Sword Yoga in Asheville, NC
Find Your Flow. Wield Your Power.
Experience an empowering fusion of yoga and traditional Chinese straight sword movement. Build core strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and confidence while learning to move with grace, focus, and purpose.
Saturdays at 10:15 AM · $20 Drop-In · Swords Provided
Complete beginners are welcome. Class size is limited to eight students, so advance reservation is required.
Certified Yoga Instructor · Authentic Chinese Sword Foundations · Small-Group Instruction
A Unique Fusion of Yoga and Chinese Sword Arts
Sword Yoga combines the mindful movement, mobility, and body awareness of yoga with techniques drawn from traditional Chinese straight sword training.
Created by certified yoga instructor Emily Dison in collaboration with Dragon Phoenix founder Aaron Dison, the class incorporates foundations from Chen Tai Chi straight sword and traditional kung fu jian.
The Chinese straight sword, called the jian, is known for its grace, precision, fluidity, and refined control. Students explore these qualities through an empowering practice that develops strength, flexibility, coordination, focus, and confidence.
This is not simply yoga performed while holding a sword. Students learn genuine foundational sword movements adapted into a safe and accessible class for modern practitioners.
No previous yoga, martial arts, or sword experience is required.
Strength, Grace, Focus, and Confidence
Sword Yoga engages the entire body while training the mind to remain calm, attentive, and deliberate. The combination of yoga and Chinese straight sword movement creates a practice that develops physical fitness, coordination, mobility, and confidence at the same time.
This Class May Be for You If…
Sword Yoga welcomes complete beginners, experienced yogis, martial arts students, active older adults, and anyone curious about
learning to move with a sword.
You May Love Sword Yoga If…
practice yoga and want to explore something more dynamic
have always wanted to learn sword work
are drawn to warrior, priestess, martial, or contemplative movement
want an empowering alternative to an ordinary fitness class
are interested in Chinese martial arts but prefer a softer entry point
want to improve balance, strength, mobility, and coordination
enjoy movement practices that combine physical skill with mental focus
are visiting Asheville and looking for a memorable local experience
You Do Not Have to Be…
You do not have to be flexible, athletic, experienced, or young to begin.
Students are encouraged to work within their own abilities. The class can accommodate a broad range of ages and fitness levels, from young teenagers to active older adults.
No prior yoga, martial arts, or sword experience is required.
You Do Not Need
Previous yoga experience
Martial arts or sword training
Exceptional flexibility
Advanced fitness
Your own sword
A uniform or special clothing
A long-term commitment
What We Provide
A Sword for Class
Practice swords are available for every student. You may attend your first class without purchasing or bringing any equipment.
Clear Beginner Instruction
Emily guides students through the foundational movements and explains how to practice safely and comfortably.
A Small-Group Environment
Class is limited to eight students, allowing for more individual attention than a large fitness or yoga class.
Room to Progress at Your Own Pace
Every student begins with a different level of mobility, coordination, and confidence. The goal is steady personal development—not competition or performance.
Complete beginners are welcome. Swords are provided, and reservations are made one class at a time.
No Experience Needed. We Provide the Sword.
Sword Yoga was created to be accessible to complete beginners. You do not need previous experience in yoga, martial arts, fitness training, or sword work to participate.
Emily introduces the movements progressively, beginning with safe handling, basic positions, body alignment, and simple transitions. Students are encouraged to work at a level appropriate for their own bodies rather than forcing deep postures or trying to keep pace with someone else.
Interested in Owning Your Own Sword?
Students who want to practice at home may purchase a personal jian through Dragon Phoenix. A sword chosen for your size, balance, and preferences can become a meaningful part of your ongoing practice, but ownership is never required to attend class.
Meet Your Instructor: Emily Dison
Emily Dison is a certified yoga instructor who brings together the body awareness, mobility, breathwork, and mindful movement of yoga with the precision and fluidity of traditional Chinese straight sword training.
Her sword studies include Chen Tai Chi jian and kung fu jian under the instruction of Dragon Phoenix founder Aaron Dison. Together, Emily and Aaron developed Sword Yoga as a unique practice that makes authentic sword movement approachable for yogis, fitness enthusiasts, and complete beginners.
Emily’s teaching style emphasizes safe progression, clear instruction, personal awareness, and the confidence that grows through learning a challenging new skill.
Students are encouraged to develop at their own pace in a welcoming small-group environment.
Emily’s Approach
Move with Awareness - Students learn to pay attention to posture, alignment, breath, balance, and the relationship between the body and the sword.
Build Skills Gradually - Sword movements are introduced in manageable stages, allowing beginners to develop coordination and confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
Combine Strength with Grace - The practice develops physical control and core strength while preserving the flowing, expressive quality that makes Chinese sword movement so distinctive.
Create an Empowering Environment - Emily aims to help students feel capable, focused, and comfortable exploring a practice that may initially seem intimidating.
Join Sword Yoga This Saturday
Sword Yoga is offered as a flexible drop-in class, so you can reserve one class at a time without joining a long-term program.
Class Details
Day: Saturday
Time: 10:15 AM
Length: 60 minutes
Location: Dragon Phoenix Kung Fu & Tai Chi
Format: In-person
Experience level: Complete beginners welcome
Equipment: Swords provided
Capacity: Limited to 8 students
Reservation: Advance booking required
Pricing
Single Class - $20
Ideal for your first class, occasional attendance, or visitors spending the weekend in Asheville.
10-Class Pass - $180
Save $20 while giving yourself time to build confidence, coordination, and familiarity with the sword.
Reserve Your Place
Because the class is limited to eight students, advance reservations help ensure that every participant has adequate space and access to equipment.
What to Expect at Your First Class
Your first Sword Yoga class will introduce you to the sword gradually and safely. You will not be expected to memorize a form, perform advanced postures, or keep up with experienced students.
Arrive a few minutes early so Emily can help you choose a practice sword and explain the basic safety guidelines.
A Typical Class May Include
1. Grounding and Breath
Class begins by settling the body and focusing attention. Simple breathing and awareness exercises help students become present before working with the sword.
2. Mobility and Warm-Up
Yoga-based movements prepare the shoulders, hips, legs, spine, and core for practice. Students are encouraged to work within a comfortable range of motion.
3. Sword Grip and Safety
Emily introduces the basic grip, safe handling, awareness of space, and foundational sword positions.
4. Foundational Sword Movements
Students practice controlled cuts, extensions, circles, transitions, and other movements drawn from Chinese straight sword training.
5. Strength and Balance Work
Sword movements are combined with standing postures, lunges, controlled transitions, and balance exercises that engage the entire body.
6. Flowing Sequences
As students become comfortable, individual movements may be connected into short sequences that develop coordination, rhythm, and fluidity.
7. Mindful Closing
Class concludes with a calmer movement or breathing practice, allowing students to leave feeling centered and composed.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable exercise clothing that allows you to move freely.
Avoid:
large jewelry
loose scarves
clothing that could catch on the sword
restrictive clothing that limits movement
No uniform is required.
Before You Arrive
Reserve your place in advance
Arrive approximately 10 minutes early for your first class
Bring water
Tell Emily about any injuries or movement limitations
Leave your sword at home unless you have already discussed bringing it
We provide the sword, the instruction, and a welcoming place to begin.
A One-of-a-Kind Asheville Experience
Asheville is known for yoga, wellness, creativity, and unusual experiences. Sword Yoga brings those elements together in a class that feels both grounded and memorable.
Local students can make Sword Yoga part of an ongoing movement practice. Visitors can reserve a single Saturday class while spending the weekend in Asheville. Private sessions may also be arranged for groups seeking a distinctive shared experience.
Perfect for Asheville Visitors
Sword Yoga is offered on a drop-in basis, making it easy to attend without enrolling in a long-term program.
Visitors receive:
a complete beginner-friendly introduction
use of a practice sword
one hour of guided instruction
a memorable activity unlike a standard yoga class
an experience rooted in Chinese sword movement
Private Sword Yoga Experiences
Private classes may be available for:
bachelorette parties
birthday celebrations
women’s groups
retreat participants
friend groups
team-building events
private lessons
Private sessions can be adapted to the group’s experience level, goals, and available time.
A Stronger Alternative to the Usual Group Activity
Sword Yoga offers something active, empowering, and visually memorable without requiring previous training.
It works especially well for groups that want an experience combining:
movement
confidence
mindfulness
novelty
shared participation
strong photographs and memories
I’d like to learn more
Choose the Option That Works for You
Sword Yoga is offered as a drop-in class. Reserve a single Saturday class to try the experience, or purchase a 10-class pass if you would like to practice more consistently.
Start with One Class
You do not need to decide whether Sword Yoga will become a long-term practice before attending.
Reserve one class, meet Emily, work with the sword, and experience the practice for yourself.
Swords are provided, and complete beginners are welcome.
Sword Yoga FAQs
Do I need previous yoga experience?
No. Complete beginners are welcome. Emily introduces the movements progressively and encourages each student to work within a comfortable range of motion.
Do I need martial arts or sword experience?
No. Your first class includes an introduction to basic sword handling, safety, grip, positions, and simple movement patterns.
Do I need to bring a sword?
No. Practice swords are provided for every student.
Students who later want a personal sword for home practice may purchase one through Dragon Phoenix, but owning a sword is not required.
Is Sword Yoga a real sword class?
Yes, the sword work is based on genuine Chinese straight sword training, including principles drawn from Chen Tai Chi jian and traditional kung fu jian.
Sword Yoga is not a combat or sparring class. It adapts authentic sword movements into a mindful, fitness-oriented practice that is accessible to beginners.
Is the class physically demanding?
Sword Yoga provides a full-body workout involving the legs, core, back, shoulders, balance, and coordination.
The intensity depends partly on how deeply and dynamically each student performs the movements. Students are encouraged to avoid forcing postures and to work at a level appropriate for their bodies.
Do I need to be flexible?
No. You do not need exceptional flexibility to begin. The class is designed to help students gradually improve mobility and comfortable range of motion.
What ages can participate?
Sword Yoga can be appropriate for young teenagers, adults, and active older adults who can safely follow instruction and handle a practice sword.
A parent or guardian should contact Dragon Phoenix before registering a younger teenager so that suitability can be confirmed.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable exercise clothing that allows unrestricted movement.
Avoid large jewelry, loose scarves, or clothing that could interfere with the sword. No uniform is required.
Should I wear shoes?
You are welcome to practice barefoot on a yoga mat, or you may practice in shoes. The best type of shoes are lightweight and flat across the bottom.
How much does the class cost?
A single class is $20.
A 10-class pass is $180, reducing the cost to $18 per class. The pass does not expire and may be used for all Dragon Phoenix drop-in classes.
Still Curious? The Best Way to Understand Sword Yoga Is to Experience It.
You do not need previous training, your own equipment, or a long-term commitment.
Reserve one class, meet Emily, and discover what it feels like to move with a sword.
Saturdays at 10:15 AM · $20 · Swords Provided
Can the 10-class pass be shared?
The pass may be shared among family members connected through the same family account.
It may not be shared between friends, acquaintances, or unrelated accounts.
Where can I purchase a class pass?
A 10-class pass may be purchased online or at Dragon Phoenix at any time.
Do I have to become a member?
No. Sword Yoga is offered as a drop-in class. You may reserve and attend one class at a time without purchasing a membership or signing a contract.
Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes. The class is limited to eight students, and advance reservations are required.
Can tourists attend?
Yes. Asheville visitors are welcome to reserve a single Saturday class. No ongoing enrollment is required.
Are private classes available?
Private Sword Yoga sessions may be arranged for individuals, couples, bachelorette parties, retreats, celebrations, and other groups.
Private-class availability and pricing depend on the date, time, and group size.
Can I attend if I have an injury or health limitation?
Students should inform Emily about injuries, mobility limitations, or other concerns before class.
Sword Yoga is not medical treatment, and students with significant health concerns should obtain guidance from an appropriate healthcare professional before participating.
You Have Always Wanted to Learn How to Wield a Sword
You do not need to be a martial artist. You do not need to be an experienced yogi. You do not need your own equipment.
You only need to be willing to try something new.
Join Emily for a unique Saturday morning practice that combines strength, mobility, balance, focus, and the empowering experience of learning to move with a Chinese straight sword.
Saturdays at 10:15 AM
$20 Drop-In
Swords Provided
Complete Beginners Welcome
Class size is limited to eight students. Advance reservation is required.