CIMSPA accreditation for tai chi & qigong
- Core coaching – for example, BCCMA coaching course, and group exercise instructor course.
- Technical standard – tai chi and/or qigong technical standards.
Core coaching is how to teach,
safe-guarding, A&P etc.; Technical standards are the course content.
A Brief History
First, a brief history as some may not be aware. Working with CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for Management of Sports and Physical Activity) was proposed by Keith Sharp in 2017 following extensive research. At the 2016 AGM Keith highlighted the need to work with the Department of Heath and others as part of the TCUGB aims and visions under our CIC responsibilities. At the 2018 AGM an update was given and at the 2019 AGM, CIMSPA presented and opened to TCUGB members’ questions. The partnership between the TCUGB and CIMSPA was duly agreed in September 2019. A standards development committee was formed to include representatives of the TCUGB, CIMSPA, and allied professionals.
The BCCMA became involved in 2020 as the NGB;
the draft standards went to public consideration and have gone through many
refinements to ensure quality and inclusivity. COVID slowed progress. The two
standards were formally issued in May 2022. The next step is to identify
assessors and set up pathways.
It seems that some TCUGB members believed this partnership would restrict or control the teaching of Tai Chi Chuan and/or qigong. But from the very beginning we have always been clear it is intended only to be a quality improvement process in the sports and physical activity sector (e.g. gyms and NHS patient rehabilitation sectors). Plus, the standards intentionally do not cover weapons, martial application, push-hands and other areas of the complete arts. It will not affect community classes run in church halls, parks or similar. It will not affect practitioners of traditional Chinese Martial arts. For anyone familiar with REPs (register of exercise professionals), CIMSPA are replacing all of that to bring the industry together. Industry-leading organisations such as EMD UK are members of CIMSPA.
Where next?
CIMPSA now has a membership section specifically for tai chi & qigong. click here to view.
Now, the work really begins as we work with CIMSPA to tighten up the industry of fitness & well-being, rehabilitation (NHS etc.) so that individuals and organisations move to only work with CIMSPA-accredited instructors in these previously uncontrolled areas.
Currently, there are only two recognised providers
- Midlands Tai Chi Rehab - delivering both tai chi & qigong training courses
- Chris Hanbury School of Qigong - delivering baduanjin qigong training courses
Following the most recent CIMSPA review of my training, I received an excellent QA report. I continue to improve the training delivery and experience ensuring the Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Specialist Exercise Instructors, and NHS specialist staff gain the best possible skills in tai chi and qigong.
For more information on training, I can be contacted at:
mobile/whatsapp: +44 (0)7831 743737
phone: +44 (0)121 251 6172
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