BASIC TAI CHI CERTIFICATION
Certification in Tai Chi from Lawrence Galante's School of Tai Chi means that you have successfully completed both sections of the Yang Style short form. This is the form developed and taught by Master Cheng Man-ch'ing, Lawrence Galante's teacher. The certification is designed as a home study course but may also be done by attending classes. This certification is one of the requirements for the more advanced Teaching Certificate (see below.)

It is highly recommended that the serious Tai Chi student should practice a minimum of twice daily, and study the basic principles of Tai Chi as outlined in Lawrence Galante's book Tai Chi—The Supreme Ultimate and other Tai Chi classics.

REGISTRATION: payment of $100 registration fee plus a $100 fee for 2 sets of Tai Chi form evaluations. We have a convenient online registration package which includes all required course materials and fees. Or if you prefer to register once you have completed the home study materials, simply contact us when you are ready for your evaluations.

REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS: The book Tai Chi-The Supreme Ultimate, the video or DVD, Two Person Form video or DVD, and Tai Chi Kung video or DVD by Lawrence Galante. All materials are available from our online store either individually or as part of the registration package.

REQUIREMENTS: Proceed at your own pace as their are no course deadlines. After completion of the first section of the form, submit a video of yourself for evaluation. Lawrence Galante will provide you with correction and advise you on how best to proceed. Before learning the second section of the form, incorporate all the corrections that were given to you in the first section. Then submit your second video containing both sections of the form for final evaluation. Your certificate will be awarded if you demonstrate that you have learned all the moves in the Yang Tai Chi form, along with an understanding of the principles of Tai Chi movement. If further study is needed, corrections will be made and an additional $50 fee will be charged for each additional video submitted for in-depth evaluation. Evaluations may also be taken in person or by attending a Lawrence Galante class.


TAI CHI TEACHING CERTIFICATION
For the teaching certification, the student is required to have an understanding of the martial applications of the Tai Chi form, their relationship to hard-style martial arts, and to working with an opponent and a weapon. In addition, since Tai Chi is a form of Chi Kung, an in-depth knowledge of Chi Kung exercises and principles is also required.

Understanding the evolution of the Tai Chi form in this way gives the student a more precise understanding of the reason for the movements in the form and therefore the student will be able to teach from a solid foundation within a long tradition of teachers. Many teachers today mistake Tai Chi for simply a lovely dance routine or simply another form of exercise. But, as with any practice, ignoring the history and traditions of the practice reduces its richness, power and effectiveness.

REGISTRATION: $100 registration fee. A $50 evaluation fee will be charged for each evaluation given. Attendance fees for classes are additional. Contact us to set up appointments with Lawrence Galante for your classes and evaluations.

PREREQUISITES: Certifications in both Tai Chi and Chi Kung (see above.)

REQUIREMENTS: Being a Tai Chi and Chi Kung teacher is a serious endeavor, and requires a much deeper comprehension of the these arts:

• One Tai Chi Weapon form: Knowledge of at least one Tai Chi weapon form such as saber, sword, or staff. We offer the instruction video Tai Chi Saber Form-Yang Style, which is a form based on the Yang solo form. The saber form is designed to teach students how to transmit chi (energy) through an inanimate object. Whatever form you choose, follow the same course completion steps as outlined above.
  
• Push Hands Forms: both one-hand and two-hands. Knowledge of both the basic one- and two-hand Push Hands forms. Push Hands teaches the student sensitivity to an opponent’s energy as well as how to return force. Instruction is either through courses available in your local area or through private classes with Lawrence Galante. We also offer Robert Chuckrow's video T'ai Chi Ch'uan Push-Hand Instruction. Follow the same course completion steps as outlined above.
  
• One Kung Fu Form: There are many forms that may be learned. We offer the Small Cross-Plum Blossom Kung Fu form on video or DVD. This particular Kung Fu form is comprised of choreographed techniques first taught in the Shao-lin temples of ancient China for health, strength and self-defense. Tai Chi evolved from Shao-lin techniques, therefore a basic understanding of Shao-lin will help the student to better master Tai Chi Chuan. This is a southern style Shao-lin form and it was specifically chosen because its moves compliment the Tai Chi form. As you learn and practice this form, you will gain a deeper insight into the self-defense possibilities contained within the Yang-style Tai Chi form.
  
  You may substitute another style of Kung Fu, if you prefer. Whatever style of Kung Fu you choose to learn, you must submit a video of yourself for evaluation or evaluations. If you are learning a form, we recommend that the first evaluation be done after completing half the form. Incorporate Lawrence Galante's comments and corrections into the first half, then proceed to learn the rest of the form. Submit a final video of the complete form. Lawrence Galante will provide an in-depth final review.
  
• Attend a minimum of two Lawrence Galante private Tai Chi Classes.
  
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