Becoming a Kung Fu Instructor

Would you like to become a Kung Fu instructor?

Dragon Phoenix is not one of those schools where its all about one person teaching all the classes and how amazing he or she is. The goal here is to help people to live healthier lives, to empower students, and to share the amazing Kung Fu that we study here. Sifu Aaron has worked extensively (and still does to continuously improve our curriculum) to learn some of the best styles of Kung Fu that have come out of ancient China. Besides being excellent martial arts styles, they also offer great health benefits. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find Internal Kung Fu in America because of how it was kept secret in the past, as well as the political state of China over the past 60 years. He knows that he can’t teach forever and is looking for the right students to pass the torch along to. This is why he is working to teach students to become teachers in their own right.

We Believe

We believe in providing opportunities to students and helping them to grow along their path to reach as far as they are willing to go. We are very passionate about what we do here and are always excited to share our passion with others. We also believe that teaching is the best way to learn. Sifu Aaron was an elementary school teacher prior to opening Dragon Phoenix and obtained a master’s degree in education. Because of this he understands the psychology of learning and teaches his assistants and teachers how to better communicate, work with students, and to keep learning fun.

Curriculum

To be able to teach here at Dragon Phoenix, you’ll have to know the material so will need to start out as a student. Our Kung Fu program focuses on the 3 major styles of Internal Kung Fu; Chen Tai Chi, Cheng Baguazhang, and Xing Yi Quan. Our curriculum for each style is composed of 2 levels. The first level involves the first half of the empty hand material for each style. Students must show basic proficiency and at this point earn their patch and certificate. The second half includes the rest of the empty hand material for that style. Students must show a solid understanding of the material, and at that time will earn Black Sash for that style. At this point it is not required for students to show mastery of the style. The way to gain mastery of a style is through teaching, which develops critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the movement. Some of the best advice I was given some 20+ years ago after attaining my first black belt was that this is when your real training actually begins. This is also why I feel it is important to provide teaching opportunities to students.

Criteria

Students who have earned their patch for a style are then able to help as an assistant instructor for that style. For the kids and teens classes, they must be at least 12 years old. Once a student has earned Black Sash in a style they may become a lead teacher for that class. For the kids and teens classes, they must be at least 18 years old. If a student has earned Black Sash in all 3 styles and is over 24 years old, they are permitted to open their own school. This is not something automatic, students will need to discuss their intentions with Sifu Aaron and gain permission. Other factors will also be taken into account, such as their behavior, attitudes, and how they treat others in their everyday lives. If you are to be a representative of Dragon Phoenix, then you will need to demonstrate Martial Virtue both inside as well as outside of class. At all levels of your training through teaching, Sifu Aaron will act as a mentor to guide you along the way and help you to be successful.

Benefits

Assistant teachers receive 50% off of their tuition for empty hand classes. Lead teachers will receive teacher pay for their classes based on attendance.