ROBERT GEMMELL
TAI CHI N.Z.
QUALITY ASSURANCE

This is the only complete martial arts teaching system currently available in
New Zealand and was first documented in 1982 with the Robert Gemmell “Instructors Manual.”

Robert Gemmell quickly appreciated the need to back the success of his school with an Administration that identified each stage of student development from Introductory through to Advanced. Creating three main levels he established a Multi-Structured Teaching Plan.

Historically people found that when they joined mainstream martial arts including Tai Chi they predominantly became immersed in a single level approach to advancement. The physical challenge was so great that attrition rates were high.The philosophy then was that only the strongest survived and the remnants of this still exists today. The Robert Gemmell Teaching System identified the failure of Instructors to revise the traditional approach to martial arts training which saw many Instructors and schools go into demise.

In sharp contrast his System of Teaching set out to preserve the vital essence of the techniques by carefully structuring Key Training Building Blocks. Emphasis was placed upon timely advancement and evaluation processes that systemised each level of advancement. Grades were established for students along with a comprehensive Instructor Level System. (Modified programmes do not use a grading system)

The Instructor Ranking Structure qualifies each Instructor according to three main attributes :

Teaching experience.

Personal ability within the art form.

Evidence based Graduation results.

The Robert Gemmell 5 step teaching programme has delivered a teaching and administration method that produces a high level of quality along with exceptional results. The results are evident in the large number of students attending RGTCNZ classes throughout Australasia.

Quality control is maintained through a series of Programme Manuals that list requirements and time frames. This is backed by a strict Calender of National Teaching Seminars where Instructors and students come together to review, improve and set National standard.

These events have now been run in excess of thirty years and remain the principle vehicle for dispersing of the Robert Gemmell Teaching System, unifying the School and promoting new ideas on troubleshooting. S.C.F. (Shaolin Chuan Fa Association) the parent body of Tai Chi New Zealand incorporates all Branches within a well disciplined National Organisation.

Results of the Robert Gemmell Teaching System in the area of competition, have seen his students win the majority of tournaments entered through 1980 to 2004. This includes first place in the National (Chinese Martial Arts Association) Tai Chi Championship. Other non Tai Chi successes have been recorded also How the Robert Gemmell System works is that although winners do emerge at National Tournament level, at class level everyone is viewed independently and by using the Manual and Instructor guidance properly, everyone can and do excel, thus enjoying the health benefits of Tai Chi.

Our Health and Safety policy guarantees a significant Accident Prevention Plan within each Branch using the Robert Gemmell System. Creating a world first Robert Gemmell produced Health and Safety Manuals that set out and identified hazard areas within the Martial Arts Industry. Consequently accidents are maintained at the lowest possible levels.

Multi learning levels through voluntary group class setup ensures that students have a user friendly advancement plan that suits their interest and learning level.
Five Instructor Levels range from Level One “Instructor” through “Chief” to “Master Instructors.” These follow a satisfactory period in the capacity of “Assistant Instructor.” Robert Gemmell personally directs all schools in the chain and works closely with his four hundred strong Instructor team through his own position as School Founder and National Training Director.

Minimum Requirements are well established throughout the SCF schools. These are also widely accepted by the Instructors using the system.
Certification of Instructors is recorded on the Head Office Data Base Register of Instructors. Ongoing progress and management is also closely monitored through the National Instructor Register.

Qualifications issued to every Instructor are highly recognised and sought after by Trainees or higher levels within his school. Fulltime Centres can be located in Auckland,Tauranga Wellington and South Island. These act to centralise, coordinate, manage and oversee Branches in each region. There are several new fulltime centres planned.

Age or physical handicap that often restricts individual involvement common with other fitness or exercise programmes is not seen to be a restrictive scenario. Robert Gemmell believes and widely promotes the belief that aging is a natural process and restrictions need not prohibit anyone from Tai Chi practise through careful use of alternative techniques.

Positive and motivational thinking serves to revitalise those who through injury may have slipped into a debilitative mind set. Robert Gemmell Training Programmes have a long proven record of rehabilitation through his attitude to “kickstarting” people who temporarily or for a prolonged period have fallen through the cracks.
Negative mindsets are quickly challenged through the Robert Gemmell System.

Consultancy is offered to any organisation seeking to establish a high quality programme within the numerous art forms mastered and taught by Robert Gemmell and his team of Instructors.

Robert Gemmell has trained frequently in China over a thirty year period. His most recent training trip was in October / November 2009.