The Tai Chi Teacher’s Handbook

This book is written specifically for Tai Chi teachers of all levels of experience and background. Unlike the author’s previous books, this is not a book about how to practice Tai Chi. Rather, it is a book about how to teach Tai Chi to others. The assumption is that the reader already possesses the necessary knowledge, skill, and understanding of the principles and practice of Tai Chi, but may not have the training and background of a professional educator. The material presented in this book is meant to bridge that gap by providing every Tai Chi teacher with the knowledge and tools they need to ensure that their students receive the highest quality of Tai Chi instruction.

Specific coverage includes a discussion of the five components of instruction, identifying student goals and objectives, effectively engaging with students, understanding how students learn, developing curriculum, effective teaching strategies and techniques, teaching Tai Chi to younger students, working with special populations, teaching Tai Chi as a martial art, teaching the weapons of Tai Chi, teaching at different venues, the role of the Tai Chi teacher in providing student-centered instruction, the need for continuing education for Tai Chi teachers, and managing the business of teaching Tai Chi.

The author provides not only the latest information on adult learning theory, student-centered learning, curriculum development, and instructional methodologies, but also includes hundreds of diagrams, photographs, and useful examples that Tai Chi teachers can draw upon to immediately begin enhancing and sharpening their own Tai Chi teaching skills.