Adult Kung Fu and Traditional Martial Arts in Asheville
Choose the Training Path That Speaks to You
Dragon Phoenix offers structured adult training in three distinctive Chinese martial arts: Cheng Baguazhang, Chen Taijiquan, and Baoding Shuai Jiao.
Each system develops the body and mind in a different way. You may be drawn to the spiraling movement of Baguazhang, the internal power and traditional forms of Chen Tai Chi, or the fast, practical throwing methods of Shuai Jiao.
You do not need previous martial arts experience to begin. Each program provides a clear entry point for new students and a curriculum that can support years of continued study.
Three Traditional Arts. Three Different Paths.
Circular Movement, Strategy, and Internal Kung Fu
Cheng Baguazhang is a sophisticated internal martial art known for circle walking, spiraling movement, rapid changes of direction, and the ability to move around an opponent rather than meeting force directly.
Students begin by developing the stepping, posture, coordination, and body mechanics needed to understand the art. The curriculum then progresses through the Eight Turning Palms, Eight Mother Palms, partner exercises, martial applications, traditional weapons, and advanced study.
Baguazhang may be a strong fit for you when you are interested in:
Circular and spiraling movement
Strategy, geometry, and body mechanics
Traditional Chinese Kung Fu
Internal development and meditation
A rare martial art with a deep long-term curriculum
Dragon Phoenix teaches Cheng Baguazhang through the lineage of Dong Haichuan, Cheng Tinghua, Cheng Yousheng, Sun Zhijun, Li Chunling, and Shifu Aaron Dison.
Beginners enter through Cheng Baguazhang Level 1.
Internal Power, Traditional Forms, and Martial Application
Chen Taijiquan is the original family style of Tai Chi. It combines slow, controlled movement with spiraling power, rooted stances, changes of speed, explosive expression, partner training, and practical martial applications.
Students begin with relaxation, posture, silk-reeling exercises, standing practice, and the foundational movements of the traditional Laojia Yilu form. Over time, the curriculum expands into push hands, applications, advanced forms, weapons, meditation, and deeper internal development.
Chen Tai Chi may be a strong fit for you when you are interested in:
Improving balance, coordination, and body awareness
Developing relaxation without becoming physically passive
Traditional Tai Chi forms and principles
Martial applications and internal power
A practice that can deepen throughout your lifetime
Shifu Aaron Dison studies Chen Taijiquan under Master Chen Bing, a twentieth-generation representative of the Chen family tradition from Chen Village.
Beginners enter through Chen Tai Chi Level 1.
Fast Throws, Dynamic Balance, and Chinese Wrestling
Shuai Jiao is the traditional art of Chinese jacket wrestling. Training develops the ability to disrupt an opponent’s balance and execute clean, decisive throws while remaining standing and in control.
Our Baoding Shuai Jiao curriculum emphasizes kuài shuāi, or fast throwing—the principle of winning the grip and completing the throw before the opponent has time to establish a defense.
Classes include stance and movement training, gripping methods, breakfalls, balance disruption, entries, throwing mechanics, combinations, conditioning, and controlled partner practice.
Shuai Jiao may be a strong fit for you when you are interested in:
Wrestling, grappling, or stand-up throwing
Practical partner training
Athletic movement and conditioning
Learning to control balance and momentum
A direct and energetic martial arts experience
Beginners are welcome. Training takes place on mats, and a Shuai Jiao jacket can be borrowed for your first class.
Adult Shuai Jiao classes are taught by James Richards.
Which Martial Art Should You Choose?
There is no single correct path. The best program is the one that matches the kind of movement, challenge, and training experience you are looking for.
Choose Cheng Baguazhang when you are drawn to:
Spiraling movement, strategic footwork, traditional Kung Fu, internal cultivation, and a complex long-term system.
Choose Chen Taijiquan when you are drawn to:
Balance, whole-body coordination, traditional forms, internal power, meditation, and martial applications.
Choose Shuai Jiao when you are drawn to:
Throws, gripping, dynamic partner training, athletic movement, wrestling, and immediate physical problem-solving.
You are also welcome to explore more than one system. Each art has its own curriculum, but the principles of posture, balance, timing, awareness, and efficient movement support one another.
Traditional Training Made Accessible
The martial arts taught at Dragon Phoenix contain advanced ideas, but beginners are not expected to arrive with advanced abilities.
Our programs are organized so that students can build progressively:
Foundations → Level 1 → Level 2 → Applications → Weapons → Advanced Study
Shifu Aaron Dison holds a master’s degree in education and has built the Dragon Phoenix curriculum around clear explanations, progressive instruction, repetition, and attention to individual development.
You will not be expected to learn everything at once. Your first task is simply to begin.
What to Expect in Your First Class
Your first class is an opportunity to experience the training, meet the instructor, and decide whether the program feels right for you.
You do not need to be flexible, athletic, coordinated, or already familiar with martial arts. Wear comfortable exercise clothing and arrive ready to learn.
During your trial, you will:
Join an actual beginner-level class
Learn introductory movements and principles
Meet members of the Dragon Phoenix community
Ask questions about the curriculum
Receive guidance on the best path for your goals
There is no charge for your first class and no pressure to enroll.
Begin Your Training at Dragon Phoenix
Authentic martial arts are not learned through shortcuts. They are developed gradually through consistent practice, skilled instruction, and direct experience.
Whether you are searching for a traditional Kung Fu system, a lifelong internal practice, or a dynamic throwing art, your path can begin here.
Book Your Free Trial Class
Choose Cheng Baguazhang, Chen Tai Chi, or Shuai Jiao from the schedule below and reserve your first class.
