Dragon Phoenix Online Academy

Gain access to and learn real Internal Kung Fu from top lineages with all of the details

To sign up - Click the button above and sign up for the Dragon Phoenix Online Academy. You will be able to log in through the Student Login page on this website or through the free Gymdesk app. Request to join our private Facebook group - Dragon Phoenix Online Academy, and shoot me an email to say Hi and introduce yourself - aaron@dragonphoenix.org. I’m looking forward to helping you along on your journey.

*Please excuse the overabundance of information, repetition, typos and lack of visual stimuli, This page has recently been put together and will be sorted to look prettier at a later date.

There is no fine print

Pricing is $60/month and you’re in. We’re doing a soft launch right now to work out bugs and get feedback from students about how to improve so for 2025 the pricing is only $45/month, when 2026 rolls around regular pricing will kick in. We use a program called Gymdesk to help manage things at our school. Contained within it is a Student Portal area where we have created the Online Academy to be housed. When you are ready to begin your studies with us all you have to do is to sign up as a member and to choose the Online Academy membership. I am still working on some parts of the software side of things, so when you sign up for the Online Academy I will need for you to email me at aaron@dragonphoenix.org to notify me of your enrollment so that I can manually give you access to all of the level 1 content. Your account can be accessed by logging in to the Student Login section of this website, or by downloading the Gymdesk app and signing in through there. Instructional videos can be slowed down, or mirrored to another device. As we are in our initial soft launch phase right now, please give me feedback as to how you feel your progress is coming along. What do you like about the videos? What do you think is lacking? What questions or suggestions do you have? I have been slowly working on the back end of this over the past 2 years with the anticipation of launching our online academy and with the encouragement and inspiration from others we’re ready to kick things off the ground and get started. I wish you the greatest success and am here to support you along the way. The door is open, its up to you to walk through.

What makes this program credible?

Shifu Aaron Dison is 6th Generation Baguazhang Master (5th generation Cheng Baguazhang). My Shifu is Li Chunling, one of the top disciples of the late Sun Zhijun. You can find more info on my Bio page for more full details. Shifu Li has told me that because of how quickly and deeply I have learned, there are many things that she has not necessarily taught many of her other disciples. From the very beginning of working with her she told me that I am very talented in Baguazhang (to be fair I had been studying other styles for many years and already had Dragon Phoenix where I teach full time, so that certainly helped accelerate my learning curve. Also I love Baguazhang, that is one of the secrets to gaining a high degree of proficiency in any discipline). Shifu Li has gotten a lot of criticism from people in China for openly teaching non Chinese students as she has shared many videos of me training with her on her Chinese social media accounts. “You remember it was a foreigner who killed Cheng Tinghua, how can you teach a foreigner?!” among other comments. She tells me she doesn’t care and to just ignore those people. The fact that she has many students all over the world as well as the accomplishments of her students prove that she is a great Shifu, and I agree. In many circles, much of what I study and teach is considered secret information that is very rarely shared. One interesting thing I have seen from some teachers in China is that they have seen some of these great styles of Kung Fu start to disappear. The cultural revolution was a devastating blow to Kung Fu, and many young people in China are more interested in technology and western style gyms and martial arts. It is for some of these reasons as well as the fact that I am her disciple that she teaches me everything I am willing to and open to learning. I am not Chinese, but am honored to learn these great arts. Instead of letting some of these arts disappear, I know that I can at the least act as a placeholder to be able to give back to Chinese students who wish to learn, but do not have access to these arts or a qualified teacher where they live. Shifu Li has told me that she teaches exactly as her master Sun Zhijun taught her and that she has not changed a thing. I do the same and teach exactly as my Shifu has taught me and do not change or alter anything I teach. It is important to study and learn Kung Fu correctly and not assume that you know better than something you do not yet understand the full extent of. Some of my feelings about Kung Fu secrets is that they are not necessarily kept secret, its that you are not able to understand them until you reach a certain level by putting in the time, energy, and effort, being a good listener, and “emptying your cup”. Sun Zhijun’s Baguazhang has been widely considered the most pure/true to the original branch of Cheng Baguazhang in accordance with what Cheng Tinghua developed. So when you study Cheng Baguazhang at Dragon Phoenix, you are learning real Cheng Baguazhang as it has been handed down through the generations. This is real Baguazhang.

Traditionally you can only be a disciple under one Master. Baguazhang is my number 1 style, but I have also have had many doors open up for me with Chen Taijiquan. After being taught improperly I was very determined to track down correct Chen Taijiquan. I have studied every document, lecture, and instructional material from the Chen family I was able to get my hands on to correct my Taiji while I was tracking down a proper teacher. After a few years and much searching I was able to begin my studies under Master Chen Bing of Chenjiagou. Chen Bing is the protégé of master Chen Xiaowang, grew up in Chen Village, and was trained by the highest level Chen Taiji masters from a very young age. I was very honored and flattered when first working with him when he told me that my Taiji was already very good. I continue to learn and study with him with permission from my Baguazhang Shifu so that I can take my Taiji to even higher levels.

I began my Xing Yi studies with Sifu Mark Small, who is an inner door disciple of Chen Youching, son of the great Chen Panling. The Chen Panling Xingyi system as described to me by Sifu Mark is a barebones system to teach quick efficiency, and Chen Panling, as he writes in his Taijiquan book, wanted to compile a system more for sport and exercise. After becoming a disciple under Shifu Li, I later started to learn a more traditional and detailed lineage of Xing Yi as was taught to her by her Shifu. Sun Zhijun learned from Cheng Youxin, who learned from Li Cunli, who was an esteemed disciple of the founder of Xing Yi Li Lunung. In all honestly Xingyi is number 3 for me as far as the internal styles go so the material from this style will be more slowly forthcoming in the Dragon Phoenix Online Academy. As with my Baguazhang instruction, this lineage is also very detail oriented, which is where the power and application becomes revealed.

One of the things that led me down this path to begin with was Dao philosophy. I remember being a high school kid sitting in a history class back in the 90s and seeing a very short paragraph in the textbook that mentioned Dao philosophy. It intrigued my interest so I would go to bookstores and start to buy and read any book I could find on the topic. That kept on and on as my library has continued to grow. I teach Dao philosophy in my classes, as I feel that it is an important part of Internal Kung Fu. It helps give guidance of the mind and spirit that leads us to higher levels of Kung Fu. Through the decades I have studied the I Ching, Internal Alchemy, and have studied all of the classics. I include lectures from my classes in the curriculum for this online academy because I feel that anyone studying here will gain a lot through them and that it will help you to better understand your Kung Fu. There are many ways people go about studying Dao. Many get deep into energy, feeling, and metaphysical. I take a very commonsense approach that I feel is much more in harmony with Dao. It just is: it is very simple, and we all are. You can take it or leave it The Dao is attainable by all and enlightenment is just waiting for you. I hope you will join me on my path as I help you to illuminate yours.

In the past I have studied with American teachers who decided to make changes to styles, or had their own interpretations to the styles. I found that when this was done, the essence of the art was lost and that I started sustaining injuries. Because of this it has been very important for me to learn true, correct, traditional Kung Fu from the trunk of the lineage tree. I have done the hard work tracking down specific teachers, studying, learning, and dedicating my life to the art. I now have the pleasure of being able to share it with you. As a disciple I feel it is my duty to share and spread Internal Kung Fu so that it can continue to flourish and help people live healthier and more productive lives. I’m not going to lie to you, what you will learn here is difficult. Kung Fu does mean Hard Work after all. My background as a school teacher has helped me to develop ways to better communicate and teach these styles so that they are easier to learn. I wish you great success on your path. My job is not to hold back students or withhold information, but instead to shine a light on their path to help them fulfil their goals.

Paths of Learning

Cheng Baguazhang

We start with videos teaching you some fundamental concepts and training exercises as well as the 8 Turning Palms, or Old 8 Palms. The 8 Turning Palms form is a foundational form, it teaches foundational concepts along with some of the physics of how Baguazhang works. It is not a combat form, but combat application can be found inside of it. Application is shown so that students can grasp a greater concept of what is happening. Without combat application you’re just waving your arms around or doing exercise.

Once you successfully learn the 8 Turning Palms, work begins on the 8 Mother Palms. You also open the possibility to learn one of the Baguazhang weapons; Moon Knives, Dao, Jian, or Spear. You only get one weapon at a time, but you get to chose the order that you learn the weapons in.

64 form is saved for disciples.

Chen Taijiquan

Chen Taijiquan starts with Foundational exercises; Chan si Silk Reeling Exercises, Fang Song relaxation exercises, and Zhan Zhuang Post Standing exercises. The form you will start with is the Chen 13 form teaching the 8 methods and 5 directions (I haven’t recorded this one yet so you’ll get to jump straight into Laojia Yilu). Once you complete that form you’ll move up to Laojia Yilu (Old Frame First Form). After Laojia Yilu you will unlock weapons videos. These will be handled in the same way as Baguazhang, you only get one weapon at a time but you get to choose the order. The weapons we teach are the Jian, Dao, Spear, and Guandao. You will also now unlock Laojia Erlu, Old Frame Second Form, or Pao Choi (Cannon Fist). This is the combat side of Chen Taiji. While Laojia Yilu teaches softness and only has about 10 - 20% issuing of power, Laojia Erlu is like a machine gun going off with tons of Fajing everywhere.

I have also been studying the Xinjia (New Frame) forms with Master Chen Bing, but don’t feel ready to teach them. They’ll come along eventually, but likely not any time in 2026

Xingyiquan

Xingyi unfortunately is going to start out with the least amount of material. Right now I’ve only got Level 1 available. Level 1 includes the 5 Element Fists, the 5 Element Linking Form, and a 2 person form taught to me by my first Xingyi teacher. Xing Yi pairs amazingly with Baguazhang in particular, but also with the combat side of Taiji. The forms are short and sweet, but detailed and nuanced. I teach this material for my kids level 1 class because its lots of fun and builds a really solid base for the other two styles I teach. Later on I will bring in the 12 Animals and 12 Animal Linking Form as level 2 as well as weapons. I’m still working on perfecting some of the higher level details of Baguazhang with my Shifu (information I save for my disciples), and will be later picking back up my Xingyi studies to complete this system, perhaps late 2026 or 2027, perhaps earlier. When I look back each year to how much I’ve learned and grown it feels pretty astonishing, but that’s something really nice about living a life of studying Kung Fu.

Tao philosophy

You’ll start off with all of the videos available. There are no levels here and no certification. It just is. I read Lieh-tzu at the end of most of my standard classes, Lao-tzu at the end of my weapons classes, and Chuang-tzu at the end of my Pao Choi classes here at Dragon Phoenix. I ask questions, we talk, its a lovely time. I’ve just started recording these so I’ll upload new videos each week.

Included are also videos of me explaining concepts of what the I Ching is and how it works (not as a fortune telling tool, but as a series of patterns that explain nature and patterns in nature), some of the lesser known Dao philosophers, and Internal Alchemy. I take a commonsense simple approach to this material. I’m not a guru or anything like that, just another human being like everyone else. I don’t get super metaphysical, cultish, or ultra spiritual. That’s just not me, and it doesn’t feel very Dao either.

Earning certifications and leveling up

You will start with access to all level 1 material in Baguazhang, Taiji, and Xing Yi. In order to progress to the next level and unlock new material you will need to submit videos clearly demonstrating your ability to perform said material. We will respond back with notes and feedback as to if your material is passing and/or where it still needs some work. We expect for you to submit a minimum of 1 video per month for accountability. It can be just what you are working on and not for certification’s sake. I want to know all of my students; your personality, what you look like, and how you move. There is a small promotion fee for each time you level up/achieve certification. The The standard certificate/level up is $30, and Black Sash is $75. Discipleship is its own thing that is a bit more complex to stay in accordance with tradition.

Beginner vs Advanced practitioner

Two valid concerns. If you are a beginner who is new to this, then you’re in good hands. Prior to opening Dragon Phoenix in 2014 I was an elementary school teacher with a Master’s degree in Education. I take what I learned as a school teacher and am able to break complex concepts down into much more simple ideas. I know many martial arts schools won’t teach you Baguazhang until you have studied X number of years or hit a certain rank. I’m happy to teach beginners who have never learned before. We’re one of the very few schools in the US that teaches a full Internal Kung Fu system to kids. They get it and they look good too, the funny thing is that most of them don’t realize how good they really are and what it actually is that they are learning, they just really enjoy it and love Kung Fu. When I structure lessons I layer them so that there is something for each level. The beginners get the general concept, and there are plenty of details for advanced students as well.

If you’ve been doing this a while, then you may have a pretty fast learning curve and that’s excellent. You can progress as quickly (or slowly) as you like. Much of the information is sequential and builds on previous information, so it is important that things go in order. You’ll start with all of the paths open to you (Baguazhang, Taijiquan, and Xingyiquan). Once you complete a level of a path, the next level of that path opens up to you with more material to work on.

Certifications

For each level of material, you will earn certification of having learned this material. This is not declaring you a master or stating a high degree of proficiency, it simply is saying that this is material that you know and have learned under our program. If you wish to teach the material that you are certified in please talk with me first. It is my goal to train students to become teachers, I want you to teach. I also want to know what you are teaching and in what capacity, your students will be my grandstudents after all and I want for you to be successful.

Black Sash

We also offer the rank of Black Sash for both Baguazhang and Taijiquan. To earn the rank of Black Sash in Baguazhang. To earn the rank of Black Sash in Baguazhang you must have first earned certificate of learning for the 8 Turning Palms and the 8 Mother Palms. From there you will need to take your material to a higher level. It will need to show detail of understanding and fluency in both of these forms. Black Sash is a medium level and the requirement to teach this material at Dragon Phoenix. After attaining Black Sash it is highly recommended that you start to teach this material so that you can obtain the higher levels of understanding to grow further in your studies. For the rank of Black Sash in Taijiquan you will need to earn certificates of learning in Laojia Yilu as well as Laojia Erlu, and then take your movement to a medium level of proficiency as well.

Discipleship

Yes, we do offer the path to discipleship through our program. Discipleship is chosen by the student, not the Master. It is chosen by how you show up and your dedication. It is only offered to students who have first learned the 8 turning palms in Baguazhang. The Chinese word for disciple also translates to Apprentice, you are a Master in training. You will be taught to a higher level of detail and receive a discounted tuition rate. Disciples will be required to study in person at least once a year and will need to come to Asheville for discipleship ceremony. This is a serious undertaking that is a lifetime commitment to the art, and you will become a certified lineage bearer. Disciples are taken in and considered as family members. If and when this is a path that you desire to take, reach out to me directly and we will have a discussion about it to see if you truly feel like it is the path for you. As a disciple you will be expected teach in some capacity and follow my instruction explicitly for preservation of the lineage. Disciples are also taught how to teach and guided along their path. You are in my care and are my responsibility, I will care for you and help to open more doors for you. I built Dragon Phoenix from scratch in 2014 after being a school teacher for 8 years with a Master’s degree in education. I will help to guide you to the best of my capability to help you achieve your goals and dreams as a Master.

Private instruction

Private instruction is available, both in person as well as through Zoom and will be made available in 2026. The reason for the time delay is so that all the other components of our program can be put into place effectively. Private lesson rates are $125/hr.

Submitting videos

For submitting videos you will upload to your Google Drive and then share with me at aaron@dragonphoenix.org. Easy.

Becoming a teacher with the material you learn here

One of our goals is to create teachers who can bring this into their schools and help share Internal Kung Fu. If you are a teacher or would like to become one, let us know. Teaching is really the best way to learn. I already had a school and was teaching other styles when I started working with my Shifu. She appreciated this about me and encouraged me to teach what I was learning from her. I credit this for some of my accelerated learning speed in Baguazhang and encourage others to do the same. Your certification will speak for itself. If you have a certificate of proficiency, then you can teach the basic understanding of it, but can’t really claim to know more beyond that. When you attain Black Sash, then you will have a solid understanding to teach. I feel that once you reach this level you really need to get out and start teaching to further progress your personal development. If you become one of my disciples, it is your duty to teach in some capacity.

What your experience will look like

Private Facebook Group

We have a private Facebook group called Dragon Phoenix Online Academy, you are highly encouraged to join. This is where you can be part of your community and interact with your Kung Fu brothers and sisters and also another way to reach out and ask questions. Different teachers have different teaching philosophies. Many of them discourage students from helping one another, but I’m pretty different in this regard. Its not about holding a student back or withholding information. Its about helping the student to grow. In my classes I encourage students to help each other out. I want to see all of my students be successful. I feel the sign of a successful teacher, and what a teacher’s true goal should be is to have your students surpass you.

Monthly Zoom Group Conference Calls

We have these the 2nd Friday of the month each month from 2-3pm Eastern time. This is where you get to ask anything in real time. We’ll talk, perhaps have some tea, and get to know each other. You’re not required to attend, but It will be great to see your face and to get to know you more as a learner. Consider this my community office hours.

Zoom lessons and in person lessons

Starting in 2026 I will start to be able to offer in person and Zoom private lessons. The rate for students is $125/hr. for disciples its $100/hr. The reason for the delay is that I want to make sure I’m giving the launch of this program the proper attention, and that I’m currently building a training area on my property (doing most of the work myself so its going slower). We have a lot of classes happening throughout the week at Dragon Phoenix taught by many teachers so even though I may be free, the school may be in use.

Visiting Dragon Phoenix in person

If you’re in the Asheville, NC area I’d love for you to stop by some time and say hello. Just give me a heads up first to find out a good time because I may be busy teaching students or have something else going on. I won’t have time to talk all day or go out to lunch because my work keeps me extremely busy, but it will be nice to meet you in person.

Other info

I’ve gotten some feedback about various other programs like ours across the web and have seen how they can be structured in different ways. How I have structured this program is very much how I teach. I let the student determine what kind of student they wish to be. Some students will practice here and there for fun and learn some basics, and others will be dedicated, practice often, and level up quickly. You get to decide how much you learn, what you get out of our program, and what level you attain. I am here to help guide you and provide the path.

We use an amazing program called Gymdesk to manage our school. It manages communication through text and email, and hosts the student portal where all of your instructional material is housed. You will have login information through our website to access your account in Gymdesk. If you have questions or concerns, email or text. I usually respond pretty quickly, but do take time for myself on the weekends to unplug. As much as I love Kung Fu, I know that it is important to take breaks to spend time with friends and be a regular human being.

Coming 2026

Baguazhang - Moon Knives, Dao, Spear, Jian, Applications, 64 form (only taught to disciples)

Taiji - Laojia Erlu, Jian, Dao, Spear, Push Hands, 13 form, Applications

Understanding the I Ching

Dao philosophy lectures

(all material I know and teach, I just am still working on creating the content to post to the portal)