The ChiBall Method for harmony, balance and wellbeing
The Classical ChiBall Education and Training Programme
Frequently asked questions
What qualifications do I need to apply for the training?
For teaching to groups
- A recognised 'Exercise to Music' qualification
- Pilates Matwork Certification
- An internationally recognised Yoga Certification
- A recognised qualification for teaching special needs and the elderly
- Long term teaching and practise of Tai Chi, Qi Gong or martial arts
For instructing clients one to one
- An approved 'Personal Training' certification
- Pilates Reformer and Matwork certification
- Sports Science Degree
- Physiotherapy Degree
Do I need to become fully qualified in each of the disciplines used in the ChiBall Method™?
It is important to have been a student and qualified teacher of at least one of the disciplines listed below. It is not necessary to become fully qualified or be an expert in all of the associated disciplines. However, participation and practise to learn the principles and purpose behind each discipline or philosophy gives greater understanding and appreciation of how each one can be applied and used in an ideal 'ChiBall recipe'. Every recipe whether taught to groups or one-to-one should include one of the five essential elements of ChiBall - fluidity, energy, strength & stability, mobility, inner awareness, and a state of deep relaxation.
If not already qualified in one of the disciplines below, you are encouraged to cultivate an interest and informed experience in two or more of the following ...
- Tai Chi or Qi Gong
- Yoga
- Pilates or Physical Therapy
- Feldenkrais Method
- Alexander Technique
- Dance
- Exercise to Music
- Martial Arts
- Meditation
- Self Development
- Oriental Medicine
- Personal Training
When can I begin teaching the ChiBall Method™?
Upon completion of the current four-day level 1 practical intensive a certificate of attendance is issued. Immediate practise and application is both encouraged and recommended to begin developing proficiency, confidence and experience for the Method.
How do I become a fully qualified teacher of the ChiBall Method™?
The ChiBall Method™ Teacher training programme currently has two levels of training
- LEVEL 1
- LEVEL 2
- (LEVEL 3 to be introduced in late 2006)
LEVEL 1 Teacher Training Programme
The ChiBall Level 1 Teacher Training has three modules
- Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Putting Theory into Practice
- Assessment
Module 1 - Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine
This module is an essential pre-requisite for the ChiBall MethodTM and Dance of the DragonTM. The module can be undertaken either face-to-face or or through distance learning.
• Face-to-Face Training
This module involves two days of theoretical training and culminates in a multiple choice exam*
• Distance Learning
Students who elect to undertake distance learning will receive an instructional DVD and two study manuals and are required to pass a multiple choice examination.
* Wherever possible, it is recommended that students participate in the face-to-face training. This training involves group interaction and activities which reinforce and clarify the individual’s understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Generally students acquire a better comprehension of the philosophy through this involvement.
Module 2 - Putting Theory into Practice
In this module, we put the theory acquired in module 1 into practice. Each of the six exercise disciplines which are incorporated into the ChiBall MethodTM are covered. The principles, movements and techniques are taught and practised over six days. The module concludes with a multiple choice exam.
Module 3 - Assessment
In order to achieve a Level 1 Certificate of Achievement, students are required to 1) submit a DVD of a seasonal classical ChiBall class or training session that they have conducted, and 2) pass a final multiple choice examination.
How do I retain my ChiBall Method™ Teaching Qualification?
By collecting nine ChiBall Education Credits per year you will be able to renew your ChiBall teaching certificate. In addition to attending as many ChiBall presentations as possible, attending masterclasses, workshops, retreats or training intensives in any one of the six exercise disciplines incorporated or relevant to the ChiBall Method™ is also highly recommended. An Education Credits booklet will be provided to track your progress in achieving your education credits. Each session or training is to be listed, dated and signed by the presenter or course director.
Credits will be awarded as follows
| Presentation | Duration | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Masterclass | 1 - 2 hours | .05 |
| Workshop | 2 - 6 hours | 1.00 |
| Training Intensives | Per day | 2.00 |
| Teacher Training Upgrade Day/s | Per day | 2.00 |
| Conventions (masterclass) | 1 hour | .05 |
| Conventions (workshops) | 90 minutes | .05 |
| Conventions (pre-convention training) | Per day | 2.00 |
Note
- 4 credits a year must be ChiBall presentations
- If a period of two or more years has elapsed since attending a training or update, re-attendance at the Level 1 four day practical or theory intensives will be required to re-qualify to teach the method
LEVEL 2 Teacher Training Programme
The ChiBall Level 2 training provides the opportunity to work with qualified teachers and masters of each one of the six exercise and movement disciplines incorporated in the ChiBall Method™. The purpose of the level two training is to further develop skill, knowledge and understanding. Each module is two full days in length and incorporates an in-depth study of the particular exercise discipline, the associated element, its season and how all of this is expressed within the ChiBall Method™.
Level 2 of the ChiBall Method™ consists of six two day advanced modules in each of the ChiBall exercise disciplines
- Traditional Chinese Medicine:, Tai Chi-Chi Kung & meridian exercises
- ChiBall Dance
- Hatha Yoga (based on Iyengar Yoga teaching)
- Pilates
- Feldenkrais Method
- Breathing, Deep Relaxation and Meditation Techniques
The goal of the Level 2 modules is to provide an extended opportunity for concentrated study on each one of the five ChiBall exercise elements. The value of a deeper level of practise is to promote inspiration, confidence and competence as teachers cannot be emphasised enough. Each subject is taught by a fully qualified specialist in their field of expertise.
The modules will incorporate the following
- In-depth explanation of each discipline and several hours of practice to create a firm foundation and understanding of both the philosophy and its principles.
- Specific instruction of how the ChiBall is used within each one of these disciplines.
- Revision on the principles and characteristics of each seasonal element as taught in traditional Chinese Medicine.
Note
Although many ChiBall teachers are fully qualified teachers in one or more of the disciplines incorporated within the ChiBall Method™, full attendance at each one of the Level 2 modules is essential to learn how these philosophies are used and applied within the ChiBall programme.
Module 1 - Tai Chi-Qi Gong
This module includes the basic concepts of Tai Chi Chuan (Tai Ji Chuan) and Chi Kung (Qi Gong). Also incorporated is a revision of yin and yang, chi, and the Five Elements or Five Phases of Energy as taught in the traditional Chinese Medicine component of Level 1. Without a more complete understanding of these principles within Chinese Medicine, the philosophy and classical aspects of Tai Chi and Chi Kung will be difficult to teach authentically.
The overall goal of this module is to take the next step into the language and conversation of the ancient Chinese exercise disciplines.
Module 2 - ChiBall Dance
ChiBall Dance sequences are based on modern dance fitness concepts that are simple and fun to do. The movements are choreographed to reflect various aspects of nature's energy and to build heat, release stiffness and tension, promote joy, fun and passion while also vigorously stimulating the breathing, chi and circulation.
This module will incorporate music mapping, cueing, learning curves, transitions, simple choreographic patterns to reflect each season and target specific organs and meridians.
Fine tuning will include
- Relaxed flowing movement
- Freestyle versus formal choreography
- Emphasising overall purpose of the ChiBall Dance moves
- Making the transition from Wood to Fire with ChiBall Dance
Module 2 - Yoga
The purpose of the Level 2, Yoga module is to develop a confident foundation of knowledge about the philosophy of Hatha Yoga - the Yoga of the physical body.
This two-day module concentrates on the structure of posture (asana) and the therapeutic purpose of each, the role of the breath and how the yoga component relates to traditional Chinese Medicine and the ChiBall Method. A thorough technical breakdown of each asana is given and confirmation of its associated meridian and its seasonal association.
Yoga in the ChiBall Method ™ represents the Fire Element and the Summer time of year. Discussion and reminders of the characteristics of this element within traditional Chinese Medicine is also an essential part of the module training.
Personal practise in Iyengar based yoga classes after the training module is highly recommended to fully appreciate the benefits Yoga has to offer.
Module 3 - Pilates
The first session* of this two day module will provide an in-depth explanation about the principles of the Pilates Method and key elements which need to be incorporated to provide a firm foundation when teaching this discipline.
Once the principles have been covered, demonstration and practice using the ChiBall follows, also incorporating confirmation of the meridian channels being activated and rejuvenated and which time of year would be the ideal time to use each exercise.
* N.B. Following discussion with the course director attendance at this first lecture may not be essential for those who are already fully qualified Pilates teachers.
Module 4 - The principals of Feldenkrais Method
Ruthy AlonYour exploration of movement is an intimate research into yourself, carried out by yourself. Your objective is not to produce movement, but to learn what you can discover about it".
This unique method of self-exploration perfectly reflects the Metal element within the ChiBall Method™. Letting go of long term habits that no longer serve us and incorporating new habits and ideas are just two of the life enhancing benefits associated with this awareness through movement philosophy and the TCM element.
The first day begins with an extended lecture on the philosophy and principles of Feldenkrais Method followed by specific lessons of exploration, using the ChiBall throughout and with group practise. A full understanding of the use of language and how to teach a basic Feldenkrais inspired ChiBall lesson is the essential aspect of this module.
Module 5 - Deep Relaxation & Meditation
A course in miraclesThe body is endangered by the mind that hurts itself. The body suffers just in order that the mind will fail to see it is the victim of itself. The body's suffering is a mask the mind holds up to hide what really suffers.
This fifth and final module is an introduction to many subjects about deep relaxation and meditation. Two days of concentrated practice gives a greater understanding of the importance of learning key principles and language for appropriately leading people into deeply relaxed or meditative states.
The purpose of the entire ChiBall programme is to prepare the participant for the journey into meditation so that they may experience a more integrated state of being. The contribution being made to mankind through this aspect of the ChiBall Method™ is immeasurable.
How do I become a ChiBall Trainer?
The table below outlines the current pre-requisites for becoming a ChiBall teacher, master trainer and course director
| Title | Definition | Training Pre-Requisites |
|---|---|---|
| ChiBall Teacher | Group Exercise Teacher of the ChiBall Method |
|
| ChiBall Presenter | Permitted to present two - four hour master class and introductory workshops |
|
| ChiBall Master Trainer | Permitted to represent the ChiBall Method at international health and fitness conferences, and within ChiBall national and international training modules |
|
| ChiBall Course Director | Course leader for the Level 1 & Level 2 education modules |
|
