How do I become a certified instructor?

You must take a teacher training program and pass the certification test. These programs range from 2 to 4 weeks in length, depending on the subject. Many of them have prerequisites to be eligible for certification. It is recommended that you study the course in workshop, evening class or retreat format beforehand, either with Bruce Frantzis or with one of his certified instructors, and practice that material for a while before taking a teacher training program for that course.

How is a teacher training different from a retreat?

Teacher programs are much more intensive and involve a lot of homework outside the class sessions. Much of the material Bruce teaches at instructor trainings is not available in any other format.

If I complete an Energy Arts teacher training course will I get certified to teach?

Instructor certification will be awarded to those who show sufficient knowledge and teaching competence. All others will receive a certificate of attendance. However, a student who receives a certificate of attendance may be able to pass the certification test at a later date (recertification fees will be due for this).

Can I attend a teacher training just to learn the material rather than to get teacher certification?

Yes, provided there is space available, anyone may attend and receive a Certificate of Attendance, however, the more that you know about the subject before you begin, the fuller your experience will be. If space is limited, priority will be given to those who are eligible for teacher certification. If you do not want to get certified, you do not need to do the after-class homework. However, if you choose this path you will not be allowed to test for certification. You will most likely have a teacher trainee assigned to you as a personal tutor to help you understand the course.

What certification program should I take first?

Longevity Breathing and Dragon and Tiger Chi Gung are the only teacher training programs for which you need no prerequisites to be eligible for certification. You need to know the movements and basic alignments of Opening the Energy Gates chi gung to be eligible for certification in an Energy Gates teacher training. All of these three programs can be taken as your first instructor training, but the best sequence would be Longevity Breathing first, Dragon and Tiger next and then Energy Gates.

Can I ask Bruce a question while he is teaching?

Questions can be very disruptive to the flow of the teaching. You are in a multi-level course, and your question may not be relevant to those in the group with more background. If you have a personal trainer, try to get an answer from him or her first, or ask a senior student. If the senior student doesn't know the answer, he will discuss your question with Bruce and report back to you. Sometimes Bruce may answer personal questions during breaks. He also occasionally has specific periods during class for people to ask questions.

How do I upgrade my skills?

Take whatever courses you can with Bruce Frantzis, and work on a regular basis with one of his certified instructors.

Are there prerequisites to participate in all Energy Arts teacher training courses?

Most have prerequisites to be eligible for certification, but not necessarily for participation. There are no prerequisites for Dragon and Tiger Chi Gung and Longevity Breathing teacher training programs. However, prior experience in the subject will allow you to gain more from the course and maximize your chance of passing the certification test.

How many participants are there in a teacher training?

It varies. The numbers can range between 40 and 100 people.

Are there any scholarships or work-study plans?

Not at this time.

Are there any single rooms on site?

A very small number are available for an additional fee and most get filled up very early on.

Do most teacher trainees stay on site?

Yes. It makes it easier for them to practice together before and after class.

For how long is a teacher certification valid?

Certifications are valid for 2 years. After that time, instructors must be recertified every 2 years to ensure that they are still teaching the material correctly. Level Two instructors must be tested by Bruce. Level One teachers may be recertified by certain Level Two Instructors.

What are the subjects for which Bruce Frantzis has no certified teachers?

• Wu Style Tai Chi Energy Mechanics (except the first stage of deep alignments, which Level 2 Certified Short Form instructors may teach)
• Wu Style tai chi Push Hands
• Yang Style Tai Chi
• Chen Style Tai Chi
• Spinal Chi Gung: Bend the Bow and Shoot the Arrow
• Spiraling Energy Body Chi Gung
• Gods Playing in the Clouds Chi Gung
• Taoist Meditation
• Chi gung tui na
• Ba Gua Physical Mechanics (except the basic physical mechanics of the Single Palm Change)
• Ba Gua Energy Mechanics
• Hsing-I

Can any certified instructors teach subjects for which there have been no teacher certification courses?

Bruce has specifically authorized some senior instructors to teach parts of these subjects. Those who believe they are authorized to teach subjects but are unsure about their arrangements with Bruce should contact him. Some of these courses are particularly difficult to teach correctly with all the necessary safeguards. Bruce has particular concerns about students without adequate training teaching any aspects of Bend the Bow spinal Chi Gung and Spiraling Energy Body chi gung. Bill Ryan in Boston, MA is the only instructor who has been authorized to teach some preparatory aspects of Bend the Bow and Spiraling Energy Body chi gung.

Can any certified teachers of B. K. Frantzis Energy Arts® certify others to be teachers?

Not at this time. Bruce has given no students authorization to certify anyone as a teacher in any of the B. K. Frantzis Energy Arts courses. However he plans to hold training programs for this in the future.