Questions and Answers

Introduction. Yang Family Tai Chi’s Teacher Training Method-1 (TTM-1) Program is designed to provide interested tai chi chuan practitioners to train to become entry-level teachers of Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan.

TTM-1 was created by the International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association to standardize the teaching of Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan by instructors. The TTM-1 program is offered through the association’s Tai Chi Chuan Teacher Academy. The Instruction and Standards Division oversees the Teachers Academy and thus the TTM-1 program and its certification process. Teacher Training Method (TTM) is administered by the U.S.A. National Headquarters Teacher Academy Director.

TTM-1 Training Forms. TTM-1 Hand Form Trainer training program provide students certification to teach the following Yang Family Tai Chi forms:

• Tai Chi Kung Hand Form
• 13 Movement Hand Form
• 16 Movement Hand Form
• Essentials Hand Form
• First section of the Traditional 103 Hand Form

Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1 What is TTM-1?
TTM-1 is an entry level trainer certification program that qualifies candidates to teach the Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan the Tai Chi Kung Hand Form, the 13 Movement Hand Form, the 16 Movement Hand Form, the first section of the Traditional 103 Hand Form, and the Tai Chi Essentials Hand Form.

Q-2 Who can enroll in the TTM-1?
Anyone interested in becoming a TTM-1 Hand Form Trainer.

Q-3 What Tai Chi Chuan hand form can be taught once certification requirements are completed by the candidate? Successful candidates are certified to teach the hand form(s) for which they received training and successfully pass the practical exams.

Q-4. Can anyone apply for the trainer certificate to teach the Yang Family Tai Chi Essentials?

This certification is exclusive for TTM-1 Trainer certificate holders who meet the following requirements:

1. Have a minimum 48 hours of teaching experience.
2. Be at least ranked Copper Eagle or present a letter from an association Certified Instructor or above to certify the applicant’s proficiency in the 103 Hand Form.
3. The applicant must pass the Tai Chi Essentials Hand Form performance test.

Q-5 What certification is earned upon completion of the TTM-1 requirements?
TTM-1 certification is for Hand Form Trainer.

Q-6 Does the credits earned from attending the TTM-1 Camp apply toward Yang Family Tai Chi Teacher Academy graduation?
Yes, this is a National Training event. Members of the Yang Family Tai Chi Teacher Academy receive training credits toward the requirements needed to apply for Certified Instructor.

Q-7 What are prerequisites to enroll in the TTM-1 program?
TTM-1 candidates must be members of the International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association.

Q-8 What are the requirements to obtain TTM-1 certification?

The requirements of the TTM-1 certification process are:

1. Complete 48 credit units of a TTM-1 program by attendance and participation in a TTM-1 Camp. The students receive practical training as well as academic courses in such subjects as Pedagogy, Anatomy and Biomechanics, Chinese Philosophy, Chinese Language Basics, Chinese Medicine, and Tai Chi Chuan.
2. Pass an interview by an association examiner.
3. Earn a passing score in the TTM-1 technical performance assessment of the form/forms for the certification for which the candidate is applying. The assessments, the interview and the exams are conducted near the conclusion of a training camp.
4. Submit a teaching video after TTM-1 Camp. The teaching video will be assessed by an examiner to assess the candidate’s teaching skills in teaching students the specific hand form(s) of the certification(s) the candidate is seeking.

Q-9 What are the requirements to renew the TTM-1 certification?

The requirements of the TTM-1 certification renewal are:

1. Have a minimum of 48 hours of teaching and/or verified study with an association certified instructor. The 48 hours minimum may be a combination of teaching hours and verified study hours.
2. Participation in seminars given by association centers, by Master Yang, or by the Teacher Academy. Copies of certificate of participation for each seminar with its credit count is required when applying for certification renewal.
3. Payment of the TTM-1 Trainer annual fee of $45.
4. Membership in good standing in the association as well as the Teacher Academy is required.

Q-10  What are the requirements for a  TTM-1 Hand Form Trainer to apply for Associate Instructor certification?

The requirements for TTM-1 Trainers interested in applying to be an association Associate Instructor are:

1. Be a certified TTM-1 Trainer in one of the following TTM-1 Hand Forms: the 16 Form, 10 Form, Tai Chi Kung Form, 13 Form, the Essentials Form, or the first part of the 103 Form.
2. Has a minimum of 48 teaching hours a year.
3. Submit a letter of recommendation from a National Tai Chi Chuan Teacher Academy supporting the applicant to be an association Associate Instructor.
4. Be ranked Silver Eagle or above.
5. Has participated in at least three association seminars by Master Yang, or three seminars taught by  an Academy Instructor, a Senior Instructor, or a Master Instructor that have been authorized by the association’s Standards and Training  
6. Pay the $50 Associate Instructor application fee to members@yangfamilytaichi.com.
7. Send the application to Standard and Training Department.