FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (F.A.Q.)

1. What is the USCTF?
2. How was the USCTF formed?
3. What are the accomplishments of the USCTF?
4. What are the benefits of becoming a member?
5. What are the membership types and how much does it cost to be a member?
6. How many events (tournaments, seminars, etc) does the USCTF organize and promote each year?
7. Will Wushu be an Olympic Sport?
8. Where can I find a Wushu, Kungfu, or Tai Chi training center near me?
9. How can I try out to be a U.S. Wushu Team Member?
10. How frequent are tryouts for the U.S. Wushu Team?
11. What is the selection process for officials within the USCTF infrastructure?
12. How do I become a USCTF Volunteer?
13. I forgot to renew my membership. Where do I sign up?

1. What is the USCTF?
   
   The mission of USCTF is to promiting Chen Style Tai Chi worldwide to benefit and enrich the lives of individuals and to improve the communities we serve by offering educational outreach, cultivating excellent health, and developing the mind, body, and spirit through the practice of Chen Style Tai Chi.
   
   Back to Top
   
    
2. How was the USCTF formed?
   
   ...
   
   Back to Top
   
    
3. What are the accomplishments of the USCTF?
   
   ...
   
   Back to Top
   
    
4. What are the benefits of becoming a member?
   
   By joining the USCTF you will be part of a dynamic effort of developing and promoting the sport of Chen Style Tai Chi within the United States! In addition, with your membership you will receive:
   
   · Become eligible to be selected as a member of the U.S. National Team
   · Discounts to USCTF Events
   · Quarterly Newsletter
   · Email Updates on the Latest News from the World of Wushu!
   · Membership Card
   · Membership Certificate
   · USCTF Patch
   
   Back to Top
   
    
5. What are the membership types and how much does it cost to be a member?
   
   The USCTF offers many flexible options for membership.
   
   Annual Individual or Families
   An individual membership is only $25 per year, but families can join for only $25 per year for the first person and $15 per year for each additional family member. That's a 40% discount over the individual membership!
   
   Annual Schools
   The USCTF offers schools a special discount on memberships.
   
   For the cost of only four annual individual memberships, your school can get one annual individual membership FREE! This free annual membership has all the benefits of the USCTF and can be used by instructors, owners, or students of your school.
   
   If your school wants to join the USCTF, the cost is only $100 per year. This offer is a $125 value – you save $25! The school annual membership includes five annual individual memberships with all the standard benefits at a great price.
   
   Lifetime Individual and Schools
   In addition to the annual memberships, we offer lifetime memberships starting at $250 for an individual and $500 for a school within the United States.
   
   The lifetime school membership is the best value of all!
   
   For the cost of two lifetime individual memberships, your school can get FOUR FREE lifetime memberships for a total of SIX lifetime memberships. This offer is a $1500 value – you save $1000!
   
   These free lifetime memberships have all the benefits of the USCTF and can be used by instructors, owners, or students of your school. Plus you never have to worry about renewing your membership.
   
   Annual International Individual and Schools
   If you are outside of the United States and want to join, the individual membership is $39 per year or $125 per year for a school.
   
   Lifetime International and Schools
   For International lifetime membership, the individual membership is $390 and the school membership is $595.
   
   The savings a lifetime membership offers pays for itself before you know it!
   
   Just click here to join the USCTF today!
   
   Back to Top
   
    
6. How many events (tournaments, seminars, etc) does the USCTF organize and promote each year?
   
   Every year, the USCTF organizes and sponsors various tournaments, seminars, and demonstrations. However, the total number of events varies every year as it depends on how many promoters and event organizers develop their events.
   
   For example, in 1999 the USCTF sanctioned more than 10 tournaments and events throughout the country.
   
   Back to Top
   
    
7. Will Wushu be an Olympic Sport?
   
   Currently, the 97 member-nation IWUF has applied for the inclusion of Wushu to be a competition event in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This application was filed on December 20, 2001 and is fully supported by the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee and the Chinese Government.
   
   The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will probably announce the decision after the Athens Olympics (2004) in 2005.
   
   As this effort progresses, our members will be kept up to date on this important development.
   
   Back to Top
   
    
8. Where can I find a Wushu, Kungfu, or Tai Chi training center near me?
   
   The USCTF maintains a directory of schools which offer a great variety of programs which are right for you. For schools that would like to be in our directory, we offer an easy online form to request addition.
   
   Just click here to go to the School Directory page.
   
   Back to Top
   
    
9. How can I try out to be a U.S. Wushu Team Member?
   
   The U.S. Wushu Team trials will be announced by the USCTF and are open to all members who meet the competition requirements.
   
   Please click here for more information of the U.S. Wushu Team trials.
   
   Back to Top
   
    
10. How frequent are tryouts for the U.S. Wushu Team?
    
    The tryouts for the U.S. Wushu Team are held every two years on the odd numbered years. The next team trial will be held in 2005. Selected members remain on the team for a period of two years and they are eligible to participate in the official World and Continental Championships.
    
    Before the team trials, selection criteria will be announced and posted on the USCTF website. To view the 2003 team trial selection criteria, please click here.
    
    If you would like to be on the U.S. Wushu Team, all you need to do is meet the following requirements:
    
    - Be a member in good standing of the USCTF
    - A citizen of the United States of America
    - In good health
    - If selected, must be able to compete at the World Wushu Championships
    
    Back to Top
    
     
11. What is the selection process for officials within the USCTF infrastructure?
    
    When talented people are identified by the membership or officials of the USCTF, they are nominated to the Board of Directors for a position within the organization.
    
    The nomination requires a description of the nominee, a description of the position they will be filling, an overview of the skills the nominee will bring to the position, and a current resume.
    
    After the Board of Directors reviews the nomination, they will vote on the nomination. If the board agrees, the new official is confirmed.
    
    Back to Top
    
     
12. How do I become a USCTF Volunteer?
    
    The USCTF has a dedicated group of volunteers who bring their talents and energy to the goal of promoting Wushu and Kungfu in the United States.
    
    If you want to join our team, submit a resume with both your experience in the Martial Arts and any other areas of expertise which might be helpful. In addition, please submit references such as co-workers, coaches, teachers, or managers. The e-mail address for applying to be a volunteer is: usctf@usctf.org
    
    We have various projects and activities that may be perfect for your skills!
    
    The experience of being a volunteer for the USCTF will provide you with the chance of working with some of the top people in the world of Wushu and Kungfu. In addition, the new friends you make can improve your skills in the Martial Arts arena!
    
    Back to Top
    
     
13. I forgot to renew my membership. Where do I sign up?
    
    Renewing your membership or joining the USCTF is now even easier! In addition to the great information you can find on the USCTF web site, we have developed an online application form.
    
    Just click here to go to the Online Application to renew your membership or become a member today!
    
    Back to Top