Teaching Without Accreditation

Now and then we will hear of a person offering instruction in T’ai Chi Chih without having completed a TCC Teacher Accreditation Course. They may be unaware that such courses exist or that they are required by Justin, the originator.

The best that we can do when we become aware of such a situation is to communicate with that person in order to explain what is available, as far as training, and the reason that training is required. In addition, it would be good to mention this policy to our students in the classes we offer, so that following class they don’t feel at liberty to teach others.

Justin has often stated that T’ai Chi Chih is based on integrity and sincerity, and that it would be unethical to offer instruction in the art without earning accreditation. It is common knowledge in the Orient that a student of any art form or meditation discipline never offers instruction until the teacher or spiritual preceptor gives authorization. The reason for this is that it ensures a certain purity of transmission. There are sound reasons for performing the movement patterns of T’ai Chi Chih in specific ways and they should be adhered to. Of those who teach without being accredited, most have added their own variations and frills, without being authentically familiar with the subtle and important principles of movement.

In our cultural setting, it is not automatic for students to esteem and respect their teachers, and it is quite common to see attitudes and behavior that reflect impatience and strong egocentricity. Teachers must be very broad-minded and patient, in order to demonstrate the teaching, and thereby educate students into the profound and practical philosophy of T’ai Chi Chih. In this way, “hard cases” will naturally come around and recognize the subtlety of the teaching and will naturally respect the teacher. A respectful student would never offer instruction in T’ai Chi Chih without accreditation.

Share the word “Integrity” to Encourage Accreditation

As this concern periodically comes up, accredited teachers would do well to consider how to communicate this to students.

We want to be sure that TCC is passed on as purely as possible, and completing a teacher accreditation course will accomplish this. Those who want to teach, please be conscientious and respect Justin and the form of TCC enough to see to your own accreditation before sharing it with others.

**See the article Preparing Teacher Candidates in the Sept. ’91 VFJ issue which outlines how to proceed. Readiness must be endorsed in the form of a letter of recommendation from an accredited teacher. Then it is a matter of attending one of the courses regularly listed in the calendar of each issue of The Vital Force. Candidates may write to VFJ address for a listing of upcoming courses. Teachers contact Steve Ridley for details on sponsoring an accreditation course in your area.