Our Approach to Teaching
Honoring tradition. Welcoming every body. Growing together.
At Silver Lotus Training Institute, we believe that Tai Chi and Qigong are practices that can be enjoyed and explored throughout life. Whether someone is taking their first class or has been practicing for many years, our goal is to create a welcoming environment where each person can learn, grow, and move with greater awareness and confidence.
Our teaching philosophy reflects the foundation established by our founder, Master Susan Hamadock: a respect for traditional practices, a commitment to thoughtful instruction, and the belief that learning should be both meaningful and enjoyable.
As Silver Lotus continues to grow, we remain rooted in these values while incorporating contemporary knowledge about movement, balance, and healthy aging.
Tradition Meets Modern Understanding
Tai Chi and Qigong have been practiced for generations, offering opportunities to develop balance, coordination, strength, relaxation, and mindful awareness.
At Silver Lotus, we honor the traditional principles of these arts while drawing upon modern, evidence-informed approaches to movement and wellbeing.
Our instruction emphasizes:
Natural alignment and comfortable movement
Balance, coordination, and functional mobility
Gentle, progressive learning
Joint-friendly movements and modifications
Awareness of breath, posture, and relaxation
The connection between body, mind, and movement
We believe that understanding how and why we move can enrich our practice, helping students develop greater awareness and confidence in everyday life.
Accessible Movement for Every Body
No two people move in exactly the same way, and we don't believe they should have to.
Our instructors recognize that every student brings different experiences, abilities, and goals to class. Some come to improve balance or mobility. Others are looking for a gentle form of exercise, an opportunity to reduce stress, or simply a chance to enjoy learning something new.
We strive to make our classes accessible through:
Standing and seated practice options
Individualized modifications when appropriate
Clear, step-by-step instruction
A comfortable pace that allows time to learn
Encouragement to work within one's own abilities
Students are encouraged to listen to their bodies, ask questions, and progress at a pace that feels comfortable.
There is no expectation of perfection. The practice is about learning, exploring, and discovering what works for you.
Learning in a Supportive Community
One of the things that makes Silver Lotus special is the sense of community that develops through shared practice.
Our classes are more than an opportunity to learn movements. They are places where friendships form, questions are welcomed, and students encourage one another.
We value:
Small classes whenever possible
Individual attention and thoughtful guidance
Patience, kindness, and mutual respect
A relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere
The enjoyment of learning together
We recognize that progress looks different for everyone. Sometimes it means learning a new movement or improving balance. Other times, it may simply mean feeling more comfortable, relaxed, or confident in one's practice.
Every step along the way has value.
Our Commitment to Instructor Development
The quality of our teaching begins with the dedication of our instructors.
Silver Lotus instructors bring a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and teaching styles to their classes. What unites them is a shared commitment to continued learning, safe instruction, and respect for each student's individual needs.
Many of our instructors pursue additional training through recognized Tai Chi and Qigong organizations, workshops, and continuing education with respected teachers.
We encourage our instructors to continue developing their knowledge of traditional practices, movement principles, and approaches that support students of varying abilities.
This ongoing learning helps keep our teaching thoughtful, adaptable, and responsive to the communities we serve.
Our Guiding Principles
Accessibility — We believe mindful movement should be available to people of different ages, abilities, and experiences.
Safety — We encourage comfortable, thoughtful movement that respects each person's abilities and limitations.
Compassion — We meet students where they are, with patience, understanding, and encouragement.
Continued Learning — We honor traditional knowledge while remaining open to new understanding and evidence-informed practices.
Community — We value the friendships, connections, and shared experiences that grow through practice.
Integrity — We respect our teachers, our traditions, our students, and the responsibility that comes with teaching.
Instructor Qualifications & Professional Standards
Silver Lotus Training Institute is committed to maintaining professional standards that support both our students and the organizations that welcome our classes.
Our instructors are expected to:
Hold teaching certification through Silver Lotus Training Institute and/or the Tai Chi for Health Institute.
Maintain current First Aid and CPR certification through the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or another recognized healthcare training organization.
Follow the Silver Lotus Training Institute Code of Conduct.
Maintain appropriate professional liability insurance, including the ability to name hosting organizations as additional insureds when required.
These standards reflect our commitment to responsible teaching, professionalism, and the wellbeing of the communities we serve.
Looking Ahead
Silver Lotus continues to grow through the dedication of our instructors, the enthusiasm of our students, and the relationships we have built throughout our communities.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to expanding opportunities for learning, supporting instructor development, and sharing Tai Chi and Qigong with those who may benefit from these practices.
While our programs and opportunities may evolve, the heart of Silver Lotus remains the same: honoring tradition, welcoming each person as they are, and growing together through mindful movement.