Dr. Paul Lam and his team of medical and tai chi experts designed this program to be safe and effective for people with arthritis; it will also provide health benefits and improve almost anyone’s quality of life. Based on the Sun style of tai chi, Tai Chi for Arthritis (TCA) is easy to learn, effective and safe. It improves flexibility, muscle strength, increases heart/lung activity, aligns posture, improves balance, and integrates the mind and body. The TCA program includes warm up and cool down exercises, the twelve movement set on both sides, the teaching method, knowledge about arthritis and how to teach this program safely. Qualified participants who successfully complete the course will be accredited by the Tai Chi for Health Institute to teach this program. Millions of people around the world have gained health benefits from the TCA program. Many scientific studies have shown this program relieves pain, improves quality of life and make people feel better. Studies also shown the program prevent falls; that is why the Center of Disease Control and Prevention recommends it for this purpose. It is supported by many Arthritis Foundations including the USA, Australia and UK. Watch this video about the benefits of TCA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxDr4V06KaU&feature=youtu.be

Dr Paul Lam and his team of medical and tai chi experts designed this program to be safe and effective for people who are at increased risk of falling. It will also provide health benefits and improve almost anyone’s quality of life. Based on the Sun style of tai chi, Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention (TCAFP) is easy to learn, effective and safe. It improves flexibility, muscle strength, increases heart/lung activity, aligns posture, improves balance, and integrates the mind and body. The TCAFP program includes warm up and cool down exercises, the teaching method, knowledge about arthritis and the cause of falls, and how to teach this program safely. This program is the same as the Tai Chi for Arthritis program with the addition of a specialized module to further enhance its efficacy in preventing falls. Qualified participants who successfully complete the course will be accredited by the Tai Chi for Health Institute to teach this program. Millions of people around the world have gained health benefits from the TCAFP program. Many scientific studies have shown that the program relieves pain, improves quality of life and make people feel better. Studies also shown the program prevent falls; that is why the Center of Disease Control and Prevention recommends it for this purpose. It is supported by many Arthritis Foundations including the USA, Australia and UK.

Largest Medical Studies on TCAFP for Falls Prevention

2016 North Carolina, USA – Journal of Ageing and Physical Activity

2007 NSW, Sydney, Australia – Central Sydney tai chi Trial

This modified seated version of Tai Chi for Arthritis can be enjoyed by anyone wishing to practice tai chi sitting down. People with almost any chronic condition can learn to improve their health and mobility. This safe easy-to-learn program relieves pain and improves health and quality of life. Many people wanted to try tai chi, but mobility issues caused them to hesitate. Dr Paul Lam and his team of medical and tai chi experts designed this program to give them a safe and effective way to learn; it will also provide health benefits and improve almost anyone’s quality of life. Based on the Sun style of tai chi, Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis (Seated TCA) is easy to learn, effective and safe. It improves flexibility, muscle strength, increases heart/lung activity, aligns posture, improves balance, and integrates the mind and body. Qualified participants who successfully complete the course will be accredited by the Tai Chi for Health Institute to teach this programme.

What is Tai Chi for Memory?
Studies have shown tai chi improves memory and brain health. Dr Lam’s team merged medical research and traditional Chinese medicine with tai chi to create an easy to learn program. It is especially useful for people with memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, or similar conditions. It is also designed to prevent these conditions.

Caring for people with memory loss is challenging for carers and family; this mind-body program engages everyone for a quality time together. It will improve most aspects of health including balance, immunity and relaxation, and can be practiced and enjoyed by anyone.

Reasons to Come

• Learn how to teach this programme safely and effectively
• Gain knowledge of what is tai chi and how it helps people with memory loss
• Be able to perform the Tai Chi for Memory set
• Physical and occupational therapists may find it a useful tool for their patients/clients
• Useful tool for caregivers
• Learn how to gently encourage and empower even the most debilitated participants
• Deepen your understanding of tai chi principles

Who Will Benefit?

• Almost any can enjoy this unique programme, simple but with depth. This is a deeply empowering programme, which can be taught to people with different levels of memory loss.
• Tai Chi for Memory can improve and prevent memory loss, as well as helping caregivers and family members.
• Instructors can learn to teach this programme to your participants who love any Tai Chi for Health programmes.

Who is eligible to attend this training?

Suitable participants include: Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Exercise Physiologists, Tai Chi teachers and advanced tai chi students, Nurses, Health professionals (eg. doctors or psychologists), Accredited Exercise Instructors, Certified Allied Health Assistants, caregivers.

If you would like to receive an attendance only certificate, anyone is welcome.

Tai Chi for Heart Conditions: An Empowering Programme to Improve and Prevent these Conditions!

What is Tai Chi for Heart Conditions?
Studies have shown tai chi improves most of heart conditions. Heart conditions are the number one killer for the western world, yet most of the conditions are preventable, and can be improved with a healthier lifestyle. Dr Lam’s team has incorporated medical research and traditional Chinese medicine into the ancient art of tai chi to create an effective programme. It can prevent or improve most heart conditions, as well improve balance, immunity and relaxation.

Anyone can enjoy this innovative mind body programme, it can be taught safely and effectively to people with heart conditions.

Reasons to Come

• Learn how to teach this programme safely and effectively
• Gain knowledge of what is tai chi and how it helps people with heart conditions
• Learn the extension movements that can fit into any of Dr Lam’s Tai Chi for Health programmes
• Physical and occupational therapists may find it a useful tool for their patients/clients
• Learn how to gently encourage and empower participants with heart conditions
• Deepen your understanding of tai chi principles
• Useful tool for caregivers

 Who Will Benefit?

• Almost anyone can enjoy this unique programme, simple but with depth. This is a deeply empowering programme, which can be taught to people with different levels of heart conditions, or anyone wishing to use it to prevent these condition, or just an enjoyable programme to improve health and wellness.
• Instructors can learn to teach this programme to your participants with or without heart conditions.

Who is eligible to attend this training?

Suitable participants include: Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Exercise Physiologists, Tai Chi teachers and advanced tai chi students, Nurses, Health professionals (eg. doctors or psychologists), Accredited Exercise Instructors, Certified Allied Health Assistants, caregivers.

If you would like to receive an attendance only certificate, anyone is welcome.

What is Qigong?
“Qigong” comes from two Chinese words. Qi is the life energy inside a person that circulates throughout the body to provide inner strength and maintain good health. Gong is a method of exercise in this context. So Qigong is an exercise which cultivates better and stronger Qi. The stronger Qi you have, the healthier and stronger you are.

Qigong is especially beneficial for health and mental relaxation. My Five Element Qigong is easy-to-learn and powerfully effective for health.

The Five Element Qigong
According to ancient Chinese philosophy, all things in the universe are made up of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. These elements have different properties: earth nurtures all living beings, metal is sharp and changeable, water runs down and irrigate the earth while wood is characterised by growth and fire is hot.

The five elements represent five major internal organs of the body. They interrelate and influence each other. While one enhances another, they also negate each other. The positive relationships are: metal gives life to earth, earth gives life to water, water gives life to wood, wood to fire and so on.

The negative relationships also work in a continual circle; earth negates water, water negates fire, fire negates metal, metal negates wood and wood negates earth and so on. The Five Element Qigong is based on this theory of nature, and is effective in promoting all aspects of health, including relaxation, mental concentration and cultivating Qi.

How to do Qigong well
The ultimate goal is to use your conscious mind to direct the Qi, use Qi to direct your physical body, thus combining the mind, Qi and body as one coordinated entity. This may sound challenging, but the actual learning and practice is relatively easy. With regular practice you will progress steadily to the ultimate goal. You will gain health benefits almost right from the start of your practice. The most enjoyable part is the practice, and the many health benefits you gain as you progress.

Preparation
Study Dr Lam’s Qigong for Health DVD, and his Teaching Tai Chi Effectively book. Registered participants receive a 20% discount.

By the completion of the workshop you will:

• Know the Qigong for Health set at a deeper level
• Understand how qigong improves health and relaxation
• Have learned how to teach this program effectively and safely
• Have improved your skills and knowledge
• Have learned how to attract and retain more students

Tai Chi for Diabetes is a tai chi form, especially designed by Dr Paul Lam in conjunction with his tai chi associates and a team of medical experts. Based on Sun and Yang style tai chi, Tai Chi for Diabetes is easy to learn, effective and safe. It is designed to improve the management of diabetes. The programme will help to increase flexibility and muscle strength, and increase heart/lung activity, align posture, improve balance and integrate the mind and body.

By the completion of the workshop you will:

• Know the Tai Chi for Diabetes set at a deeper level
• Understand how tai chi improves health and relaxation
• Have learned how to teach this programme effectively and safely
• Have improved your tai chi skill and knowledge
• Have learned how to attract and retain more students

How Does Tai Chi Work For Diabetes?

Diet and exercise are the cornerstone of diabetes management. People with diabetes who exercise regularly have better control over their blood glucose levels and fewer complications such as heart disease and stroke.

Many people, however, are unable to keep up with their regular exercise because they either don’t enjoy it, or have a problem finding time to exercise. Tai chi offers a major advantage: It’s enjoyable, and to many, it’s almost addictive. After getting over the initial learning phase (about three to six months) and becoming familiar with the rhythm and feel of tai chi, most people continue exercising. You can practice Tai Chi almost anywhere.

Gentle exercise has been shown by studies to prevent diabetes in 60 percent of cases (reference 1, reference 2). Therefore, since tai chi is a gentle exercise, we can assume that it’s effective in preventing and improving the control of diabetes.

Stress stands in the way of controlling diabetes. Since tai chi encourages mental relaxation and reduces stress, it follows that Tai Chi can improve the control of diabetes.

The major problems of diabetes are the associating complications such as heart disease, visual impairment, and stroke. Tai chi focuses on building strength, balance and flexibility through slow, fluid movements combined with mental imagery and deep breathing. Scientific studies have shown tai chi to have beneficial effects on cardio-respiratory fitness, muscular strength, balance, peripheral circulation, reduced tension, and anxiety.(reference 3,reference 4, reference 5, reference 6, reference 7, reference 8). These in turn minimise the complications of diabetes.

Diabetes causes peripheral neuropathy, a condition in which the nerves in the feet are damaged thus affecting stability in walking. Tai chi has proved to be effective in helping balance and mobility.

The Power of the Mind

Tai chi enhances concentration, clarity of the mind, improves relaxation and uplifts the mood. The immense power of the mind has not been fully estimated. As one of the most effective mind-body exercises, tai chi helps the student to be aware of the intrinsic energy from which he or she can perceive greater self-control and empowerment.

Chinese Traditional Medicine and the Power of Qi

Qi is the life energy inside a person. The concept of qi is fundamental in most eastern cultures. In fact, Chinese traditional medicine is based on this concept. Designed to cultivate and enhance qi, tai chi encourages gentle and slow movements which strengthen one’s meridians (energy channels along which qi travels) and keeps them strong. The rhythmic movement of the muscle and joints pump energy through the whole body.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, diabetes is a deficiency of moisture and essence (yin) of the lung, spleen and kidney meridians. Enhancing qi in the appropriate meridians (reference 9) will therefore improve diabetes.

Tai Chi for Diabetes – A specially designed program supported by Diabetes Australia

Step-by-step instructional DVD Duration Approx. 5 hours, Designed to help prevent and improve control of diabetes by gently increasing physical activities, cellular uptake of glucose and relaxation. It enhances Qi (life energy), which according to traditional Chinese medicine will help control diabetes. This program can be used for general fitness and health.

The program includes a general introduction of Tai Chi and diabetes, warm up and cooling down exercises, Qigong for Diabetes, 11 basic movements and 8 advanced movements. Viewers can learn different part at their own pace using the easy-to-learn and step-by-step instructions.

Reference for Diabetes
1. J Tuomilehto & Associates, Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion Helsinki, 3 May 2001. Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Changes in Lifestyle Among Subjects With Impaired Glucose Tolerance. The New England Journal of Medicine.
2. The New England Journal of Medicine, VOLUME 346, FEBRUARY 7, 2002, NUMBER 6. Eeduction In The Incidence Of Type 2 Diabetes With Lifestyle Intervention Or Metformin.
3. Lai J, Lan C, Wong M and Teng S. 1995. Two-Year Trends in Cardiorespiratory Function Among Tai Chi Chuan Practitioners and Sedentary Subjects. Journal of American Geriatrics Society, 43(11), p 1222-1227.
4. Wolfson L, Whipple R, Cerby C, Judge J, King M, Amerman P, Schmidt J and Smyers D. 1996. Balance and Strength Training in Older Adults: Intervention Gains and Tai Chi Maintenance. Journal of American Geriatric Society, 44(5), p 498-506.
5. Lan C, Lai J, Chen S and Wong M. 2000. Tai Chi Chuan to Improve Muscular Strength and Endurance in Elderly Individuals: a Pilot Study. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 81(5), 604-607.
6. Hong Y, Li X and Robinson P. 2000. Balance Control, Flexibility, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness Among Older Tai Chi Practitioners. British Journal of Sport Medicine, 34(1), p 29-34.
7. Wang J, Lan C and Wong M. 2001. Tai Chi Chuan Training to Enhance Microcirculatory Function in Healthy Elderly Men. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 82(9), p 1176-1180.
8. Brown D, Wang Y, Ebbeling C, Fortlage L, Puleo E, Benson H and Rippe J. 1995. Chronic Psychological Effects of Exercise and Exercise Plus Cognitive Strategies. Medicice & Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(5), p 765-775.
9. Chinese Medical Theories, Between Heaven and Earth by Harriet Beinfield and Efrem Korngold

This program consists of three different tai chi styles. Chen style tai chi is vigorous and sophisticated, containing fast and slow movements along with powerful spiral force. Sun style includes a unique qigong (life energy) along with agile steps. Yang has graceful and slow movements which promote health. Tai Chi for Energy has been extremely popular and Dr Lam was inspired to create this prequel as a gentle introduction to Chen Style, making the trilogy a complete package for people of any physical ability. This relaxing set can be done lying, sitting or standing and will help develop your knowledge and inner power of tai chi. The Tai Chi for Rehabilitation programme is suitable for all types of rehabilitation: physical (after surgery or injury), emotional (grieving and stress) and mental (depression), chronic conditions and much more.

The Tai Chi for Energy programme consists of two different tai chi styles. Chen style tai chi is vigorous and sophisticated, containing fast and slow movements along with powerful spiral force. Sun style includes a unique qigong (life energy) along with agile steps. These two seemingly contrasting styles of tai chi have complementary internal energy. Using his deep understanding of tai chi principles and with over 40 years of experience, Dr Lam carefully composed the Tai Chi for Energy set by combining both styles to bring you greater synergy. With regular practice and in a relatively short period of time, you will achieve better health and wellness, more internal energy and an improved ability to manage stress. The programme contains warm up and cool down exercises and 16 movements.

Who will Benefit?

Anyone can benefit from coming to this workshop. You will enjoy learning this short but beautiful set of tai chi with two powerful styles. With regular practice, you will gain inner strength, stronger muscles, and stronger Qi relatively quickly. You will be able to develop complexity and stronger Jing (force) from learning this program. Tai Chi for Energy is especially useful for people who have learned one or more of the Tai Chi for Health programs.

Reasons to Come:

• Learn an exciting tai chi program that is suitable for a wide range of people.
• Suitable for younger learners who are looking for something challenging
• Learn how to teach tai chi effectively
• Improve your understanding of essential tai chi principles
• Enjoy exploring the inner meaning and gaining deeper insights into tai chi
• Discover the Sun style’s inner energy

Tai Chi for Life is an easy and enjoyable activity with gentle exercises for seniors and beginners to improve balance, strength and health.

An Empowering Program

Dr Lam’s team has incorporated medical research and traditional Chinese medicine into the ancient art of tai chi to create Tai Chi for Health programs. Tai Chi is shown by over 500 medical studies to improve almost all aspects of health and wellness. This program has special emphasis on improving balance, strength and relaxation. It contains all the health-giving characteristics of tai chi to improve the quality of life for all learners

Who will Benefit?

Anyone can benefit from coming to this workshop. You will enjoy learning this short but beautiful set of tai chi with three powerful styles (Chen, Sun & Lam). With regular practice, you will gain inner strength, stronger muscles, and stronger Qi relatively quickly. You will be able to develop complexity and stronger Jing (force) from learning this program. Tai Chi for Life is suitable for everyone, but especially beneficial for falls prevention.

Reasons to Come:

• Learn an exciting tai chi program that is suitable for a wide range of people.
• Suitable for all learners who are looking for fun tai chi exercise
• Learn how to teach tai chi effectively
• Improve your understanding of essential tai chi principles
• Enjoy exploring the inner meaning and gaining deeper insights into tai chi
• Discover your inner energy

Why Tai Chi 4 Kidz?

This is a training that not only addresses your students’ needs, but will simultaneously support your own health, too! This is not one more learning strategy you must implement; instead, we will show you how to activate a new setting on your own stress dial, as well as how to guide your students toward mindful relaxation and emotional control. You can be happier and healthier while you empower your students to regulate emotions, reduce stress, improve cognitive function and focus, increase coordination, flexibility, and balance. Tai chi has an almost magical effect on health improvements. Kids love to learn and they learn very quickly, especially when engaged in a fun activity! This specially-designed Tai Chi program emphasises the fun
elements while developing their mind and body. It is designed in several small building blocks to capture their attention, incorporating imagery and games to add appeal to kids. We have found that kids really enjoy learning it!

Learning Outcomes:

• Gained essential knowledge about how the Tai Chi 4 Kidz program can help improve health and wellbeing
• Know the Tai Chi 4 Kidz set at a deeper level
• Experienced the power of ‘mindful movement’
• Understand how tai chi improves health and relaxation
• Have learned how to teach this program effectively and safely
• Have improved your tai chi skill and knowledge
• Have learned how to safely and effectively modify this program for all ages and learning abilities
• Have learned about the essential principles of tai chi
• Have learned Dr Lam’s Stepwise Progressive Teaching Method
• Have learned how to apply the benefits of mindful Tai Chi exercise for oneself as well as young people who may need to improve resiliency, focus, and self-control

Who can Attend the Instructor Training Workshop?

• ANYONE  is welcome to attend this workshop,
• To be certified as a Tai Chi 4 Kidz instructor, please check the recommended qualifications: Educators, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Recreational Therapists, Behavioral Therapists, Care Workers, Tai Chi Instructors or Advanced Students, or any other similar Professionals.
• Teachers: Early childhood Kohanga Reo, Primary, Intermediate and Secondary Schools Kura Kaupapa
• Home School teachers and parents
• Before and after school care employees
• Kids program leaders at: YMCA’s, fitness centre, recreational centre, sports facilities
• Martial Arts and Yoga schools
• Children Hospital Staff
• Holiday program teachers
• Burn Kids, Cancer Kids program leaders
• PARENTS and Grandparents
• Young adults over 15 years
• This workshop is also suitable for people wanting to update their other TCHI qualification(s).

What to wear?

Loose, comfortable layered clothing, flat flexible footwear. Bring a water bottle.

What are the DVD Contents?

An introductory section for teachers and parents provides information on Tai Chi and how to teach the program. Starting with a fun gathering in the park, Dr Lam and Cheryl teach the program including warming up and cooling down exercises. To conclude, Dr Lam demonstrates the entire set from the front on and back on positions.

How to Learn Tai Chi 4 Kidz?

You can learn from an Instructor Training Workshop with and authorised TCHI Master Trainer of Tai Chi 4 Kidz, and using the instructional DVD. Dr Lam recommends parents and teachers to use this program and have fun with the kids. After the training workshop, use DVD to maintain a fun, safe and active setting for teaching. Use the program as a way to share quality time with children that is healthy, relaxing and enjoyable. Utilise imagery and games to add appeal. Most importantly: frequently praise the kids; focus on the flow and principles of tai chi. Place less importance on the exactness.

Below are some useful ideas for teaching young children:

• There will be less precise instructions, focusing on keeping the flow.
• Young children like repetition so it is a good idea to start by repeating what you have done before.
• Young children are not apt to practice at home. So construct your program so they do their practice in the lessons. Do not expect to practice at home, but if they do, be sure to encourage them.
• Young teens and older children, will benefit with more structure and challenge.
• Children like imaginations, use stories and imagery that appeal to them.
• Make sessions shorter. Young children have short attention span, after 5-10 minutes intermix with activities like games or stretching exercise that they can do comfortably.  Children usually feel comfortable when doing something they are familiar with.
• Work with a group of similar age, e.g. between 5 -7 rather than wide range of age. If you are teaching in the school system, get help from school teachers. Avoid having a large class without teacher’s help.
• It is good to apply gentle discipline with children so establish some gentle rules like they cannot walk out of the class without giving a reason. A good rule is not to touch each other.
• If you are teaching the martial art application, be sure you have very small group with well behave children. You must be able to see and supervise such activities.
• Children like some kind of ritual so the Wushu greeting is a nice ritual to teach them. Indicate the significance of the beginning of the lesson and help them to understand the meaning of mutual respect.
• As a general rule when children are getting disorganised or look like they have lost interest, the thing to do is to practice with them, keeping the flow. When they are doing something it is much easier to be in control.
• Expect and encourage good behaviour.
• Minimal correction. Avoid being too exact with the movement. Just bring in essential principles, e.g. show them and work with them using the posture. Use the imagery of standing upright, like a string but not being tense.
• A good way to involve the rest of the family is to get other siblings and parents and even grandparents to join the class. You have a chance to introduce tai chi to the whole family and provide them with quality time doing tai chi together. It may be just 10 minutes together  doing a couple of moves but it will be a good activity to bring the family together.
• Often schools have group sports like football, that require organising and joining groups. Many children when they leave school live stop this group exercise. Whereas tai chi is not a group exercise and it can be done anywhere. So you can motivate the children to practice and enjoy the proficiency of what they can do, the nice feel of tai chi, so even if they stop after your lesson they could eventually come back. I met many people exposed to tai chi as a young child and many years later they pick it up again.
• Be flexible, if something doesn’t work, try another approach. Children are dynamic and fun, teaching it their ways is more effective.