Dr. Yang Yang's Evidence-Based Taiji Teacher Certification Training
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Overview of the Center for Taiji Studies' Evidence-Based Traditional Taiji (EBTTM) Teacher Certification Program
What is the EBTTM program?
The EBTTM program is the product of Dr. Yang's traditional training with several of the 18th generation grandmasters of the Chen style, and his work as a researcher studying the mechanisms and benefits of Taiji and Qigong practice. When devising this program, Dr. Yang asked himself the simple question: "what are the most important aspects of traditional training that will yield the greatest measured benefit in the shortest amount of time?" The EBTTM program is the product of that question, and has been refined with the experience of several university trials. It contains static and dynamic qigong exercises, which are critically essential for efficient practice, and a seven-movement introductory form that is purposely challenging yet adaptable to suit persons of all ages and physical abilities. The program is documented in an approximate 4-hour instructional video.While the EBTTM program itself is intended as an introductory program -- let's call it an undergraduate program for students -- understanding the program deeply enough to become a certified teacher is graduate work in Taiji and Qigong.
Why certification?
Two words: quality control. Quality of instruction and practice is Dr. Yang's passion and primary purpose for establishing a certification program.Only by studying with qualified instructors can persons realize the maximum potential benefit of Taiji and Qigong practice. Traditionally, quality instruction has always been recognized as essential for learning Taiji. Dr. Yang offered two famous traditional Chinese sayings relating the importance of quality instruction in his book:
Tricks of the trade and secrets of practice must be passed on by sincere instruction from a teacher who understands the art; and
One word from a knowledgeable teacher can save ten years of hard practice.
There is no way around it -- who your teacher(s) is (are) is critical for what you learn, and as a teacher you have a responsibility to both the art and your students to pass on essential and efficient curriculum. Instructors in training (IITs) must pass a written and performance based exam administered by Dr. Yang before being certified to teach others. Standards are high and attendance at teacher certification training events does not guarantee a passing grade.
For whom is the EBTTM teacher certification program intended?
Certification for this evidence-based program may assist current teachers with expanding their business into medical/geriatric fields. This introductory program also includes what Dr. Yang believes to be the essential building blocks of efficient Taiji practice - material of interest to all serious Taiji students.Those interested in:
- may be interested in the EBTTM certification program.
Application prerequisites and specific benefits of active certification are listed below.
EBTTM application prerequisites
Certification is based on proficiency. It is anticipated that experienced practitioners will achieve proficiency sufficient for certification more quickly than novices. However, there is no deadline for achieving proficiency. For this reason application to the EBTTM teacher certification program is open to all persons, regardless of experience. The only prerequisite is a willingness to put forth the time and effort to achieve a high level of skill (i.e. "gongfu") within a system that emphasizes quality and depth of ability and understanding as its primary mission.Space at various training events will often be limited by lodging availability, instruction room size, and other logistics. If capacity is anticipated to be exceeded, those currently teaching or planning to share the benefits of a traditional, evidence-based program with others will receive acceptance priority.
What are benefits of certification for instructors?
Active certification benefits include:What types or levels of certification are available?
Three levels of certification are offered:Additional certification for proficiency in longer traditional forms will be available in the future. This will be "doctorate level" Taiji and Qigong work, and EBT certification will be a requisite for that. The highest level certification -- a "post doctorate" degree -- will be awarded for distinguished persons who have contributed to the mission of the CTS through a lifetime practicing and sharing Taiji and Qigong via teaching, research, and publication.
What are the training requirements for teacher certification?
A. Minimum Training Hours
Based on previous experience, a minimum of 80 hours of training is required before the most experienced applicants can schedule a proficiency test with Dr. Yang. This training is divided into "Part A" and "Part B":You can proceed through the training at your own pace - there is no limit on how long you may practice before scheduling a proficiency test with Dr. Yang.
B. Testing Requirements
Testing will consist of a written and performance-based exam with Dr. Yang. The testing can be done anytime that schedule allows, but we recommend at least three months practice following completion of Part B training.C. Re-certification Requirements
Recertification is a crucial aspect of quality control, and will be required every two years after initial certification. Recertification shall consist of:and
a. At least 15 hours in programs/seminars/camps/trainings/workshops, etc., offered by The Center For Taiji Studies (or 75 hours of weekly classes at the CTS).
b. Self-directed study - up to 15 hours participation in other Taiji programs/seminars/trainings/workshops etc. offered by others outside of the Center for Taiji Studies (or 75 hours of weekly classes). Instruction from others outside of the CTS must be submitted for approval in advance.
or
CEUs
Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) will be available for the EBTTM training. Check back soon for a list applicable professions. Those wishing to acquire CEUs will be charged a $35 fee for costs of providing and administering the CEU program.When and where is the next EBTTM training event?
The next Part A week-long training event will be August 2-7, 2007, at St. Mary of the Woods College, Indiana. Dr. Yang Yang will lead this event. This 40-hr training will provide IITs with half of the requisite training hours for certification. Complete information is provided below.Those not able to attend week-long training events but wishing to begin the EBTTM teacher certification program may contact us for the availability of weekend training with Senior EBT instructors.
A good way to stay informed of future teacher certification training events is to join our free newsletter mailing list.
Application Process
Two steps are required for enrollment. They must be completed in order:- Interested persons must first submit an application. Space is limited to ensure adequate training with Dr. Yang, so you are encouraged to apply early.
- If your application is accepted, you must complete registration and submit either a downpayment or full payment within 2 weeks of notification of acceptance.
Cost
Part A training: $950 plus meals and lodging. This includes a four hour EBTTM instructional video, manual, and t-shirt. A $50 discount is available for early applicants.Part B training: $850 plus meals and lodging.
Testing: One private performance test with Dr. Yang is included in the Part A and Part B tuition. Subsequent private evaluations with Dr. Yang, if required, will cost $150.
Meal and lodging costs will be specific to each venue. Commuter rates may be available, depending upon location. Discount and refund policies and meal and lodging costs for the summer 2009 Part A training event are detailed below.
Additional Information
You can email us with questions, or if you want to speak to a person call Scott at 217.351.9388.
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| 2007 EBT Group Photo |
Part A Teacher Certification Training for Yang Yang's Evidence-Based Traditional Taiji (EBT) ProgramSM
Sunday, August 2 - Friday, August 7, 2009
What You Will Learn:
Approximately half of Dr. Yang Yang's EBT Program will be covered. Pedagogy and a summary review of Taiji and Qigong research will also be taught.What You Will Receive:
Participants at this Part A training will complete half of the minimum training required for proficiency testing. All participants will receive a training manual, t-shirt, and an approximate 4 hour instructional video of the EBT program to be used for home study.Training Schedule
Sunday, August 2: check-in begins at 3:00, instruction from 6:00-9:00PMon-Thurs: 8:00 hours instruction
Friday, August 7: 6:30-8:00A and 9:00A-12:00P instruction - check out by 3:00P
Logistics / Cost / Admission / Deadlines
Location:
Training will be held at Saint Mary-Of-The-Woods College, Indiana, five miles northwest of Terre Haute.Travel/Directions:
The campus is 1.5 hours southwest of Indianapolis. ClickView Larger Map for directions from the Indianapolis airport.
We are planning to post a web page where people can contact each other to arrange carpools/care rental sharing from the Indianapolis airport.
Meals:
Meals and snacks will be provided in the student cafeteria. Vegetarian options will be available. Dinner will be provided Monday, Sept. 8, and breakfast and lunch will be provided Saturday, September 13.Lodging:
Attendees may lodge in the campus guest house, or may make their own arrangements with a hotel of their choice in nearby Terre Haute, IN. If you choose to stay in Terre Haute, you will be responsible for your own transportation to and from the campus. We will post contact info for local hotels soon.The campus guest house contains 20 rooms with 2 double beds each and a common reception/living room area and kitchen. Each two rooms share a single stall shower bathroom, situated between the rooms. You may choose single, double, or triple occupancy in the guest house. Note: Single occupancy may be limited based on the number of persons requesting lodging in the guest house, and is not guaranteed. Triple occupancy requires the approval of all three persons.
Tuition Cost:
Tuition: $950, payable to the Center for Taiji Studies.Discounts: If downpayment is received before June 15, 2009, a $50 discount will be applied to tuition. An additional $50 tuition discount is available for any person attending the 2009 summer intensive training camp.
Lodging and Meal Cost:
Lodging and meal cost is based on dorm occupancy:You will need to select one of the housing options, and roommate preference, when applying.
Application
Registration/Tuition Deposit:
One deposit of $450 is due at the time of registration. This must be received by June 15, 2009 to receive a $50 tuition reduction. You may forward the $450 deposit with your registration anytime after June 15, 2009 to reserve your space at camp, but after that date you will not be eligible for the $50 tuition reduction. Also your lodging preference will not be recorded and you will not be eligible to reserve your room until your deposit has been received and confirmed.You may register on-line or through the mail using the links below to registration forms. Credit card payments are accepted for on-line registration only. Balance due will be payable as a check or money order at check-in. Please do not attempt to submit a registration unless you have received notification of acceptance.
On-line Registration: Click on the On-line Registration Form and follow the instructions. Complete and submit the form, AND follow subsequent links to submit payment via either credit card on-line or mail order. Please note that credit card processing for payment of fees to Center for Taiji Studies will not be available at the training event, so any amount remaining due will be payable as a check or money order at check-in.
Regular mail: Please download and complete the Mail Order Registration Form (an Adobe pdf document), and send it with your check or money order payable to Center for Taiji Studies to:
Center for Taiji Studies
1408 Mayfair
Champaign, IL 61821
You will receive confirmation of your registration status when your deposit is received.
Balance due will be payable at the beginning of the camp.
Refunds/Deadlines:
If for any reason you must cancel your reservation, your deposit will be refunded, less a $35 application fee, until June 30, 2009. If you cancel after June 30, 2009, a 50% refund will be available until July 15, 2009. After July 15, 2009, no refund will be given but the deposit may be applied as a credit to other CTS training events.Non-Taiji Area Attractions:
Following is a list of things to do in the Indianapolis/Terre Haute area for significant others who may not be interested in Taiji training:What to do in Indianapolis
There are also a number of shopping malls in Indianapolis. A special part of Indy is called Broad Ripple. It has shops, art galleries, nice places to eat, etc. There are also a couple of wineries in the area.
What to do in Terre Haute
For the outdoor of heart there are also three state parks with hiking trails nearby--Turkey Run State Park, Shakamak State Park, and Lieber State Park--all of these are about 40 minutes from Terre Haute.
Additionally, walking tours of the college campus and of Providence Center are available for a fee, led by Brother Barry Donaghue. He will discuss the historic sites on campus tracing the founding of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods by Saint Mother Theodor Guerin and there is a tour of the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the St Mother Theodore museum. Brother Barry is expert at conducting these tours giving interesting and entertaining details of the founding in 1840. He is both knowledgable and entertaining. His tour can be in one lenghy session...about 3 hours...or can be divided into two sessions. In addition, Brother Barry conducts a workshop on "Introduction to the Labyrinth". This workshop was apparently popular with previous Taiji groups.
Another option is a Visit to the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, a mission of the Sisters of Providence. Candace Hack, Environmental Educator at the White Violet Center will explain the mission and activities of White Violet and take the group on a tour of the organic gardens, a visit with the alpacas, show the spinning operation and much more.
Each tour or program costs $100 for the first 20 people and $5 for each additional person over the number of 20.
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