The purpose of this Grading System was developed specifically to improve the physique of the student, promote the development of Tai Chi, raise the level of skill and theory within Tai Chi, and establish a standardized training system for Tai Chi.
This grading system aims to produce high quality instructors that can present GDTCA to teach the Tai Chi curriculum in a professional manner. The teaching agenda is structured to prepare the instructor for offering a community service, while at the same time running his school as a business.
Grading Progression
Students typically spend between six to twelve months in each Grade and a minimum of two years in each Level before attending a practical 'Grading' where their skills are assessed by a panel of Marking Instructors.
Preliminary Level
Instructor I – Assistant
Proficiency in Level 1 Tai Chi Barehand
Pass the Level 1 Skill Test
Assist in Teaching with a Senior /Master in Level 1 for a minimum of 20hours
Certified by GDTCA as Instructor I
Instructor II – Junior Instructor
Proficiency in Level 1 & 2 Tai Chi Barehand
Pass the Level 2 Skill Test
Assist in Teaching with a Senior /Master in Level 2 for a minimum of 20hours
Pass the NACS Update
Approved to teach Level 1 Tai Chi Barehand
Attended Skill Refreshment Workshop twice a year
Certified by GDTCA as Instructor II
Instructor III - Instructor
Proficiency in Level 1, 2 & 3 Tai Chi Barehand & Weapon
Pass the Level 3 Skill Test
Approved to teach Level 1 & 2 Tai Chi Barehand
Assist in Teaching with a Senior/Master in Level 3 for a minimum of 20hours
Pass the NACS Update
Attended Skill Refreshment Workshop twice a year
Certified by GDTCA as Instructor III
Intermediate Level
Senior Instructor I
Familiar with Level 1 - 4 Tai Chi Barehand & Weapon
Pass the Level 4 Skill Test
Approved to teach Level 1 - 3 Tai Chi Barehand & Weapon
Assist in Teaching with a Master in Level 4 for a minimum of 20hours
Pass the NACS Update
Attended Skill Refreshment Workshop twice a year
Certified by GDTCA as Instructor Senior I
Senior Instructor II
Familiar with Level 1 - 5 Tai Chi Barehand & Weapon
Pass the Level 4 Skill Test
Approved to teach Level 1 - 4 Tai Chi Barehand & Weapon
Assist in Teaching with a Master for a minimum of 20hours
Pass the NACS Update
Attended Skill Refreshment Workshop twice a year
Certified by GDTCA
Senior Instructor III
Familiar with Level 1 - 6 Tai Chi Barehand & Weapon
Pass the Level 6 Skill Test
Approved to teach Level 1 - 5 Tai Chi Barehand & Weapon
Assist in Teaching with a Master for a minimum of 20hours
Pass the NACS Update
Attended Skill Refreshment Workshop twice a year
Certified by GDTCA
Advance Level
Master I
Familiar with Level 1 - 6 Tai Chi Barehand & Weapon
Pass the Level 7 Skill Test
Approved to teach Level 1 - 6 Tai Chi Barehand & Weapon
Teaching for at least 5 year
Pass the NACS Update
Pass the NAOS
Certified by GDTCA
Master II
Familiar with Level 1 - 6 Tai Chi Barehand & Weapon
Pass the Level 8 Skill Test
Approved to teach Level 1 - 6 Tai Chi Barehand & Weapon
Assist in Training upto Master I Level
Teaching for at least 6 year
Pass the NACS Update
Approved to represent the Academy be a National Judge
Certified by GDTCA
Master III
Familiar with Level 1 - 6 Tai Chi Barehand & Weapon
Pass the Level 6 Skill Test
Approved to teach Level 1 - 6 Tai Chi Barehand & Weapon
Assist in Training upto Master II Level
Teaching for at least 7 year
Pass the NACS Update
Certified by GDTCA
Grading Conditions
Opportunity to grade under the GDTCA syllabus occurs only four times per calendar year. A person may only grade at these times subject to the final determination of the instructor.
Each twelve-month interval between grading is divided into two three-month terms: the Post-Grading Term and the Pre-Grading Term.
Grading fees must be paid at the commencement of the Pre-Grading Term.
In assessing a person’s readiness to grade, the Instructor takes into consideration such factors as consistency of attendance, attitude, focus and attention during training sessions, as much as a person’s knowledge of the GDTCA syllabus to the point he or she wishes to grade.
To secure grading under the GDTCA syllabus a person must be a current financial member of GDTCA.
Membership of GDTCA requires a person to agree to be bound by this Code of Conduct.
GDTCA reserves the right to revoke the grading of any person who breaches this Code of Conduct.
Gold Dragon Tai Chi Academy is nationally accredited and recognized by the following governing bodies: Australian Institue of Sport, Martial Arts Industry Association, Kung Fu Wushu Australia.