TRADITIONAL CHEN TAIJIQUAN IN ASHEVILLE
Chen Tai Chi Classes in Asheville
Build Whole-Body Strength, Internal Connection, and Martial Skill
Chen Taijiquan is the original martial art commonly known as Chen Tai Chi—a sophisticated practice that combines flowing movement, whole-body spiral mechanics, balance, meditation, and practical martial principles.
At Dragon Phoenix, complete beginners and experienced martial artists learn through authentic lineage-based instruction in a welcoming class where everyone is encouraged to progress at their own pace.
Beginners welcome · Ages 15+ · No contract or enrollment fee
Level 1 Classes: Mondays at 1:00 PM and 6:45 PM · Thursdays at 1:00 PM
THE ORIGINAL MARTIAL ART OF TAI CHI
A Different Kind of Tai Chi
Gentle and powerful. Meditative and athletic. Traditional and practical.
Most people associate Tai Chi with slow, gentle movement practiced primarily for relaxation and health. Chen Taijiquan includes those qualities, but it also preserves the dynamic martial character of the art.
Training combines smooth, continuous movement with spiraling body mechanics, changes of pace, rooted stances, coordinated whole-body power, and carefully controlled expressions of force. Some movements are soft and expansive. Others are compact, quick, and explosive. Together, they teach the body to move as an integrated whole.
At Dragon Phoenix, we approach these skills without mystical exaggeration. Students learn how alignment, leverage, timing, rotation, balance, and efficient force transmission create the movements traditionally associated with internal power.
Chen Taijiquan can be practiced for health, personal development, meditation, martial skill, or all of these together. Each student is encouraged to pursue the aspects of the art that are most meaningful to them.
Whole-Body Movement - Learn to coordinate the legs, waist, torso, and arms so the body moves as one connected system.
Softness and Power - Develop relaxation without collapse and strength without unnecessary tension.
A Lifelong Practice - Begin with accessible foundational exercises and continue into forms, push hands, applications, weapons, and advanced study.
A PRACTICE WITH MANY PATHS
Is Chen Tai Chi Right for You?
Chen Taijiquan can serve many different goals. Some students come for martial arts, some for health and movement, and others for meditation, discipline, or a deeper connection to traditional Chinese culture.
You do not need previous experience, exceptional flexibility, or a background in athletics. You only need patience, curiosity, and a willingness to learn gradually.
Looking for a Gentler Tai Chi Class?
Chen Taijiquan can be adapted to a comfortable stance height, and students are always encouraged to listen to their bodies. However, it is a detailed and comparatively athletic form of Tai Chi.
Students with significant mobility or balance concerns may be better served by our Yang Style Tai Chi or Tai Chi for Balance classes.
A COMPLETE PRACTICE IN EVERY CLASS
What to Expect in a Chen Tai Chi Class
Each Chen Tai Chi Level 1 class follows a balanced progression from relaxation and internal preparation into form study, partner work, Daoist philosophy, and meditation.
New students are introduced to the same core principles practiced by experienced students, but at an appropriate level of detail. Because the class continually revisits the foundations, beginners can join at any time without needing to wait for a new session.
Learn One Movement—and Learn the Whole Art
At Dragon Phoenix, we study individual movements in depth because the same principles of alignment, relaxation, rotation, balance, and whole-body connection appear throughout Chen Taijiquan.
This method helps beginners understand what they are doing while giving experienced students an opportunity to refine increasingly subtle details.
Experience Chen Tai Chi for Yourself
The best way to understand Chen Taijiquan is to practice it. Join us for a free trial and experience the movement, structure, and atmosphere of the class firsthand.
AUTHENTIC LINEAGE. PRACTICAL TEACHING. LIFELONG DEPTH.
Why Study Chen Taijiquan at Dragon Phoenix?
Chen Taijiquan is difficult to find, and authentic instruction is even rarer.
At Dragon Phoenix, students learn a traditional curriculum grounded in Chen-family methods, practical body mechanics, and patient, structured teaching. The goal is not to imitate the outward appearance of a form, but to understand how alignment, relaxation, rotation, leverage, timing, and whole-body connection create efficient movement.
Complete beginners receive clear guidance from the beginning, while experienced martial artists have access to a system deep enough to support decades of study.
Authentic
Chen-Family Lineage
Aaron has studied Chen Taijiquan for more than 20 years and has taught it for more than 12 years. He continues to return for regular intensive training with Master Chen Bing, one of the foremost teachers of Chen-family Taijiquan.
Technical Precision
Small errors in alignment and movement can limit progress and contribute to unnecessary strain. Instruction emphasizes sound structure, sustainable mechanics, and careful correction so students can develop safely and effectively.
Practical Internal Mechanics
Dragon Phoenix does not rely on supernatural claims about internal power. Students learn how balance, leverage, rotation, timing, relaxation, and coordinated force transmission produce the distinctive qualities of Chen Taijiquan.
A Complete Long-Term Curriculum
Students begin with foundations, silk reeling, standing practice, Laojia Yilu, and listening push hands. Those who wish to continue can progress into competitive push hands, applications, Paochui, weapons, and instructor development.
A Living Connection to the Chen Family Tradition
Chen Taijiquan traces its recorded development to Chen Wangting and the Chen family of Chenjiagou. The Dragon Phoenix curriculum continues through the lineage represented in the chart below and through Aaron’s ongoing study with Master Chen Bing.
BEGIN WITH THE FOUNDATIONS. CONTINUE AS FAR AS YOU CHOOSE.
Your Path Through Chen Taijiquan
Every student enters through Chen Tai Chi Level 1. From there, the curriculum unfolds gradually through foundational exercises, traditional forms, partner training, martial applications, weapons, and advanced study.
You are not expected to pursue every part of the system. Some students practice primarily for health, meditation, and personal development. Others continue into push hands, applications, weapons, or instructor training. The path is deep enough to support either approach.
Everyone Begins in Level 1
You do not need to understand the entire curriculum before beginning. Level 1 is designed to give new students a clear entry point while allowing experienced practitioners to continue refining the same foundational principles at greater depth.
Progress is not based on rushing through material. Students revisit the same movements and concepts repeatedly, developing more coordination, relaxation, precision, and understanding over time.
Applications Develop
Alongside the Forms
Martial meaning is introduced in Level 1 to help students understand the purpose and mechanics of each movement. In Level 2, students explore applications with partners, competitive push hands, and controlled Taijiquan sparring.
This is better than presenting applications as something that only appears after the forms are completed. It accurately reflects how you teach.
Advanced Weapons Training
Weapons classes open to new students at the beginning of each weapon cycle. Enrollment then closes approximately one month later so the group can progress together through the material.
Priority is given to students with sufficient foundational experience. Weapons training is separate from the standard Level 1 membership and is not part of the beginner trial process.
HEALTH CULTIVATION THROUGH WHOLE-BODY MOVEMENT
Build Strength from the Inside Out
Chen Taijiquan develops the body through coordinated, intentional movement rather than isolated muscular effort. The legs establish a stable foundation, the waist organizes movement, and the upper body learns to remain connected without unnecessary tension.
Over time, students may develop greater balance, mobility, coordination, postural awareness, leg strength, cardiovascular endurance, and confidence in movement. The combination of physical practice, focused breathing, meditation, and sustained attention can also support relaxation and stress management.
Research on Tai Chi more broadly has found promising evidence for improvements in balance, functional mobility, cardiorespiratory fitness, and perceived stress. Results vary according to the population, teaching method, and consistency of practice, so these benefits should be presented as potential outcomes rather than guarantees.
Challenging Does Not Mean Punishing
Chen Taijiquan is often more athletic than people expect. Students may initially notice muscles working in unfamiliar ways because the practice asks the entire body to coordinate as one.
You do not need to use extremely low stances or force yourself through discomfort. Movements can be practiced at a comfortable height, and students are encouraged to listen to their bodies, ask questions, and progress gradually.
Which Tai Chi Class Is Best for You?
Choose Chen Tai Chi Level 1 when you want a detailed, athletic practice with traditional forms, silk reeling, push hands, meditation, and the option to pursue martial applications.
Consider Yang Style Tai Chi when you prefer a gentler introductory form with flowing movement and everyday balance awareness.
Consider Tai Chi for Balance when limited mobility, injury recovery, or an ongoing balance concern is your primary consideration.
Find the Practice That Fits Your Goals
Ready for a traditional, physically engaging approach to Tai Chi? Join a Chen Tai Chi Level 1 class and begin at your own pace.
BEGIN YOUR TRAINING
Chen Tai Chi Level 1 Classes
Complete beginners may join any Level 1 class at any time. All three classes follow the same curriculum, allowing students some flexibility when their schedules change.
Consistent attendance in the same weekly class is encouraged because it helps students build relationships with their training partners and follow the progression of instruction. However, students may attend another Level 1 class when necessary.
Weekly schedule
Monday Daytime - 1:00–2:15 PM
A smaller daytime class with room for individual attention and steady, focused practice.
Thursday Daytime - 1:00–2:15 PM
A welcoming daytime option for beginners and established students practicing the same Level 1 curriculum.
Monday Evening - 6:45–8:00 PM
An evening option for students whose work or family schedules make daytime training difficult.
All classes are held at Dragon Phoenix in Woodfin, near North Asheville.
What is included
In-person Chen Tai Chi Level 1 instruction
Access to relevant Online Academy instructional lessons
Structured guidance for beginners
Opportunities for personal correction and questions
The flexibility to attend another Level 1 session when needed
A clear pathway into Level 2 and advanced training
What is not required
No enrollment fee
No long-term contract
No previous martial arts experience
No equipment purchase for Level 1
No mandatory uniform
Uniforms are available and encouraged, but students may begin in comfortable clothing that permits unrestricted movement. Shoes are optional.
Flexible Monthly Tuition
Students choose a monthly membership based on how often they plan to train.
One Class Per Week - $100/month
A consistent weekly practice for students beginning gradually or balancing training with a busy schedule.
Two Classes Per Week - $185/month
Additional repetition and instructor guidance for students seeking steadier progress.
Three or More Classes Per Week - $270/month
Expanded access for highly dedicated students or those training across multiple eligible curriculum classes.
Your First Class
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and arrive ready to move at your own pace. You are not expected to memorize the form or understand every concept during your first visit.
New students are introduced to the foundational principles while participating alongside the established class. Questions are welcome, and movements can be practiced at a comfortable stance height.
Try Chen Tai Chi Before You Enroll
Experience the class, meet the instructor, and determine whether Chen Taijiquan fits your goals.
CHALLENGING, REWARDING, AND GROUNDED IN COMMUNITY
A Practice That Grows with You
Students come to Dragon Phoenix with different backgrounds and goals. Some are beginning martial arts for the first time. Others arrive with decades of experience. What they consistently describe is patient instruction, technical depth, meaningful challenge, and a welcoming community.
I’ve studied several styles over the years. Aaron is authentic as you can get in a kung-fu teacher. Highly recommend his school.”
— Larry
“I have been involved in martial arts for decades. Sifu Aaron and the classes at Dragon Phoenix were some of the best martial arts training in my life. He teaches from both the heart and the mind. He explains and demonstrates in a way that is enlightening.”
— Laurent
“I have discovered many friends in our community of Tai Chi—we check in on each other—and so it is much more personal and caring than a big-box gym. Tai Chi has been excellent for my balance, my mind, and my flexibility.”
— Rachel
See What the Practice Feels Like
You do not need to decide whether Chen Taijiquan is a lifelong path before beginning. Start with one free class, meet the community, and experience the training for yourself.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT BEGINNING CHEN TAI CHI
Chen Tai Chi Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chen Tai Chi suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. All new students begin in Chen Tai Chi Level 1, and beginners may join at any time. The class continually revisits foundational principles, so you can learn alongside established students without needing to wait for a new session.
Is Chen Tai Chi physically difficult?
Chen Taijiquan is often more athletic and technically complex than people expect. It develops leg strength, coordination, balance, mobility, and whole-body connection. However, students work at their own pace and do not need to use extremely low stances.
Do I need previous martial arts experience?
No. Previous experience is not required. Complete beginners receive clear instruction in posture, relaxation, movement, and foundational exercises. Experienced martial artists can also find substantial depth in the system.
What is the difference between Chen Tai Chi and Yang Tai Chi?
Chen Taijiquan includes the slow, flowing movement commonly associated with Tai Chi, but it also preserves pronounced spiral mechanics, changes of speed, martial applications, push hands, and explosive power training.
Yang Style Tai Chi is generally a better choice for students seeking a gentler introductory form or those with more significant mobility concerns.
Am I too old to begin?
There is no upper age limit. Adults can begin at many stages of life, provided the class is appropriate for their current physical needs.
Chen Tai Chi Level 1 is best suited to students who are comfortable with a moderately active standing practice. Those with significant balance or mobility limitations may be better served by Tai Chi for Balance or Yang Style Tai Chi.
Is the first class free?
Yes. Your first Chen Tai Chi Level 1 class is free. Reserve your place through the curriculum trial-class page and select Chen Tai Chi Level 1 from the available options.
Does membership include online instruction?
Local students receive access to relevant Online Academy instructional material that supports what they are learning in class.
Do I have to perform low stances?
No. Students may practice at a comfortable stance height. Lower stances can increase the physical demand, but depth is never more important than sound alignment and sustainable movement.
Do I have to participate in fighting or sparring?
No. Martial meaning is discussed in Level 1 because it helps students understand how the movements work, but beginners are not required to pursue combat training.
Students who choose to continue into Level 2 may study applications, competitive push hands, and controlled Taijiquan sparring.
What is silk reeling?
Silk-reeling exercises are slow, spiraling movements that teach the body to coordinate through the legs, waist, torso, and arms. They are foundational to the connected movement and rotational mechanics of Chen Taijiquan.
What is push hands?
Push hands is a partner-training method that develops sensitivity, balance, timing, relaxation, structure, and awareness of changing pressure.
Level 1 begins with gentle cooperative listening exercises. More competitive training is introduced later.
How long does it take to learn Laojia Yilu?
A consistent beginner generally takes about one year to learn the full external sequence of the traditional 74-movement form.
Learning the sequence is only the beginning. Students continue refining posture, relaxation, timing, coordination, power, and internal connection for many years.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows unrestricted movement. A uniform is encouraged but not required. Shoes are optional.
Can I attend different Level 1 classes?
Yes. All three Level 1 classes follow the same curriculum. Students may move between the Monday daytime, Thursday daytime, and Monday evening classes when necessary.
Consistency with one class is encouraged because it helps students follow the instructional rhythm and develop relationships with regular training partners.
What does tuition cost?
Monthly tuition is:
$100 for one class per week
$185 for two classes per week
$270 for three or more classes per week
There is no enrollment fee or long-term contract.
What age may students begin?
The minimum age for the adult Chen Tai Chi program is 15.
SUPPORT YOUR IN-PERSON PRACTICE
Continue Learning Between Classes
Local students receive access to relevant Dragon Phoenix Online Academy lessons that support the material taught in class.
These instructional videos allow students to review individual movements, revisit foundational exercises, and practice at home with greater confidence. They are designed to reinforce in-person instruction—not replace the value of direct correction, partner work, and training with the class.
For students who live too far from Woodfin or cannot attend local classes consistently, the Dragon Phoenix Online Academy also provides a structured path for studying Chen Taijiquan remotely.
BEGIN WHERE YOU ARE
Take Your First Step into Chen Taijiquan
You do not need previous experience, perfect coordination, or a long-term commitment to begin.
Join a free Chen Tai Chi Level 1 class, learn the foundational movements, meet the training community, and experience the practice for yourself.
No contract. No enrollment fee. No equipment required.
Just come prepared to learn at your own pace.