Chi Kung Teacher Training Programme
Course Syllabus
Overall Intention of the Training
The overall intention of the training is to present Chi Kung as a way to relate to expressions of life forces within the human system. In particular to listen and be aware of how you are, to be more present with body dynamics and movements of Chi within the body and mind. The training will teach the following skills:
self reflection, stability and groundedness, stillness of mind and body, sensitivity to Chi, use of intention, synchronised movement along with an understanding and appreciation of the body's structure and functions, Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts and Taoist philosophy. The training seeks to provide a nurturing and safe learning environment.
Teaching Format
Small class sizes are maintained.
Learning occurs by exploration, discussion and practise.
Teaching methods include lectures with the use of visual aids, demonstrations, guided sessions, visualisation work, small group exploration and feedback, supervision feedback all with an emphasis on student experience and exploration.
Tutorial and supervision sessions are included in each training module.
Fifty percent of class time will be given to practical experiential exercises.
Some course notes will be provided each seminar. These will be a mix of relevant extracts from key texts in the field or from related fields along with notes unique to the program.
The seminar time is designed to explore themes and approaches within Chi Kung and create clarity for participants. Time between seminars is for deepening into these and for further reading and contemplation.
Purpose of the Training
To nurture and encourage the personal development of both tutor and student alike
To provide an integrated training in Chi Kung firmly rooted in classical Chi Kung and more recent approaches
To provide an in-depth appreciation of the healing principles of Chi and its unfoldment in the human system
To provide an in depth understanding and appreciation of these principles and to be able to safely and adeptly practice and teach Chi Kung
To graduate skilled and safe Chi Kung practitioners and teachers
Course Work and Student Assessment
Home-study is assigned each seminar which includes both written work and reading. All home-study is expected to be completed on time. It is designed for completion between seminars in order to integrate material covered on the seminar and to prepare for the next seminar.
Students are expected to establish a regular Chi Kung practise and to keep a practise diary that needs to be submitted at various intervals.
Students are assessed in an on-going fashion throughout the course. Tutors will meet from time to time with each student on an individual basis to help understand how best the course can meet the student’s particular needs and to give feedback. In the latter part of the course the students will be asked to demonstrate the principles taught during the course by written and practical means.
Students will be asked to give short presentations during seminars and to lead or demonstrate various Chi Kung forms in order to develop confidence and creativity.
Students are encouraged to form local study groups which meet between seminar times.
Seminars
SEMINAR 1: Chi Kung Basics
The first seminar will begin defining the course and its objectives. The main themes of the course will be explored especially defining what Chi Kung is and what its aims are. The course syllabus will be looked at in detail along with course expectations and outcomes. Time will be spent developing sensitivity to Chi by coming into greater awareness of our physical and energetic body. Wu Chi and the central channels will also be explored. These basic movements will be repeated throughout the course.
SEMINAR 2: Earth
In this seminar we will explore the action and importance of Earth. We will be introducing the Support Cycle and the Control Cycle using the Five Element model as well as Five Element guidelines for Earth i.e. taste, smell, time of year, animal and colour.
SEMINAR 3: Fire
The third seminar will explore the Fire Element and being aware of the Heart and Shen. In this seminar we will look at the upward expanding energy of Fire as well as the earthy, grounded qualities found in Fire.
SEMINAR 4: Water
The fourth seminar will explore the action and importance of the Water Element. The main focus will be on flow and Jing. In this seminar we will also be looking at the properties of Water found in Nature and learning how they manifest in the body. Self assessment will also be covered.
SEMINAR 5: Wood
This seminar looks at Wood Element, the Element of growth and transforming stagnation. In this seminar we will clarify the relationship between Wood and Water and develop the relationship between Wood and Jing.
SEMINAR 6: Metal
The sixth seminar will explore the Element of Metal. We will be introducing External Chi fields. We will also start to see the importance of synchronising movements and a clear awareness of boundaries.
SEMINAR 7: Anatomy & Physiology for Chi Kung
This seminar will give you a sense of how the chi flows through the fascia, muscles and skeleton affecting the body to a cellular level. This understanding will help the mind (Yi) to guide and organize the
chi flow in more holistic manner.
SEMINAR 8: Teacher Training
This seminar is designed to support graduate teachers in their delivery of the Five Element system to students. We teach safe classroom practices and how to cater to the group and the individual. This seminar also teaches how to hold the classroom energetically allowing for more effortless chi awareness.
SEMINAR 9: Introduction to Internal Alchemy
This seminar introduces you to Internal Alchemy - looking forward to the next phase of your Chi Kung experience. We will look at ways to deepen your understanding of the Chi. We will start to develop and enhance the forms and sequences you have already learnt, helping you to incorporate stronger Chi presence in your practice and teaching.
SEMINAR 10: Developing the Yi
This is the last seminar of the training. In this seminar we will look at basic meditation methods and basic visualisation techniques. We will do this by exploring static and moving forms we have already developed. We will also be looking at combining breath, movement and the Yi (mind and intention). Through simple visualisation techniques and symbolism we can enhance and deepen our understanding of the concepts leading to a more effortless practice.