KUNG FU FOR KIDS AND TEENS AGES 7–14
Help Your Child Build Confidence, Focus, and Self-Discipline
At Dragon Phoenix, children learn authentic Chinese kung fu in a patient, encouraging environment where they are known as individuals. Through thoughtful instruction, meaningful challenges, and steady progress, students learn to believe in themselves, persevere through difficulty, and become masters of their own actions.
Beginner classes meet Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 4:00–5:00 p.m. in North Asheville/Woodfin. Families may choose the two days that work best for them.
Dragon Phoenix’s youth program was developed by Shifu Aaron Dison, M.Ed., and is taught by a carefully trained team of instructors and advanced student leaders.
More Than Another
After-School Activity
You want your child to become more confident, focused, resilient, and responsible—not simply learn how to punch and kick.
At Dragon Phoenix, kung fu is a path of personal development. Students learn to listen carefully, work through frustration, take responsibility for their choices, and keep trying when something feels difficult.
We teach structure without intimidation and discipline without humiliation. Children are expected to give their best effort, treat others with respect, and gradually become more capable of guiding their own behavior.
Every student develops at a different pace. Some children learn quickly. Others need more repetition, encouragement, or time. What matters most is a positive attitude and a willingness to try.
Our goal is not to make every child the same.
Our goal is to help each child become stronger, steadier, and more fully themselves.
The result is a martial arts education that challenges children while giving them the support they need to succeed.
Skills That Reach Far Beyond the Training Floor
Kung fu gives children a meaningful way to practice the qualities that help them succeed at home, at school, and throughout life. At Dragon Phoenix, students develop these qualities through consistent training, thoughtful guidance, and challenges they can gradually learn to overcome.
Children do not need to arrive confident, coordinated, or naturally disciplined. Those are qualities they can develop through training.
A Different Kind of Martial Arts School
Dragon Phoenix combines authentic Chinese martial arts with thoughtful, child-centered teaching. Students are challenged to grow, but they are never treated as though every child should learn, respond, or progress in exactly the same way.
Our instructors teach with patience, clarity, kindness, and high expectations. We want children to become capable, responsible, and self-directed—not merely compliant while an adult is watching.
Master’s degree in education · Former elementary teacher · Authentic lineage-based curriculum · Trained instructor team · No long-term contracts
A Comfortable First Step
Trying a new activity can feel exciting, but it can also feel uncertain—especially for a child entering an unfamiliar space.
At Dragon Phoenix, the first class is designed to feel welcoming, active, and low-pressure. Your child will not be expected to already know how to stand, move, or behave like an experienced martial artist. They simply need to arrive with a positive attitude and a willingness to try.
What to expect
1. A Warm Welcome
When you arrive, an instructor will greet your family, show you around the school, and help your child understand where to put their belongings and how the class works.
2. Join the Class Right Away
New students participate with the group rather than sitting on the sidelines. They may begin with a warm-up game, basic movement exercise, or introductory kung fu technique.
3. Clear, Patient Guidance
Instructors demonstrate each activity and help students one step at a time. Children are encouraged to ask questions, try again, and learn at their own pace.
4. Parents May Stay and Watch
Parents are welcome to observe the entire first class. There is no need to leave before you and your child feel comfortable.
5. A Simple Conversation Afterwards
After class, we will ask how your child enjoyed the experience and answer any questions you have. There is no high-pressure sales presentation and no expectation that you make an immediate decision.
Your child does not need:
Prior martial arts experience
A uniform for the first class
Exceptional coordination or athletic ability
To memorize anything before arriving
To commit to enrollment before trying the program
What to bring:
Comfortable clothes, a water bottle, and a willingness to participate.
Choose a Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday beginner class from 4:00–5:00 p.m. Parents are welcome to stay and observe.
Parents See the Difference
Families come to Dragon Phoenix for many reasons. Some want their child to become more focused or confident. Others are looking for a patient teacher, meaningful discipline, physical development, or a place where their child will feel understood.
Over time, parents often notice that the lessons learned in kung fu begin to appear beyond the training floor.
“My son has developed more social skills, has better focus and balanced emotions, and is more centered and mentally aware of his surroundings from 2 1/2 years of classes at this school.”
— Anna
“We love Dragon Phoenix Kung Fu! Aaron is an excellent instructor and very patient with our 7-year-old son who is easily distracted. Kung Fu has been very good for him in helping him learn to focus, and he has fun too!”
— Lori
“His background as an elementary school teacher shows in class. He is a positive force in the lives of my children and the practice of Kung Fu is teaching them very valuable tools and lessons.”
— Angel
“The instructors are great with kids, and it’s been amazing to watch them teach skills and focus while also making class fun.”
— Claire
“Mr. Dison is a very kind, knowledgeable teacher who emphasizes personal responsibility, self-control, and a positive attitude, and we are so glad our son is a student of his!”
— Bethany
Let your child experience the class and decide whether Dragon Phoenix feels like the right fit.
Learning to Become a Master of Yourself
At Dragon Phoenix, self-discipline means more than standing still or following instructions while a teacher is watching.
Students learn to understand their choices, take responsibility for their actions, and practice qualities that help them become dependable members of their families, schools, and communities.
Kung fu gives children a place to put these values into action. They learn that respect, perseverance, courage, patience, and self-control are not simply ideas—they are skills that become stronger through practice.
Give your child an opportunity to experience a program where physical skill and personal character develop together.
A Simple, Flexible Way to Begin
Your child can begin at any time. Start with a free trial class, then continue with the two-month beginner program if Dragon Phoenix feels like the right fit.
There are no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no pressure to enroll before your family is ready.
Try the class first. Decide about enrollment afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need prior martial arts experience?
No. Level 1 is designed for beginners. Children are introduced to the class structure, fundamental movements, and expectations one step at a time.
What ages can join?
The beginner program is designed primarily for ages 7–14. Students age 15 and older may have the option to begin in an adult class, depending on maturity, comfort, and scheduling.
What should my child wear to the free trial?
Comfortable clothes that allow easy movement are best. A T-shirt, athletic pants, and clean indoor shoes or bare feet are appropriate. A uniform is not required for the first class.
Can parents stay and watch?
Yes. Parents are welcome to observe the first class and may continue watching classes when appropriate.
What if my child is shy, easily distracted, or needs more time to learn?
That is not a problem by itself. Students learn at different speeds and in different ways. Our instructors provide repetition, encouragement, and individualized guidance.
The most important requirements are a positive attitude, respectful behavior, and a willingness to try.
Is this program highly competitive?
The primary focus is personal development, authentic martial arts training, and steady progress. Competition opportunities may be available, but children do not need to compete to succeed in the program.
Will my child be forced to spar?
No. Sparring is optional and becomes available only after a student reaches Level 2 and demonstrates sufficient control, maturity, and readiness.
When can students begin weapons training?
Weapons training is optional and generally available to students age 12 and older who are in Level 2 or Level 3 and have parental permission.
The class opens when a new weapon-training cycle begins and then closes until the next cycle.
How quickly will my child earn promotions?
There is no fixed timetable that guarantees promotion. Students advance when they demonstrate the skills, understanding, effort, and maturity required for the next level.
Some children need more time than others, and that is completely acceptable.
Ready to Let Your Child Try a Class?
The best way to understand Dragon Phoenix is to experience it.
Your child can meet the instructors, join the beginner class, and see whether the program feels like the right fit—before your family makes any enrollment decision.
Do we have to sign a contract?
No. Dragon Phoenix does not require a long-term contract.
After the two-month beginner program, tuition continues monthly. Families should provide written notice at least one week before discontinuing membership.
Are there hidden fees?
No. The page should list the known costs clearly:
Uniform purchased separately: $55
Regular promotion fee: $35
Black sash promotion fee: $75
The beginner program includes the uniform.
Can the beginner payment be divided?
Yes. Although the beginner program is usually paid in full, it may be divided into two payments when needed.
Is there a family discount?
Yes. All family members on the same account receive 10% off tuition.
What happens after the free trial?
After class, an instructor will ask how your child enjoyed the experience and answer your questions.
There is no high-pressure sales presentation. You may enroll at that time or take some time to decide.
Beginner classes meet Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 4:00–5:00 p.m. Choose the day that works best for your first visit.
Help Your Child Take the First Step
Confidence, focus, self-discipline, and resilience are not qualities children must already possess before beginning martial arts.
They are qualities that can grow through patient instruction, meaningful challenges, steady practice, and the experience of overcoming something that once felt difficult.
At Dragon Phoenix, children are welcomed as individuals. They are encouraged to work hard, learn at their own pace, treat others with respect, and gradually become more capable of guiding themselves.
Your child does not need to be naturally athletic, unusually confident, or experienced in martial arts.
They only need to be willing to try.
Meet the instructors, tour the school, and let your child join a beginner class before deciding whether to enroll.
Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays · 4:00–5:00 p.m. · Ages 7–14
Dragon Phoenix Kung Fu and Tai Chi · North Asheville/Woodfin, North Carolina
Kids Kung Fu Classes near Asheville, Weaverville, and Woodfin
Dragon Phoenix offers beginner kung fu classes for children and teens ages 7–14 in Woodfin, just north of Asheville, North Carolina.
Families travel to Dragon Phoenix from Asheville, North Asheville, Weaverville, Marshall, Burnsville, Arden, and communities throughout Western North Carolina for thoughtful instruction, authentic Chinese martial arts, and a youth program built around confidence, self-discipline, character, and long-term development.
The curriculum introduces students to Xingyiquan, Cheng Baguazhang, and Chen Taijiquan through an age-appropriate progression developed by an experienced educator and martial arts instructor.
New students may begin at any time with a free introductory class.