Purpose  

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 

1. 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.
   
   
2. Each twelve-month interval between grading is divided into two three-month terms: the Post-Grading Term and the Pre-Grading Term.
   
   
3. Grading fees must be paid at the commencement of the Pre-Grading Term.
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. To secure grading under the GDTCA syllabus a person must be a current financial member of GDTCA.
   
   
6. Membership of GDTCA requires a person to agree to be bound by this Code of Conduct.
   
   
7. GDTCA reserves the right to revoke the grading of any person who breaches this Code of Conduct.