Empowering Zhong Xin Dao / I Liq Chuan Instructors

Learning How to Learn via Sharing

Becoming an effective instructor in Zhong Xin Dao / I Liq Chuan is a continuous journey of embodying the art's principles and upholding a strong ethical foundation. Our instructor training focuses on developing comprehensive teaching skills rooted in profound understanding and responsible conduct, while fostering the mentality of "Learning How to Learn via Sharing." This approach recognizes that the act of teaching is a powerful catalyst for deeper personal understanding and growth, and that sharing knowledge within a supportive community enriches everyone's learning journey.

Core Elements of Instructor Training

Our Instructor Licensing program is designed to standardize training and evaluation globally, ensuring the clear transmission of I Liq Chuan for future generations. The trainings are centered on three key areas essential for every instructor, viewed through the lens of continuous learning and shared understanding:

  • Understanding Philosophy, Concepts, & Principles through Shared Exploration: Instructors must clearly explain the underlying philosophy of our approach, including the Five Platforms of Zhong Xin Dao. This involves grasping the concept of direct training—learning to observe, feel, and truly understand what it means to be direct. Through teaching, instructors solidify their own comprehension, and by sharing their insights and facilitating discussions, they contribute to a collective, deeper understanding of these foundational elements.

  • Leading Students Through Exercises as a Shared Discovery: Our Student Curriculum is meticulously structured. Instructors learn how to guide students precisely through each exercise, directing their attention to specific reference points to hone observation skills and recognize different qualities and their limits. In this process, the instructor becomes a facilitator of discovery, and the questions and experiences of students often reveal new perspectives, further refining the instructor's own perception and understanding.

  • Preparing, Assessing, and Grading Students as a Shared Growth Process: Licensed Instructors play a crucial role in promoting clarity through transparent grading procedures. This includes knowing and communicating grading criteria, supporting students in meeting these criteria, and performing the gradings themselves. This process is not merely about evaluation, but about identifying areas for growth, for both student and instructor.

“When I walk along with two others,
from at least one I will be able to learn."

三人行，必有我師焉

—《論語·述而》Confucius, The Analects of Confucius —

Continuing Education for Growth through Collaborative Learning

Zhong Xin Dao / I Liq Chuan is a dynamic and evolving system. It is vital for all instructors to stay current with ongoing developments by Grandmaster Chin and continually refine their understanding of the curriculum through personal feedback and practice. The mentality of "Learning How to Learn via Sharing" encourages instructors to actively participate in continuing education, share their experiences and challenges with peers, and collectively explore new insights and refinements within the art.

“He who is in accord with the Way,
the Way will be in accord with him."

故道者，万物之奥，善人之宝，不善人之所保也

—《道德經》Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching —

Upholding Martial Morality: The Code of Conduct

As a Zhong Xin Dao / I Liq Chuan instructor, you are not only a teacher of skills but also a guide in martial morality (Wu Deh 武德). Adhering to the "I Liq Chuan Chin Family Code of Conduct" is paramount. This code provides the ethical framework for upholding the art and fostering a positive learning environment.

Each Student (and Instructor) Should Strive To Be:

  • Respectful

  • Righteous

  • Trustworthy

  • Loyal

  • Humble

  • Honest

Each Student (and Instructor) Should Strive to Develop The Qualities of:

  • Courage

  • Patience

  • Perseverance

  • Willfulness

  • Endurance

  • Sincerity

  • Responsibility

  • Gratitude

By integrating these principles into your teaching and personal practice, you contribute to the integrity and continued growth of the Zhong Xin Dao / I Liq Chuan community.

Qualities of a Teacher

An effective instructor embodies qualities that foster trust, facilitate learning, and inspire growth in their students. These qualities are amplified when cultivated through a lens of shared learning and mutual respect:

  • Disciplined and Calm Mind: An instructor should demonstrate self-mastery, having cultivated a mind that is controlled, peaceful, and clear. This internal discipline enables them to create a calm and focused learning environment, conducive to the shared exploration of complex concepts.

  • Greater Knowledge and Experience: The instructor should possess a deeper and broader understanding of the subject matter than their students. This knowledge is not held exclusively but is shared openly, becoming a resource that elevates the entire learning community.

  • Enthusiasm and Perseverance: A genuine joy in teaching and an unwavering commitment to the student's progress are essential. This enthusiasm is contagious, inspiring students and fostering a collective perseverance in the face of challenges.

  • Vast Learning and Skillful Communication: An instructor should have a rich reservoir of knowledge to draw upon, providing diverse examples and clear explanations. Their ability to communicate skillfully ensures that shared knowledge is accessible and transformative for all.

  • Deep Compassion and Concern: Perhaps most importantly, an instructor should have a profound sense of care for the well-being and development of their students. This compassionate approach extends to fostering a collaborative spirit, where everyone feels supported in their individual and collective learning.

  • Integrity and Honesty: An instructor should be sincere, without pretense, and willing to acknowledge their own shortcomings while striving for continuous improvement. This transparency builds trust and encourages an open exchange of ideas, vital for "Learning How to Learn via Sharing."

Training Process

Cultivating Qualities for the Path of Learning and Teaching in Zhong Xin Dao / I Liq Chuan

Achieving the qualities of an effective Zhong Xin Dao / I Liq Chuan instructor and an open-minded student is a continuous and iterative process. It's not about reaching a perfect, static state, but rather about consistent effort, self-awareness, and a commitment to ongoing growth. Recognizing our gaps and continually striving to improve is a fundamental aspect of this learning journey. This structure is designed to help both instructors cultivate their teaching abilities and students foster the qualities for "empty cup" learning, all within the framework of "Learning How to Learn via Sharing," and deeply integrated with the Five Platforms of Zhong Xin Dao / I Liq Chuan.