Selling Tai Chi Instructor Certificates?

There’s no denying the growing popularity of Tai Chi and Qigong (TCQ) these days. This surge in interest can be attributed to a wealth of clinical studies that have not only demonstrated the effectiveness of TCQ but have also shown it to be at least as effective as medication, physical therapies, and other forms of exercise. This awakening has led to a significant demand for qualified TCQ instructors worldwide, particularly in the United States. As a result, TCQ took center stage during a recent scientific conference hosted by Harvard Medical School in mid-September in Boston (MA).

Sifu Shirley Chock, the Owner and Executive Director of Aiping Tai Chi in Milford, Connecticut, is a dynamic enthusiast in this field. She attended the conference and actively participated by posing a thought-provoking question, prompting me to invite her for an interview.

Shirley’s journey is fascinating. Born in the United States, she spent ten years on and off living with her grandparents in Taiwan before returning to the U.S. and earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Chicago. During her youth, she was a smoker, but she made a pivotal decision to adopt a healthier lifestyle by quitting smoking and delving into the world of martial arts while working in New York City. Her school offered a diverse range of Chinese kungfu and martial arts from other countries, fueling her passion for physical activity and the theories behind.

After relocating her family to Connecticut and with the blessing of her mentor, she began studying under Grandmaster Aiping Cheng in 2001. Initially, she learned Wushu, a modern Chinese martial art. However, due to both previous and new injuries, she shifted her focus to Tai Chi Chuan. To her surprise, she found that this seemingly gentle exercise was more challenging than any other martial art she had encountered. What intrigued her most was its profound philosophy, intricate martial art techniques, and remarkable healing properties. Shirley dedicated herself to rigorous study, excelled in her practice, assisted Aiping in teaching, and led the school team to national and international tournaments. Under Aiping’s guidance, she also gained the skills to manage the business side of the school. Eventually, she left a promising career at Yale University to take ownership of the school in 2017 and has expanded its reach by offering online classes, reaching beyond her city and state.

Shirley is well-versed in authentic Tai Chi and Qigong. You can find her teaching snippets on Instagram and some on YouTube, where she delivers comprehensive instructions and insight into the hows and whys of these arts, which has garnered her a substantial following with over 100K followers on Instagram and 13.7K subscribers on YouTube.

However, Shirley’s credentials didn’t meet the requirements to work within the Veteran Administration system. Her school was approached by an agent who was recruiting instructors for the VA and she realized that they were looking for something else. It’s worth noting that the VA isn’t the only organization seeking certified instructors. The YMCA of Greater St. Louis and Lifetime Fitness are among those organizations that require instructors to hold certificates. It is very true not all Tai Chi instructors have the same training and knowledge. To maintain a certain standard, it is logical for these organizations to demand certificates, just as they do with all fitness instructors. An instructor certificate can provide assurance of a minimum level of knowledge and skill.

Unfortunately, not all organizations issuing certifications uphold the same rigorous standards. Shirley points out that some online organizations distribute certificates without providing real lessons. Candidates merely need to pay tuition, watch online videos, and receive a certificate. And there are other organizations will certify anyone without any prior experience with one weekend training. Anyone who has tried Tai Chi knows that mastering an internal art requires actual lessons, diligent practice, and evaluation of form and knowledge by an expert. Shirley also emphasizes that many organizations are certifying regular fitness instructors with minimal training. TCQ is far more than just physical movements; Tai Chi Chuan is not merely an elegant dance or slow aerobic exercise. It is a potent and effective discipline, thanks to its profound theories and intricate techniques.