Tai Chi Instructor Training, Dublin & UK
Open to beginners and experienced practitioners
Location: Dublin & Preston (UK)
Dates: 2-year part-time training comprising four weekends in Dublin each year, plus an annual week-long summer residential retreat in Britain.
Early Booking Discount available until 25th April
New Zealander Ross Cousens came to Ireland in 2007 to establish an Irish branch of the Master Ding Academy (UK). In his childhood in New Zealand, Ross was always interested in martial arts and tried different disciplines before settling on Tai Chi in his 20s.
“I remember seeing Tai Chi on TV and in parks when I was young and, while I didn’t understand what I was seeing, it had a magnetic quality to me. I just knew I was seeing something special, that couldn’t be put into words.”
– Ross Cousens
Ross moved to the UK in 1995 and, after taking a class taught by Master John Ding in London, he knew he had found the right discipline and style for him. He felt such amazing benefits from Tai Chi that he undertook instructor training. He finds that his own Tai Chi becomes much richer and deeper when worked through the teacher/student relationship.
Ross has been teaching Tai Chi in Ireland for the past 7 years. Now, in 2014, the Master Ding Academy is offering its first ever Open Instructor Training Programme for those outside the organisation who wish to develop/teach Tai Chi. Ross recommends Tai Chi for many reasons.
“For me, one of the joys of Tai Chi is that it can be so many things to so many people. Tai Chi enjoys a fantastic reputation as a therapeutic exercise allowing the practitioner to be involved in a physical activity that can allow an injury the time and space needed to heal. For those seeking a challenge, Tai Chi’s physical and mental disciplines allow personal growth and the opportunity to develop and mature on a number of levels. For those interested in experiencing the efficacy of Tai Chi’s martial tradition, there are opportunities to experience, learn and develop the famous ‘soft power’ mentioned in Tai Chi texts. For those simply wishing for an activity that they can practice in the years ahead, and an opportunity to meet and work with other like-minded enthusiasts, a place is there.”
– Ross Cousens
The Irish training begins in July 2014 and will provide participants with life-long skills to optimise their own health and well-being, as well as the opportunity to teach Tai Chi in their local community and share these skills with others. Since the Instructor Training is also taking place in three other countries, if someone misses a weekend in Ireland, s/he can take that module in one of the international training centres.
It’s not only experienced martial artists or Tai Chi practitioners with years of experience who become instructors: it’s accessible to everyone of all abilities. Tai Chi is low impact, easy to learn (but with a satisfying inner complexity) and is a fun way to learn how to relax, get fitter and feel better.
