Welcome to the Tree of Life Tai Chi Center

Requirements

Below is a preview of the certification requirements for the Eight Active Ingredients of Tai Chi. Please note that testing is done in the third year, as quickly as you wish to submit your testing materials. But certification will not be granted any sooner than Year 3!

Modules I-IV and one repeated Module (87.5 hours), completed within the first two years. The Modules may be taken out of order, with the exception of Module I, which must be the first Module taken. The fifth repeated Module must be selected from Modules II-IV for an additional discounted fee. If all five Modules are not completed within a maximum of three years, the cycle is forfeited and the program must be started over, both in terms of Modules and tuition.
Learning a tai chi form. Certification requires demonstrated competency in a traditional tai chi form. This may include a previously learned tai chi form, or learning a new form concurrently with the Teacher Training program (any school, any style). The form must be a traditional form of significant length, with the Beijing standardized 24 Form, as an example, representing the short end of the spectrum. Abbreviated, simplified tai chi forms will not qualify.
Testing. At the end of the second year, trainees will be sent detailed testing instructions. Testing includes: performing a complete tai chi form (see above); submitting videos demonstrating proficiency in every exercise from the Eight Active Ingredients of Tai Chi protocol; giving a PowerPoint presentation on evidence-based tai chi (you get to choose from a short list of topics we provide); and knowledge of basic tai chi history and concepts assessed with an open-book written exam.