Sixth Annual TCC Teacher Training held in Mahwah, NJ in late August

Course Host

The T’ai Chi Chih Teacher Accreditation was held in Mahwah, NJ August 29 – September 4. It was a week of transitions, breakthroughs, challenges, tears and laughter. In reflecting on this week of training, Ed said that it was the most difficult training he has experienced, and I do believe everyone who attended felt the tension and pain that emerged. But as I said, it was a week of transitions as well. I am so grateful for all the effort that Ed put into the training, his expertise, insights, perseverance, guidance, and patience. In his article “Raising the Bar” [VFJ – March, 1999] he wrote that the standards for Accreditation are going up. It is up to the teachers who are working with and recommending Teacher Candidates to continue to keep up their own on-going refinements. We were also blest to have Noel join Ed in his trip out to New Jersey. (They planned to extend their time here by touring Manhattan). Noel’s gifts in sharing insights, helping to correct movements and giving reminders add a clear perspective which helped the candidates to grasp the essence of the form.

Thirteen attended the training and 11 received their Accreditation. Two individuals received a “Deferred Accreditation” pending their willingness to work through some of the difficulties they were encountering. I am personally working with them now and find their enthusiasm, work and openness to be very promising.

This year we had 18 Auditing Teachers, a few of whom were able to attend the entire week, while others could only attend for a day or two. With so many taking advantage of this time with Ed and Noel it gives me great hope for the future of TCC in our tri-state area as teachers are sincere in their efforts to continue their own personal growth in form and in interior transformation. Serving the TCC community in offering these training and auditing opportunities has been a growth-filled experience for me. I am deeply grateful for all those who have taken part in the training, auditing and Accreditations over these years.

I am finding that what makes these experiences so enriching for all who attend is a combination of Teachers working with sincere candidates and recommending them for training, along with the expertise of the trainer who helps to transform both teachers and candidates during this short week, thanks to all of Ed’s efforts.

The week-long training was held at Carmel Retreat House in Mahwah, NJ, which offered a special atmosphere of hospitality, warmth, spirituality and peace. Retreat settings enable the group to focus, relax, learn together and from one another, a great way to be introduced to the TCC International Family.

It continues to amaze and delight me that so many Women Religious are enriched by their own practice and desire to share the simplicity and richness of TCC in their ministries, teaching within and outside the Church. How refreshing it was to have five accredited sisters among the women who will make fine teachers and representatives of TCC.

We enjoyed “meeting” Justin through his presentation at Folsom Prison, as well as receiving new insights through his talk during the St. Paul Conference. Viewing these two videos is only second best to having him in person.

Candidates comment during training

Ed has promised a transforming week. It was for me and for this I am grateful to Ed, Noel, Sr. Antonia and to T’ai Chi Chih.

– Dominique Mishkin

. . . The absolutely most valuable tool was the list of checkpoints to use when observing your form—learning how to observe the areas & spots that need attention & then make the change was amazing!! Thank you,

– Donna Tiroly

I can see so many places in the world T’ai Chi Chih could bring light — it is most critical that I bring the light first to my practise—and pause to practise my practise before I begin to teach the practise.

– Jaqui O’Shaughnessy