FOUR PATHS. ONE WELCOMING PLACE TO BEGIN.
Tai Chi and Qigong Classes in Asheville
Find the Practice That Fits You
Dragon Phoenix offers several ways to experience Tai Chi and Qigong, each with its own character, emphasis, and approach to learning.
Explore the traditional depth and martial dimension of Chen Tai Chi, the gentle flow of Yang Tai Chi, movement designed specifically for greater balance and confidence, or the restorative combination of movement, breathing, and meditation found in Qigong.
You do not need previous experience, unusual flexibility, or certainty about which path is right for you. Begin by exploring the four practices and choose the one that best reflects your interests, goals, and current needs.
Beginners welcome · In-person classes · North Asheville/Woodfin
FOUR PRACTICES. DIFFERENT WAYS TO GROW.
Which Practice Is Right for You?
There is no single form of Tai Chi or Qigong that is best for everyone. Each path offers a different balance of movement, meditation, physical challenge, personal exploration, and long-term study.
Choose the practice that most closely reflects your interests and current needs. Complete beginners are welcome in all four programs.
STRUCTURED CURRICULUM
Traditional Depth, Whole-Body Strength, and Martial Skill
Chen Tai Chi combines flowing movement with spiral mechanics, standing practice, traditional forms, meditation, push hands, and the option to explore martial applications.
This path may be right for you if you want:
A detailed and comparatively athletic practice
Structured weekly instruction and progressive development
Traditional forms, internal mechanics, and martial depth
A practice that can support decades of continued study
Free first Level 1 class · Monthly curriculum membership
FLEXIBLE DROP-IN
Greater Steadiness and Confidence in Everyday Movement
Tai Chi for Balance uses accessible Tai Chi and Qigong exercises to develop awareness of posture, weight placement, stepping, coordination, stability, and comfortable movement.
This path may be right for you if you want:
A class specifically centered on balance and steadiness
Gentle movements that can be adapted to your needs
Greater confidence while standing, walking, and changing direction
A supportive way to return to regular movement
$20 per class · Flexible 10-class pass · No ongoing membership
FLEXIBLE DROP-IN
Gentle Movement, Flow, and Lifelong Practice
Yang Tai Chi uses smooth, unhurried movement to explore relaxation, posture, balance, weight shifting, coordination, and calm attention.
This path may be right for you if you want:
A gentle, low-impact introduction to Tai Chi
Traditional forms taught through patient repetition
Greater balance, coordination, mobility, and focus
The freedom to explore Yang 10, Yang 24, or Yang 37
$20 per class · Flexible 10-class pass · No ongoing membership
FLEXIBLE DROP-IN
Movement, Breathing, Meditation, and Resilience
Qigong brings together gentle repeatable exercises, natural breathing, stillness, meditation, and attentive awareness of the body.
This path may be right for you if you want:
Shorter practices that can be repeated at home
A calm, restorative, and adaptable form of movement
Greater body awareness, comfortable mobility, and grounded attention
An alternative to learning a long Tai Chi sequence
$20 per class · Flexible 10-class pass · No ongoing membership
You Do Not Have to Make a Permanent Choice
Your first class is simply an opportunity to experience the practice. You may begin with one program, explore another later, or combine several approaches as your interests develop.
The most important step is choosing a place that feels comfortable enough to begin.
TWO WAYS TO BEGIN
Choose the Structure That Fits Your Practice
Dragon Phoenix offers both a progressive curriculum and a flexible drop-in program. Neither approach is inherently better—the difference is how the classes are organized and how you prefer to participate.
Structured Curriculum
Chen Tai Chi
Chen Tai Chi follows a progressive course of study designed for students who want consistent weekly instruction and a long-term path through a traditional martial art.
New students begin in Level 1, where foundational exercises, silk reeling, standing practice, traditional form, meditation, and introductory partner work develop together. Those who choose to continue may progress into applications, push hands, weapons, advanced forms, and deeper study.
Membership includes:
Regular weekly instruction
A clearly organized curriculum
Personal corrections and continued guidance
Access to relevant Online Academy lessons
Opportunities for advanced training
Begin with a free Level 1 class before deciding whether to enroll.
Flexible Drop-In Program
Yang Tai Chi, Tai Chi for Balance, Qigong, and Tai Chi Fan
The Drop-In Program gives you the freedom to choose individual classes according to your interests, schedule, and current needs.
You may attend occasionally, establish a regular weekly practice, combine several different classes, or explore new approaches over time. No ongoing membership or long-term commitment is required.
Choose:
A single class for $20
The flexible 10-class pass for $180
Any participating drop-in class
As many different practices as you like
The 10-class pass does not expire and may be shared with family members on the same Gymdesk family account.
For one class, book directly through the live schedule without purchasing a separate visitor pass.
Different Structures—The Same Warm Welcome
Both programs welcome complete beginners and encourage students to learn at an appropriate pace.
Choose the structured curriculum when you want progressive training within a complete traditional system. Choose the flexible drop-in program when you want greater freedom to explore different classes and attend according to your schedule.
BEGIN WITH WHAT MATTERS TO YOU
Find a Practice That Supports Your Goals
The four pathways share many qualities, but each places greater emphasis on particular ways of moving and learning.
You do not need to fit neatly into one category. Use these suggestions as a starting point, then explore whichever class most interests you or works best with your schedule.
I Want a Traditional Martial Art with Long-Term Depth
Begin with Chen Tai Chi.
Chen Tai Chi offers the most structured and comparatively athletic path. Training includes foundational exercises, spiral mechanics, traditional forms, standing practice, meditation, push hands, and optional martial applications.
I Prefer Shorter Exercises I Can Repeat at Home
Explore Qigong.
Qigong practices often use shorter, repeatable exercises rather than a long movement sequence. This makes it easier to remember individual practices and incorporate them into daily life.
I Want Gentle, Flowing Tai Chi Forms
Explore Yang Tai Chi.
Yang Tai Chi emphasizes smooth movement, relaxed posture, deliberate weight shifting, coordination, and continuity. Choose from shorter introductory practice or longer traditional forms with room for continued refinement.
I Want Calm, Meditation, and Mindful Movement
You may enjoy any of the four pathways.
Qigong brings meditation and internal awareness directly into its practice. Chen Tai Chi includes meditation within a structured martial curriculum, while Yang Tai Chi and Tai Chi for Balance develop calm attention through slow, deliberate movement.
I Want to Feel Steadier in Everyday Movement
Consider Tai Chi for Balance.
These classes place particular attention on posture, weight placement, stepping, lower-body support, coordination, and confidence while standing, walking, turning, and changing direction.
I Want Something Expressive and Distinctive
Discover Tai Chi Fan.
Tai Chi Fan combines traditional Tai Chi principles with the movement and coordination of a folding fan. It offers a creative, engaging way to explore rhythm, extension, spatial awareness, continuity, and the relationship between the body and an external object.
More Than One Practice May Fit You
Your interests may overlap several categories. You might choose Qigong for a gentle home practice, Yang Tai Chi for flowing forms, Tai Chi for Balance for greater steadiness, or Chen Tai Chi for a structured path into traditional martial study.
You may also explore more than one. The goal is not to make a perfect decision before beginning—it is to find a practice you are interested in experiencing.
A PERSONAL PRACTICE—SHARED WITH OTHERS
Practice in Good Company
Tai Chi and Qigong can become deeply personal practices, but you do not have to explore them alone.
At Dragon Phoenix, students with different backgrounds, abilities, and reasons for practicing learn alongside one another in a welcoming, noncompetitive environment.
Clear and Attentive Instruction
Your instructor will introduce movements carefully, explain the ideas behind them, and help you recognize details that can be difficult to discover by practicing alone.
Room to Begin at Your Own Pace
You do not need previous experience, exceptional flexibility, or a particular level of fitness. Begin with the class that interests you and allow your practice to develop gradually.
A Practice That Can Grow with You
Some students come seeking greater balance or a calmer mind. Others are drawn to flowing forms, traditional martial arts, or the expressive character of the fan.
Your reasons for beginning may change over time—and the practice can continue growing with you.
Whether you choose the progressive Chen Tai Chi curriculum or one of our flexible drop-in classes, you will find thoughtful instruction, meaningful movement, and a community that values continued learning.
Traditional Knowledge
Made Approachable
Our instructors respect the history, principles, and distinctive character of the practices they teach. They also understand how to introduce that material clearly to someone encountering it for the first time.
Learn from Teachers Who Care About Your Practice
Dragon Phoenix brings together instructors with different areas of experience, teaching styles, and reasons for practicing Tai Chi and Qigong.
What they share is a commitment to clear instruction, patient guidance, and helping each student develop a practice that is both meaningful and sustainable.
Personal Guidance within a
Group Class
Everyone arrives with different abilities, questions, and goals. Instructors offer individual corrections and appropriate adaptations while preserving the shared experience of practicing together.
A Community of
Continued Learning
Dragon Phoenix instructors remain students themselves. Their teaching grows through continued training, careful study, and years of experience helping others discover what these practices can offer.
You do not need to know which teacher is right for you before beginning. Choose the practice that interests you, and we will help you find a comfortable place to start.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
Meaningful Practice—In Class and Beyond
Students come to Dragon Phoenix for different reasons. Over time, many discover that the effects of practicing together reach beyond the movements themselves.
Patient and Generous Teaching
“Learning Tai Chi as an adult has been challenging and rewarding. Aaron Dison and Bonner as the co-teacher have been patient, and generous of spirit. The lessons we learn during the classes spill into our everyday lives.”
— Rachel
Teaching from the Heart and Mind
“He teaches from both the heart and the mind. He explains, and demonstrates in a way that is enlightening.”
— Laurent
A Welcoming Place to Learn
“Aaron Dison has created a dojo for both children and adults that is welcoming and life-changing.”
— Matt
BEFORE YOUR FIRST CLASS
Questions About Beginning Tai Chi or Qigong
Do I need previous experience?
No. Complete beginners are welcome in every introductory pathway. You do not need prior experience with Tai Chi, Qigong, martial arts, meditation, or any particular kind of exercise.
What is the difference between Tai Chi and Qigong?
Tai Chi generally develops its principles through connected sequences of movements called forms. Qigong often uses shorter exercises that can be learned and repeated individually.
Both may explore relaxation, posture, breathing, coordination, body awareness, and mindful movement. The experience of each class will depend on the particular practice and instructor.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. A uniform and special equipment are not required for your first class. If anything additional is needed for a particular practice, your instructor will let you know.
Is Tai Chi a martial art or a wellness practice?
It can be both.
Chen Tai Chi is taught as a traditional martial art through a progressive curriculum that includes foundational exercises, forms, meditation, partner work, applications, and opportunities for advanced study.
Our drop-in classes emphasize accessible movement, balance, relaxation, coordination, health, and continued personal practice, although they remain connected to the traditions from which they developed.
What if I have limited mobility, an injury, or concerns about balance?
Let your instructor know before class. Many movements can be adjusted by changing the stance, range of motion, pace, or level of physical effort.
Tai Chi for Balance offers an especially accessible place to begin if feeling steadier and more confident in everyday movement is your primary goal.
May I attend more than one kind of class?
Yes. The flexible drop-in program allows you to attend Yang Tai Chi, Tai Chi for Balance, Qigong, and Tai Chi Fan according to your interests and schedule. You may choose one practice or combine several.
Chen Tai Chi follows a separate structured curriculum for students seeking consistent weekly instruction and long-term progression.
Do I have to enroll before trying a class?
No. Your first Chen Tai Chi Level 1 class is free, so you can experience the curriculum before choosing a membership.
Drop-in classes require no ongoing enrollment. You may book one class for $20 or use the flexible 10-class pass for $180.
YOUR PRACTICE CAN BEGIN HERE
Choose Your Next Step
You do not need previous experience or complete certainty about which practice will suit you best.
Begin with the structure that appeals to you now. Your interests and practice can continue developing from there.
Begin the Chen Tai Chi Curriculum
Choose Chen Tai Chi if you want consistent weekly instruction and a progressive path through traditional forms, foundational training, meditation, partner practice, applications, and advanced study.
Your first Level 1 class is free.
Explore the Flexible Drop-In Program
Choose from Yang Tai Chi, Tai Chi for Balance, Qigong, and Tai Chi Fan. Attend one class, return regularly, or combine several practices according to your interests and schedule.
Single classes are $20, with no membership required.
Prefer to See Everything First?
Browse the complete calendar to compare class days, times, and instructors.
Dragon Phoenix Kung Fu and Tai Chi
51 North Merrimon Avenue, Suite 109
North Asheville/Woodfin, North Carolina