Questions About the Online Academy
Clear answers about membership, curriculum, video review, progression, certification, and online training.
The Dragon Phoenix Online Academy is designed for sincere students who want a structured way to study Cheng Baguazhang, Chen Taijiquan, and Daoist philosophy from anywhere. This FAQ answers the most common questions about joining, accessing your lessons, submitting videos for review, progressing through the curriculum, and working toward deeper study. If you are considering membership, this page will help you understand exactly what is included, how the Academy works, and what to expect when you begin.
Is the Online Academy Right for Me?
Can beginners participate?
Yes. Beginners are welcome. You do not need previous martial arts experience to begin studying with the Dragon Phoenix Online Academy. New students start with orientation material and shared foundations that introduce posture, alignment, balance, footwork, relaxation, coordination, and internal body mechanics.
Can I study if I do not live near Asheville?
Yes. The Online Academy is designed for students who cannot regularly train in person with a qualified instructor nearby. Lessons, community discussions, video submissions, assessments, and progression are managed through Circle, allowing students to study from anywhere while receiving instructor guidance.
Do I need previous experience in Tai Chi or martial arts?
No. Previous experience can be helpful, but it is not required. The Academy is designed for both complete beginners and experienced practitioners. Students with prior training may move through familiar material more quickly, but everyone benefits from carefully developing the foundations.
Is online training a replacement for in-person instruction?
No. In-person training, hands-on correction, partner practice, and direct contact with a qualified teacher remain deeply valuable. The Online Academy provides a serious alternative for students who do not have access to appropriate instruction nearby. It is designed to offer structure, guidance, and meaningful progression—not to make unrealistic promises about learning everything without personal practice.
Which Academy Option Is Right for Me?
Dragon Phoenix offers two ways to study through Circle. Choose the option that best fits your goals, interests, and desired depth of study.
Complete Academy
The Complete Academy is the fullest path of study. It includes both Cheng Baguazhang and Chen Taijiquan, along with shared foundations, Daoist philosophy, Circle community access, instructor guidance, video submissions, assessments, and structured progression.
$99/month with a 7-day trial
Does One Pathway include both martial arts?
No. One Pathway includes focused study in either Cheng Baguazhang or Chen Taijiquan. Students who want access to both martial-arts pathways should choose the Complete Academy.
Can I study both arts?
Yes. The Complete Academy includes both Cheng Baguazhang and Chen Taijiquan, along with the shared foundations, Daoist philosophy, community access, and full progression structure.
One Pathway
One Pathway is designed for students who want focused study in one primary art. Choose either Cheng Baguazhang or Chen Taijiquan and follow that pathway through Circle with access to the required foundations, lessons, video submissions, and instructor-guided progression.
$69/month
Choose one:
Cheng Baguazhang
Chen Taijiquan
No trial is included with the One Pathway option.
How Does the Academy Work After I Join?
Where do I access the Academy?
The Dragon Phoenix Online Academy is hosted through Circle. After enrolling, you receive access to the Academy community, orientation material, lessons, discussions, video submissions, assessments, and progression resources through your Circle account.
What should I do first?
Begin with the orientation material. It explains how the Academy is organized, how to navigate Circle, how to practice through the lessons, how to submit review videos, and how progression works. After orientation, begin the required foundations before moving into your selected pathway.
How are the lessons organized?
The curriculum is arranged in a structured sequence. Students begin with shared foundations and then follow Cheng Baguazhang, Chen Taijiquan, or both, depending on their membership option. Lessons may include demonstrations, explanations, practice assignments, applications, drills, philosophy, and supplemental material.
Can I practice at my own pace?
Yes. The Academy is designed for students with different schedules and levels of experience. You may review lessons as often as needed and develop a consistent practice routine that fits your life. Progress is flexible, but advancement still requires completing the required material, submitting the appropriate review video, and receiving instructor approval.
How does progression work?
When you reach a required proficiency assessment, submit your review video through Circle. The assessment records whether you have passed or need more practice. The next stage becomes available after the instructor reviews your submission and approves your advancement.
How Do Video Submissions and Feedback Work?
What kinds of videos can I submit?
You may submit a review video of a required lesson, a form, a section of movement, a specific posture, or another assignment identified in the curriculum. When you reach a proficiency assessment, Circle will provide the appropriate submission instructions.
Do my videos need to be professionally recorded?
No. Your videos do not need to be polished or professionally produced. They should be clear enough for the instructor to observe your movement, posture, alignment, and overall practice. A phone or basic camera is usually sufficient.
How does instructor feedback work?
Your submitted video is reviewed according to the purpose of the assignment or assessment. Feedback may address posture, alignment, coordination, body mechanics, movement quality, and areas that need more practice. The goal is to help you understand what to refine and how to continue developing.
Is video feedback included with membership?
Video feedback is included according to the terms of your Circle membership. Additional reviews beyond the included feedback may be available separately. The Academy page and Circle membership details should always be treated as the current source for the specific feedback allowance.
Do I need to pass an assessment before advancing?
Yes. When a lesson or stage requires proficiency approval, you must submit the required review video and complete the assessment process. Circle records whether you have passed or need more practice. The next stage becomes available after instructor approval.
Can I Really Learn
Martial Arts Online?
An honest answer for sincere students.
Is online training as good as in-person training?
In-person training provides valuable hands-on correction, partner practice, direct contact, and immediate physical feedback. Online training cannot completely replace those experiences. However, many students do not have access to qualified instruction in Cheng Baguazhang or Chen Taijiquan where they live. The Online Academy provides a serious way to study the foundations, principles, forms, applications, and training methods from anywhere.
What can I realistically learn online?
You can develop a meaningful foundation in posture, alignment, footwork, body mechanics, breathing, relaxation, circle walking, silk reeling, forms, applications, drills, weapons principles, and Daoist philosophy. Your progress will depend on consistent practice, careful attention, honest video submissions, and your willingness to receive correction.
Is the Online Academy a shortcut?
No. The Online Academy is not a shortcut or a quick-certification program. Internal Chinese Martial Arts require patience, repetition, humility, and long-term practice. Online training gives you structure and guidance, but you remain responsible for practicing consistently and applying the feedback you receive.
Should I also train in person?
If qualified in-person instruction is available to you, it can be a valuable addition to your online study. Hands-on practice and partner training provide experiences that cannot be fully reproduced through video. The Online Academy is especially useful for students who do not have appropriate instruction nearby and for Dragon Phoenix students who want to continue studying between in-person classes.
Can I Receive Additional Personal Instruction?
Private lessons are available when you want more direct guidance.
Are private lessons required?
No. The Online Academy is designed to stand on its own. Students can follow the curriculum, submit videos for review, and progress through the required assessments without taking private lessons.
What can private lessons help with?
Private lessons can be used to refine specific movements, review forms, address questions about body mechanics, prepare for an assessment, or receive more individualized instruction in Cheng Baguazhang or Chen Taijiquan.
Are private lessons available online?
Yes. Private lessons are available in person at Dragon Phoenix in Asheville, North Carolina, or online through Zoom.
How much do private lessons cost?
Private lessons are $125 per hour. They are separate from Online Academy membership and are not required for normal curriculum progression.
Can private lessons replace the Academy?
Private lessons and the Online Academy serve different purposes. The Academy provides the structured curriculum, lessons, community, and progression system. Private lessons provide additional individualized attention when a student wants more direct support.
What About Certification
and Discipleship?
For students who want to carry the art forward.
Is instructor certification included with membership?
No. Instructor certification is separate from ordinary Academy membership. Membership provides access to the curriculum, community, feedback, and progression system. Certification requires additional training, evaluation, demonstrated skill, understanding, consistency, character, and the ability to communicate the material responsibly.
Can I work toward becoming an instructor?
Qualified students may eventually work toward instructor development and certification. This may include proficiency assessments, testing videos, teaching demonstrations, lesson planning, and direct guidance from Shifu Aaron. Certification is earned through demonstrated ability and instructor approval; it is not awarded simply for watching lessons or completing a membership period.
What is discipleship?
Discipleship is a deeper traditional teacher-student relationship. It is not a product, automatic membership benefit, or title that can be purchased. For qualified Cheng Style Baguazhang students, the Academy may become a path toward being considered for discipleship after they demonstrate deep commitment, love for the art, strong character, and genuine understanding.
Can I join specifically to become a certified instructor or disciple?
You may have long-term aspirations in that direction, but the first responsibility is to become a sincere and capable student. Certification and discipleship develop through years of practice, study, personal conduct, and demonstrated understanding. Neither outcome is guaranteed, and both require instructor approval.
What is the responsibility of a certified instructor or disciple?
Those who are accepted for deeper development carry responsibility for practicing, teaching, and representing the art with integrity. The goal is not simply to earn a title. The goal is to preserve the quality of the tradition and help it continue responsibly.
What Happens If I Cancel?
Can I cancel my membership?
Yes. You may cancel your Online Academy membership through Circle. Your paid access will continue according to Circle’s current billing and cancellation terms, and cancellation will prevent future renewal.
What happens to my access after cancellation?
Active membership provides access to the Circle community, lessons, discussions, video submissions, assessments, and other member resources. When paid access ends, access to member-only Academy content also ends.
Will I lose certificates or advancement I have already earned?
No. Cancellation ends active membership access, but it does not erase completed assessments, earned certificates, or advancement that has already been recognized.
Can I rejoin later?
You may be able to rejoin the Academy later. Rejoining will be subject to the membership options, availability, and pricing in effect at that time.
Do I need to cancel separately through Gymdesk?
No. Circle manages Online Academy membership, billing, access, and cancellation. Gymdesk remains separate for Dragon Phoenix’s in-person school operations.
What Do I Need to Begin?
Do I need special equipment?
No. You do not need a uniform or specialized equipment to begin the foundational lessons. Students can start with comfortable clothing, a little open space, and a willingness to practice consistently. As you progress, certain lessons may introduce traditional weapons, but those are added later and are not required at the beginning.
How much space do I need?
You need enough room to stand, step, turn, and practice safely. A large studio is not required for the foundations. Clear away objects that could cause you to trip, and adjust your practice according to the space available.
Can I practice at home?
Yes. The Online Academy is designed for home practice. Many lessons can be practiced in a living room, bedroom, garage, or other safe open area. Consistency is more important than having a perfect training space.
Do I need to be physically fit or flexible?
No. You do not need advanced fitness, flexibility, or athletic experience to begin. The foundational lessons are designed to help you develop coordination, balance, posture, relaxation, and body awareness gradually. Practice within your current abilities and avoid forcing painful movements.
Do I need a partner?
No. Much of the foundational curriculum, including posture, footwork, Qigong, circle walking, silk reeling, forms, and solo drills, can be practiced alone. Some applications and partner concepts are easier to understand through in-person training, but a partner is not required to begin the Online Academy.
How Should I Practice Safely?
Are martial arts applications dangerous?
Martial applications should be studied responsibly and developed gradually. Online lessons can introduce principles, body mechanics, and training methods, but students should not test techniques recklessly or practice forceful partner work without appropriate supervision.
What should I do if I am unsure whether I am practicing correctly?
Review the lesson carefully, practice within your current ability, and submit a question or review video when appropriate. Instructor feedback can help identify what to refine before you attempt more advanced material.
Do I need to consult a doctor before beginning?
If you have a medical condition, recent injury, balance difficulty, or concern about physical activity, consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning. The Online Academy is educational and does not provide medical diagnosis or treatment.
What if I have an injury or physical limitation?
Start gently and adapt your practice to your current abilities. Do not force painful movements or attempt advanced exercises before you are ready. If a movement causes pain, stop and seek appropriate professional guidance.
Can I practice if I am older, overweight, or out of shape?
Yes. Students begin from many different physical conditions and levels of experience. The foundations can be approached gradually, with attention to posture, breathing, balance, relaxation, and comfortable movement. Progress should be steady rather than forced.
What If I Still Have Questions?
Where should I ask questions after joining?
Circle provides a place for Academy discussions and student questions. You can ask about lessons, practice methods, technical details, and how to continue through the curriculum. You may also submit review videos when feedback or assessment is required.
Can I contact Dragon Phoenix before joining?
Yes. If you have a question about membership, the curriculum, private lessons, or whether online study is right for you, contact Dragon Phoenix before enrolling. We want you to understand the Academy clearly before making a decision.
Can I begin with something free?
Yes. You can begin with the free five-video Cheng Baguazhang introduction course. It provides an opportunity to experience the teaching approach and begin learning about the Internal Chinese Martial Arts before joining the full Academy.
Where should I go next?
If you are ready to explore the curriculum, visit the Online Academy page to compare Complete Academy and One Pathway options. If you would like to experience the teaching first, begin with the free Baguazhang introduction course. If you still have questions, contact Dragon Phoenix directly.
Ready to Begin?
Choose your starting point.
You do not need to know everything before you begin. Start with the free Cheng Baguazhang introduction course, explore the Academy options through Circle, or contact Dragon Phoenix if you would like help deciding which path is right for you.
