ACADEMY PROGRAM: APPRENTICESHIP FOR CERTIFIED TEACHERS

The Academy Program is a multi-year, contract-based apprenticeship for practitioners devoted to mastering and transmitting Chen Family Taijiquan. This is not a casual class or drop-in workshop.
It is a deep, lineage-based journey for those who seek to become certified instructors and true successors of the Chen Family tradition. 

Training takes place in private or semi-private cohorts (minimum 4, maximum 8 students) and follows a progressive, year-based structure:

Primary Level (1 Year)
• Body-mind integration, Fang Song (relaxation), Elixir Field training
• Stepping drills, central equilibrium, Primary Reeling Silk, explosive power
• Beginner forms: Oldest Five, Old Frame 8 Form A & B, Old Frame 11 Form, Harmony 13 Form, Essence Cannon Fist 17 Form

Intermediate Level (3 Years)
• Refinement of Reeling Silk and stepping techniques
• Dynamic force development, Old Frame First Road & Second Road (Cannon Fist)
• Traditional weapons: Single Broadsword, Straight Sword, Long Pole, Double Mace, Tai Chi Fan

• Optional: 5 Kinds of Push-hands & Intermediate martial applications

Advanced Level (4 Years)
• Advanced explosive power, internal-external integration
• New Frame First & Second Roads
• Dual & heavy weapons: Double Broadsword, Double Straight Sword, Spear, Spring-Autumn Big Blade
• Optional: Deepening 5 Kinds of Push-hands & Advanced martial applications

ANNUAL TEACHER EXAMINATION

All students in the Academy Program are required to take the Annual Teacher Exam once per year to assess readiness and progress. These exams are mandatory and help ensure high standards of teaching ability, technical understanding, and lineage fidelity.

AVERAGE DURATION: 8 YEARS

While timelines may vary per individual, completing the full curriculum of Chen Family Taijiquan—including internal foundations, bare-hand forms, martial applications, and weapons—is a long-term journey. On average, it takes about 8 years of consistent training to fully embody and understand the complete system.
 

THE NATURE OF COMMITMENT

 This program is for practitioners who are ready to commit to becoming true lineage holders from Chenjiagou—the birthplace of Taijiquan.
You are not just learning techniques. You are inheriting a living tradition, and with it, a responsibility to protect and pass it on.

Participants are expected to:

✔ Train consistently and intentionally
✔ Uphold deep respect for the lineage
✔ Embody perseverance, humility, and integrity
✔ Contribute actively as future instructors and ambassadors of the art

THE ROLE OF ACADEMY STUDENTS IN CBTA USA

Students of the Academy Program form the core foundation of CBTA USA.

They are not passive learners but active leaders—committed to preserving the Chen Family legacy and promoting it to a wider audience with excellence, ethics, and authenticity.

BENEFITS OF FULL COMMITMENT

✅ Priority access to private seminars, events, and closed-door sessions with Master Chen Bing, Master Bosco Baek, and visiting instructors
✅ Teaching privileges: Certified graduates may lead CBTA USA-approved classes, courses, and seminars

 ✅ Continued mentorship and support from the core instructional team 

ENROLLMENT DETAILS

1. Statement of Purpose
Submit a written statement outlining your motivation, long-term goals, and commitment to the Chen Family lineage.

2. Administration Fee: $899 (One-time, non-refundable)
Covers application review, curriculum onboarding, mentorship alignment, and program administration.

3. Monthly Tuition: $350
Paid via mandatory auto-pay under contract.
Ensures consistency and structure throughout long-term training.

4. Cohort Size
Minimum 4 students required to start a cohort.
Maximum 8 students per group to maintain high-quality, personalized instruction.

5. Scheduling
Sessions are arranged between students and instructors based on mutual availability and learning rhythm.

[Curriculum Overview: A Progressive Pathway]

Primary Level 1

• Level 1.1 – Fang Song (Relaxation): Foundational techniques for relaxation and internal energy flow.
• Level 1.2 – Elixir Field, Stepping, and Central Equilibrium: Training to cultivate the Dantian and achieve balance.
• Level 1.3 – Primary Reeling Silk: Core spiraling movements to build strength and coordination.
• Level 1.4 – Primary Explosive Power: Introduction to dynamic power generation.

Primary Level 2

• Level 2.1 – Oldest Five, Old Frame Eight A & B:  The most essential and traditional sequences from Chen Family Taijiquan, embodying the foundation of classical form training  
• Level 2.2 – Old Frame Eleven: A comprehensive form for deeper practice.
• Level 2.3 – Harmony 13 Form: Cultivating fluidity and synchronization.
• Level 2.4 – Essence Cannon Fist 17 Form: Introduction to explosive energy applications.

Intermediate Level 3

• Level 3.1 – Intermediate Stepping & Reeling Silk: Refinement of spiraling and footwork techniques.
• Level 3.2 – Intermediate Explosive Power: Advanced dynamics of force generation.
• Level 3.3 – Old Frame First Road: Classic Chen Family form emphasizing flow and precision.
• Level 3.4 – Old Frame Second Road: Exploring advanced martial applications.

Intermediate Level 4

• Level 4.1 – Single Broadsword: Weapon mastery for agility and focus.
• Level 4.2 – Single Straight Sword: Enhancing precision and grace with the sword.
• Level 4.3 – Long Pole: Developing core strength and stability.
• Level 4.4 – Double-Mace (Sword-Breaker): Training in short-range weapon applications.
• Level 4.5 – Fan: Integrating artistic and martial expression.

Advanced Level 5

• Level 5.1 – Advanced Stepping & Reeling Silk Practice: Mastery of internal and external coordination.
• Level 5.2 – Advanced Explosive Power: Maximum refinement of power dynamics.
• Level 5.3 – New Frame First Road: Expanding into modern interpretations of Tai Chi forms.
• Level 5.4 – New Frame Second Road: Advanced martial principles and applications.

Advanced Level 6

• Level 6.1 – Double Broadsword: Dual-weapon training for agility and precision.
• Level 6.2 – Double Straight Sword: Strengthening ambidextrous coordination.
• Level 6.3 – Spear: Harnessing long-range weapon skills.
• Level 6.4 – Spring Autumn Big Blade: Mastery of heavy weapon techniques.

Push-Hands & Applications (Optional): Dedicated training in Tai Chi martial applications, available as an optional course.

By joining the Academy Program, you are not just learning Taijiquan — you are stepping into the role of a torchbearer in one of the most respected martial arts lineages in the world.

This journey will shape your body, mind, and spirit — and prepare you to lead, teach, and preserve the living legacy of Chen Family Taijiquan for future generations.