Dragon Phoenix

Kung Fu • Tai Chi • Qigong • Shuai Jiao

For all ages and levels

Western North Carolina’s Tai Chi and Internal Kung Fu Center

I’d like to learn more

Considered the highest level of Kung Fu

We teach all ages as well as beginners.

Move as a Swimming Dragon in the Eight Directions utilizing Spiral Power. There is a way out, there is a door in.

Chen Taijiquan - Great Polarity Fist

Combat Tai Chi

The original style of Tai Chi and developed in the mid 1600s for combat. Harmonize Yin and Yang to uproot an opponent.

For Health and Longevity

Slow and Gentle Tai Chi that most people know of as Tai Chi and suitable for all ages. Excellent for balance, stability, health, and community.

Combat Grappling and Wrestling

Staying on your feet, because you never want to be on the ground against more than one opponent. One of China’s oldest martial arts used in the military and by body guards.

Located in North Asheville/Woodfin

51 North Merrimon Ave. #109, 28804

Map Link - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cpDHw8nfTFGSHQjBA

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I try out a Free Class? Yes, you can try out a free Curriculum Class (Kids Kung Fu ages 7+, and Adults Kung Fu). Our drop in classes are part of a different program and are offered on a class by class basis so unfortunately we do not offer free Drop In classes (red on the schedule)

What is the youngest age you teach? We have a 5-7 year olds drop in Kung Fu class on Wednesdays at 3.

Do I need to wait for a new session/semester to begin? No, you can start classes at any time with us. We have structured our classes so that new students can start at any time, and to teach on multiple levels simultaneously so that they are very welcoming to new students while more established students are also able to learn and progress.

Do you offer discounts for Seniors and Veterans? We are currently working on creating the Dragon Phoenix Foundation, a nonprofit organization that will help to offer free Drop In classes for Seniors and Veterans as well as tuition assistance for Kids Kung Fu classes to families in need. The plan is to have it up and running early 2026. We currently are able to offer 8 Free Drop-In classes a month to Seniors with Medicare through BCBS through their FitOn program. Unfortunately though that program expires in Jan. 2026.

What is the difference between Kung Fu and Karate? Kung Fu is an umbrella term that means all Chinese Martial Arts styles (Karate is from Japan, Taekwondo is from Korea). Our focus is on the Internal styles of Kung Fu, which are considered the higher level styles and much more difficult to find access to in the United States. They are also safe to practice into older age as they strengthen the body instead of wearing down the body.

What is Internal Kung Fu? These styles move more from the tendons and ligaments instead of the raw power muscles. This means that there is not trauma on the joints, and that victory is not determined by the size of the fighter. We use the opponent’s strength against them while harmonizing with concepts in physics to gain leverage and force.

Can I do magical things with Chi? Sorry, this is not what Chi (Qi) is or how it works. Chi is simply life energy, it is not a magical force and you cannot use it to attack opponents. There are other people, especially in the Tai Chi world, that like to make fantastical claims about things having to do with Chi, but all of those claims have been disproven. We talk about Chi in the sense of understanding and harmonizing the energies within oneself to find balance in the world and to live a healthy lifestyle. Tai Chi and the other Internal styles use physics and leverage in application. Though it may look and feel magical at times, it is simply physics.

What is Dao philosophy? Dao philosophy is where we get the concepts of Yin and Yang. It comes from China and dates back to before 500BC. The concepts of Yin and Yang (opposites working together in harmony) are the foundation of how the Internal Kung Fu styles operate. Dao roughly translates to “The way of Nature and the Universe”, and the purpose of studying it is to help one find harmony in life and understanding of our surroundings and others through the nature of nature. It has no connection at all to any type of religion. We study it as a way to walk a more peacefully path in life. When studying fighting arts it is important to study wisdom going along with it so that we gain the responsibility to make good decisions, and not use it to intentionally harm others.