested in Chinese cultural heritage
⦿ Students preparing for Tai Chi competitions
NOTE: You obviously will need appropriate insurance cover and if you are teaching children or at-risk clients then you will need to get DBS checked.
Once qualified, you'll have the knowledge and skills to teach in various formats, including online classes. The program includes understanding of:
⦿ Proper form and technique demonstration
⦿ How to observe and correct students remotely
⦿ Adapting instruction for different environments
⦿ Safety considerations for virtual teaching
Many successful Tai Chi instructors offer both in-person and online classes to reach a wider audience.
While our program primarily focuses on teaching adults, the principles can be adapted for younger students. Teaching children requires additional considerations around attention spans, safety, and age-appropriate instruction methods. If you're interested in teaching children, this should be discussed during your training to ensure you're prepared for the unique aspects of working with younger students. You will also need to be DBS checked if you are teaching children (or other 'at risk' student groups).
Absolutely! The possible places where you can incorporate Tai Chi include hospitals, rehabilitation centres, senior living facilities, corporate wellness programs, and mental health centres. The program's inclusion of health applications and Robert's corporate coaching background will help to prepare you for these specialized environments.
Both are included in our program. Tai Chi was originally a martial art that incorporates flowing movements, breathing techniques, and meditation, while Qigong focuses more on energy cultivation through breathing, meditation, and gentle movements. Many instructors teach both, and they complement each other beautifully. Our program ensures you understand and can teach both practices.
Our program optionally includes preparation for competition, so you'll be well-equipped to compete if you choose to. Competing can enhance your own skills and credibility as an instructor. Many successful instructors maintain their own competitive practice alongside their teaching, as it demonstrates ongoing commitment to the art.
8. Business Practicalities
We pride ourselves on offering one of the most affordable Tai Chi instructor programs available in the UK. While there are costs involved, we believe the value you receive - mastery, knowledge, and the ability to positively impact lives - is unparalleled. For specific pricing information, please contact us directly. We're happy to discuss the investment in detail.
Yes, as a professional instructor, you'll need public liability insurance to protect yourself and your students. This is standard practice for any fitness, health, sports, or martial arts instruction. We can provide guidance on obtaining appropriate insurance for Tai Chi instruction, and many insurance providers offer policies specifically designed for tai chi instructors.
Building a student base takes time and effort. Common approaches include starting with friends and family, partnering with local community centres, gyms, or senior centres, offering introductory workshops, using social media and local advertising, and networking with healthcare professionals who might refer patients. We provide some guidance on getting started, but building your teaching practice is ultimately up to your own entrepreneurial efforts.
One of the beauties of Tai Chi is its minimal equipment requirements. You'll need a safe, flat space large enough for students to move freely with arms extended, and preferably with good ventilation and lighting. Indoor spaces like community halls, gyms, or studios work well, as do outdoor spaces like parks. No special equipment is required beyond comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes.
9. Getting Started
Getting started is easy:
⦿ Download our Instructor Program Overview for detailed information
⦿ Contact us with any questions via phone or email
⦿ Discuss your goals and current experience level
⦿ Begin your transformation journey
Ready to transform your passion into a profession? Take the next step today and start your journey to becoming a qualified Tai Chi instructor.
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You will probably have questions that apply to your specific requirements, call Robert on 07771 333 369 and let's discuss them.
Take Action
To turn your passion for Tai Chi into professional expertise and a rewarding business, take Your Next Step Forward Today
Either: Download our Instructor Program Overview to explore more about the program.
Or: Contact us right now by phone or email - 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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