Instructors Course

In the near future your area will be starting a new series of Instructor courses following the example of Master Instructor John Higginson in the Northwest.

These courses will be modular in nature so you can choose from a range of courses, earning credit for them which can be added up to amount to an instructor grade. An idea of the course modules can be found below.

If you are interested in these courses contact Sussex Zhong Ding for details.

Please note that your final choice of modules should be dictated by the requirements of the 1st Duan Confirmation of Grade. This requires that the candidate be able to show proficiency in:

Empty hand form

One weapon form

Push hands both basic patterns and freestyle

Applications

It is expected that the course participants should graduate at either 1st or 2nd duan depending on their level at entry.

In addition to the modules outlined below the course participants must attend the Evaluation and Ratification weekend with the Chief Instructor which will usually occur at the end of the course and will include a bai shi (with their instructor in the presence of the Chief Instructor) for those who require it, a continuous assessment Ratification of Grade and an intensive taught course.

Course participants must attend at least one module in an area other than their own and it is to be hoped that guest instructors from other regions will conduct some of the modules.

Modules

(timings are a guide only and indicate relative proportions of time that might need to be spent on each are)

60 Hours over one year

General Concepts (6 hours)

History

Lineage

Philosophy

Theory

Structure of the Form (12 hours)

Detailed exploration of the whys and wherefores of the form including “correct” posture and transitions.

Pushing Hands (6 hours)

Principles and application of pushing hands including basic forms and freestyle.

Weapons (6 hours)

Detailed study of at least one weapon form together with usage and relation to the curriculum as a whole.

Fighting Skills (6 hours)

Part 1 and 2 of the fighting skills course

Qigong (3 hours)

A certification course in one or more systems of qigong

Teaching Skills (5 hours)

Theory and practice of teaching including micro teaching, syllabus and curriculum design, course and lesson planning and other aspects of the transmission of the art.

First Aid (5 hours)

Certified course taught by qualified external instructor.

Sport (3 hours)

A theoretical and practical examination of sporting aspects of the art including push hands, sparring and forms.

Special Needs (3 hours)/ Health and Therapeutic Aspects of the Art

Usage and application of the art for students with special needs/ The art’s therapeutic and health enhancing aspects.

Business (2 hours)

Developing a business plan, aspects of marketing fee structure and other related areas.

Other Art (3 hours)

Introduction to another martial art other than the main study. This may possibly be extended to offer an instructor’s qualification for those seeking to extend their skills base.