The 5 ITQF Instructor Levels, evidence here, are a good representation of instructors at each level showing the standard of attainment as a teacher of the ITQF.
Once accredited and instructor membership paid an ITQF Instructor certificate will be emailed to you.
The ITQF webmail will send out 3 automatic reminders before your membership is due for renewal. Should your instructor membership lapse for more than 2 months, this could incur a new application for instructor grading renewal to the technical panel.
Level 1: - Basic Instructor
An accredited Level 1 Taiji Instructor will need to show a reasonable grasp of the basic mechanics and stylistic principles of Tai Ji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan) and Qi Gong he or she is teaching. Some basic knowledge on Tai Ji applications and/or Push Hands is preferred but not essential for this level.
A Level 1 Qi Gong Instructor should have basic rudimentary knowledge and understanding of the theory, philosophy and origins of the art being practiced, and related health benefits.
- To have been training regularly in Taiji and / or Qigong for a minimum of 2 years with a reputable teacher or organization.
- To have completed a basic instructor course of at least 20 hours training in Chinese internal arts under a recognized teacher.
- To provide a list of forms/sets, routines that they are qualified to teach and provide certification or letter from a recognized/qualified teacher.
Level 2: Intermediate Instructor
An accredited Level 2 Taiji Instructor should be able to show a competent grasp of and the ability to demonstrate the essential principles of continuity and flow and accuracy in Tai Ji Quan forms, and are able to teach with confidence and with good communication skills. A basic understanding of the principles and skill in push hands and martial applications is needed for this level.
A Level 2 Qigong instructor should have a reasonable understanding of the accuracy of the forms they teach, and, understanding of some basic principles in meridians and energy flow relating to the exercise taught. Some knowledge of the functions of exercises, health benefits and healing effect of the exercises and sets should also be evident.
- To have been training regularly in Taiji and / or Qigong for a minimum of 5 – 10 years with a reputable teacher or organization.
- To have been teaching Taiji and Qigong classes / workshops for a minimum of 3 years and continue to run regular classes at least one class per week or minimum 1 workshop (minimum 3hrs) every 6 months.
- To provide a list of forms / sets, routines that they are qualified to teach and provide certification or letter from a recognized / qualified teacher.
- Able to show Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training with the same teacher, organisation or other teachers of a high calibre.
Level 3 Advance Instructor
An accredited Level 3 Taiji Instructor should exemplify something of a concentrated spirit and awareness, differentiation of Yin and Yang, and an internal grasp and depth of all aspects of the Advanced syllabus criteria. There needs to be a good level of skill with push hands and a reasonable insight and detailed knowledge of applications.
A competent Level 3 Traditional Qi Gong Instructor should show a greater development of focus and mind intent and the ability to direct Qi to all body parts, with Qi Gong forms and Meditation. There should be evidence of a more substantial and distinct transformation of internal presence than from a level Two Traditional Qi Gong Instructor. There should be a good understanding of Yin Yang Theory, 5 elements theory, Meridian theory and some of the important accupoints along each meridian.
- To have been training regularly in Taiji and / or Qigong for a minimum of 10-15 years with a reputable teacher or organization.
- To have been teaching Taiji and Qigong classes / workshops for a minimum of 8 years and continue to run regular classes at least one class per week or minimum 1 workshop (minimum 3hrs) every 6 months consecutively for 3-5 years prior to application.
- Provide a list of forms / sets, routines that they are qualified to teach and provide certification or letter from a recognized / qualified teacher.
Level 4 Senior Instructor
An accredited Level 4 Senior Taiji Instructor should exemplify, something more refined in the visible quality of internal maturity of Intent and propelled movements of Qi in all Forms, and level of Push hands and martial skills than an Advanced instructor, level 3.
There should be a deeper understanding and insight into the Tai Chi Classics and Jing energy/healing knowledge ability than the previous advanced level.
At this Level 4, a highly competent Traditional Qi Gong Instructor should show evidence of transformation and understanding of Qi control of an extremely high level. The quality of movements should show more substantial and distinct presence, “something extra” than a level 3 Advanced Instructor.
Tai Ji or Qi Gong instructors should have written articles, books, videos, DVD's, or recognition of work for Tai Ji and Qigong community and / or effort in competition awards and demonstration of skills and promoting Tai Ji and Qigong to a wide public.
- To have been training regularly in Taiji and / or Qigong for a minimum of 16-25 years with a reputable teacher or organization.
- To have been teaching Taiji and Qigong classes / workshops for a minimum of 12 years in the respective country.
- Provide a list of forms / sets, routines that they are qualified to teach and provide certification or letter from a recognized / qualified teacher.
- Have written articles or books related to Taiji, Qigong or internal arts.
- Have made recognized contribution to the promotion and development of Taiji and Qigong nationally and/or internationally.
- Have trained instructors in various levels.
Level 5 Master Instructor
A Level 5 Master Taiji Instructor would evidence a deeper quality of practice of Jing Chi & Spirit in contrast to previous levels for health, meditation and self defence.
A Level 5 Taiji Instructor should exemplify a certain presence, of expert refinement with the forms and sets of routines. Also, the integration of skills in demonstration and teaching, would reflect a depth and width of perception, of connectivity, and unity of internal /external stylistic classic internal principles, and in-depth knowledge in Push hands and applications skills.
A Level 5 Instructor is the most highly competent accredited Traditional Qi Gong Instructor and shows evidence of something rare, not definable necessarily with Qi Gong forms and Meditation, emanating something extraordinary.
- To have been training regularly a complete stylistic system in Taiji and / or Qigong in excess of 35 years with a world-wide reputation as an expert in a particular Taiji or Qigong system.
- To have been teaching Taiji and Qigong classes / workshops regularly for a minimum of 25 years in the respective country, Teach nationally and internationally to standard as well high level students.
- To teach and provide a comprehensive style list of forms / sets, and routines certified and qualified by a recognized master.
- Have written articles or books (in any format) related to Taiji, Qigong or internal arts.
- Have made recognized contribution to the promotion and development of Taiji and Qigong nationally and internationally.
- Have trained numerous instructors in various levels.
Exceptional ability.
Instructors of exceptional ability and advancement for their year levels, could merit a move up a level on the discretion of the Technical Panel.