Become a Tai Chi Instructor in Six Months
A Clear, Structured Pathway with Personal Support
Read this page or simply call Robert on 07771 333 369.
A Quick Route but with comprehensive training.
If you've ever thought about teaching Tai Chi, you may have wondered:
Where do I start? What do I actually need to learn? How long will it take before I feel ready?
The Associate Instructor Pathway is the answer, it's a focused, step-by-step route that takes you from student to confident beginner instructor in six months. You won't be left guessing. You'll know exactly what to practise, what to learn, and how to teach.
You do not need any prior Tai Chi or Qigong experience (It's fine if you do have it). But you do need commitment.
Which Path Is Right For You?
If you are considering becoming a Tai Chi instructor, there are two clear routes available. The right choice depends on how you prefer to learn and what you want from your training.
Choose the Associate Instructor Pathway if:
⦿ You want a clear, structured step-by-step programme
⦿ You like defined goals and a fixed timeframe
⦿ You want regular guidance and accountability
⦿ You are ready to commit to consistent weekly practice
⦿ You want to begin teaching within six months
This pathway focuses on the core skills you need to start teaching safely and confidently. So if you are looking for a structured, time-bound route into teaching, with a clear step-by-step pathway that takes you from student to beginner instructor in six months, then this is the right path for you.
Choose the Full Instructor Training Programme if:
You are looking for deeper development and long-term progression, then this programme is the better fit as it will let you:
⦿ Explore Tai Chi in greater depth
⦿ Have a more flexible pace of learning
⦿ Enable you to enjoy developing your understanding over time
⦿ Let you learn a broader range of material
⦿ Teach as part of a longer-term journey
This programme allows you to develop gradually, building skill, understanding, and experience over time. So if you will probably prefer our [Full Instructor Pathway — link to new page].
Not Sure?
If you are unsure which route is right for you, register your interest and I will help you decide based on your experience and goals.
What You Will Learn
Over six months, you will focus on the core skills needed to teach safely and effectively.
Practical Training:
⦿ 8 Move 1 Step Form
⦿ Slow Power Form
⦿ Floating Hands patterns
⦿ A structured warm-up routine
⦿ 5 Move Qigong set
Teaching Essentials:
⦿ How to structure and run a class
⦿ Key principles of Tai Chi and Qigong
⦿ Basic history and philosophy
⦿ Safety awareness and first aid considerations
This is not about learning everything. It is about learning what matters most, and learning it well.
How The Programme Works
You will be guided every step of the way.
Live Zoom Training Sessions
Sessions run on an alternating weekly pattern:
⦿ Alternate weeks: One week two sessions - Monday and Wednesday, 8:00–9:00pm and the next week Monday, 8:00–9:00pm
⦿ If Monday falls on a bank holiday, that session moves to Tuesday, 9:00–10:00pm
This gives you an average of around six dedicated sessions each month.
Access to All Group Zoom Sessions
For the duration of your programme, you also have free access to all Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evening group Zoom sessions. This gives you additional practice time and the chance to see how classes are structured and run in real time. (Standard subscription value: £24/month — included at no extra cost.)
Recorded Material
Almost all sessions are recorded and available for you to review.
You are expected to spend a minimum of two hours per week studying recorded material in addition to your live sessions.
Personal Practice
You are expected to practise independently for at least 30 minutes per day, six days per week. This is how the material becomes part of you.
Monthly One-to-One Session
Each month, you have a personal session with Robert to review your progress, address any difficulties, and make sure you are on track. Over the six months, this gives you six sessions of dedicated individual attention.
Group Training Days
Every other month, there is a four-hour group training session — three in total over the programme. These can be attended in person or via Zoom, and the content is suitable for all students regardless of where they are in the programme.
Your Commitment
Your Training Diary
You will maintain an online training diary on your personal page in the Agar-Hutton Tai Chi Academy website. This keeps your practice structured and gives you and us a clear record of your progress throughout the programme.
Accountability (and Why It Matters)
This programme is designed to help you succeed. That means commitment is required.
⦿ You must attend at least six hours of Zoom training each month
⦿ You must attend all three group training days during the six month period.
⦿ You must keep up with your practice and your training diary
If a month's attendance falls short without prior agreement, that month is repeated. This is not a penalty, it is how we maintain standards and make sure you are genuinely ready to teach when you finish.
Illness and other agreed absences are always handled fairly on a case-by-case basis.
Pause / Sleep Policy
Life gets in the way sometimes. If you need to pause the programme for one calendar month, your place is held and your programme simply extends by one month at no extra cost. If you need to pause for longer than one month, a replacement student may be admitted, and you return to the waiting list when you are ready to continue.
Final Assessment
Standard route (included in the programme fee)
At the end of the six months, you submit a video recording of yourself teaching a real class. I review the recording and provide detailed written and verbal feedback in a Zoom debrief session.
In-person option (+£250)
If you are within approximately 90 minutes' drive of Rushden, Northamptonshire, you can choose to have me attend one of your live classes in person to observe and give direct feedback. Travel and any accommodation costs are covered by the £250 fixed fee.
Your Qualification
On successful completion, you are awarded the Associate Tai Chi Instructor qualification from the Agar-Hutton Tai Chi Academy.
Your programme fee includes the £175 registration fee for this qualification.
Many graduates of this pathway choose to continue their development through the full Instructor Training Programme. The two programmes are designed to complement each other.
What is the Investment?
Payment options:
Single upfront payment £1,500
or
Six monthly payments £285 per month (total £1,710)
Saving for paying upfront £210
Your fee includes:
⦿ All dedicated live Zoom training sessions
⦿ Free access to all group Zoom sessions for six months
⦿ All three group training days (in person or Zoom)
⦿ Six monthly one-to-one sessions with Robert
⦿ Final video assessment and Zoom debrief
⦿ Associate Tai Chi Instructor registration (£175 value)
Not included:
⦿ In-person final assessment upgrade (+£250, if chosen)
⦿ Annual recertification fee (£175/year, begins one year after completion)
Places are limited to a maximum of six students at any one time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior Tai Chi experience?
No. No prior Tai Chi or Qigong experience is required. What matters is your willingness to practise, to learn, and to stay consistent. The programme is designed to guide you from the very beginning, step by step.
Will I be ready to teach in six months?
The aim is not to make you a master teacher in six months. It is to help you become a confident beginner instructor — someone who can safely guide others through structured classes. You will be supported throughout and given feedback at every stage. By the end of the programme, you will be ready to begin.
How much time do I need each week?
On average:
⦿ Around two hours of live Zoom training (varies by week)
⦿ Two hours of study using recorded session material
⦿ Thirty minutes of personal practice each day, six days a week
This is approximately six to seven hours per week. Consistency matters far more than intensity.
What if I miss sessions?
You are expected to attend at least six hours of Zoom training per month. If a month falls short without prior agreement, it is repeated. If you need to pause for one calendar month, your place is held and the programme extends by one month at no cost. All absences due to illness or agreed circumstances are handled fairly.
What happens at the end of the programme?
You submit a video of yourself teaching a real class. I review it and provide detailed feedback in a Zoom debrief. If you are within approximately 90 minutes of Rushden, you also have the option to upgrade to an in-person observation visit for an additional £250. On successful completion, you are awarded the Associate Tai Chi Instructor qualification.
Is this a recognised qualification?
This is an important issue, in the UK there is no government regulated framework for Tai Chi Instructors. Your Associate Tai Chi Instructor qualification is awarded by the Agar-Hutton Tai Chi Academy. Most importantly, you will have real, practical teaching ability and genuine experience of delivering classes under guidance.
What if I am not sure that I am ready?
That is completely normal. Register your interest and I will personally review your details. We can then have a short conversation to discuss your background and decide together whether this programme is the right fit for you at this stage.
Can I continue into the full programme after completing this one?
Yes. Many graduates of the Associate Instructor Pathway choose to continue their development through the full Instructor Training Programme. The two programmes are designed to complement each other.
Register Your Interest
If you're considering becoming a Tai Chi instructor, the next step is simple.
Complete the short form below and I will personally review your details. If the programme looks like a good fit, I'll invite you to a short call to talk things through and answer any questions.
What Happens Next?
1. You complete the form
2. I review your application
3. If appropriate, we arrange a short call
4. You decide if the programme is right for you
There is no obligation.
A note before you apply
This is a structured programme that requires commitment. You will need to practise regularly, attend sessions, and take your training seriously. If that sounds like you, I look forward to hearing from you.
Remember, places are limited to six students at any one time.
[Registration form — to be built]
Getting Started: Your Requirements and Commitment
Essential Qualities: Strong motivation to master Tai Chi and Qigong principles, plus the dedication to develop effective teaching abilities for your intended student population.
Important Note: Participation in training, qualification, and ongoing certification remains at the sole discretion of Robert Agar-Hutton, ensuring consistent quality and professional standards.
To turn your passion for Tai Chi into professional expertise and a rewarding business, then:
Take Your Next Step Forward Today
Click the button at the bottom of the screen that says "Register Interest" or contact us right now by phone or email
Please note we screen unlisted numbers, so email contact is preferred if your number doesn't display your caller ID. Include your phone number in any email, and we'll call you back promptly.
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