Arts for Health Programs
WHOLISTIC
Tai Chi for Whole-Person Health
Learn. Practice. Lead.
Strengthen Community Health.
Become a Community Tai Chi Leader
Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise combining slow and gentle movement, physical postures, meditative attention, and controlled breathing. The training prepares community leaders to make Tai Chi and Qigong safe, accessible, and meaningful for people with different abilities and health needs.
The Tai Chi materials describe the practice as a holistic approach incorporating gentle movement, meditation, breathing, balance, coordination, strength, flexibility, and aerobic conditioning.
Why Tai Chi
Research suggests that Tai Chi may support balance, pain management, cognitive health, sleep, quality of life, and emotional well-being. It can also be adapted for different levels of mobility.
Balance and mobility
Mindful movement
Cognitive and emotional well-being
Accessible community practice
What You Will Learn
- Tai Chi foundations
- Tai Chi principles and movement
- Posture, breathing, mindfulness, and weight shifting
- Tai Chi walking
- Bafa Wubu forms
- Qigong practice
- Introduction to Qigong
- Ba Duan Jin
- Meditation and breathing practices
- Relationship between Tai Chi and Qigong
- Modifications for balance and mobility needs
- Safe and inclusive instruction
- Safe class setup and delivery
- Trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice
- Working with diverse populations
- Community health leadership
- Whole-person health concepts
- Community engagement
- Attendance and practice tracking
- Basic outcome assessment
Training Pathway
Level 1: Tai Chi Facilitator
Support safe and accessible Tai Chi sessions under supervision
- 10 hours of in-person or hybrid training
- Readings and independent practice
- Final Level 1 competency evaluation
- Opportunities to assist with classes
Level 2: Tai Chi Instructor
Independently plan and lead Tai Chi sessions
- Complete Level 1
- Complete at least 30 hours of facilitator activities
- Pass the Level 2 competency evaluation
- Develop skills in adaptation, group leadership, and outcome tracking
Level 3: Tai Chi Master Educator
Prepare and mentor leaders while supporting program quality
- Complete or test out of Levels 1 and 2
- At least 200 hours of practice and instruction
- Submit required teaching materials and recorded instruction
- Pass the Level 3 competency evaluation
Who Can Participate?
The program is open to adults aged 18 and older who are interested in movement, healthy aging, public health, teaching, or community service. Previous Tai Chi experience may be helpful but is not required unless program leadership confirms that requirement.
Participants must be 18 or older and willing to complete a minimum annual volunteer commitment.
Certification
Certified leaders receive curriculum access, continuing education, newsletters, and invitations to events.
editor_choice Tai Chi Instructor Certification
Levels 1 + 2
1 Year
Renewal involves instruction, volunteer teaching, evaluation and continuing education
workspace_premium Tai Chi Master Educator Certification
Levels 1 + 2 + 3
1 Year
Renewal involves instruction, volunteer teaching, evaluation and continuing education
Questions?
For questions about WHOLISTIC and our training programs or to explore partnership opportunities, please contact Yunjia Yang, PhD at yunjiayang@arizona.edu.