Asheville's Family Owned and Operated Martial Arts School since 2000.
Martial arts training in Asheville, NC for kids and adults
Build the Confidence to do hard things, the Composure to keep going when it's not easy, and have fun doing it.
That's what we train.
Start with a Complimentary Private Intro Lesson
Every student starts with a complimentary private lesson and guided class experience. Start here. We’ll take care of the rest.
No experience needed. We'll guide you through everything.
We keep class sizes intentionally small. Spaces are limited.
✔ Beginner friendly • ✔ Safe & structured• ✔ Kids 5-14 and adults
Trusted by Asheville families for over 25 years.
People don’t rise to what they’ve been told—
they fall back on what they’ve practiced.
Build Confidence.
Build Composure.
We teach kids and adults how to:
stay steady
have courage
recognize what’s happening
make decisions
and act without freezing
And have a blast while learning it!
That’s what carries over into real life.
✔ Beginner friendly • ✔ Safe & structured• ✔ Kids 5-14 and adults
We keep class sizes intentionally small. Space is limited.
What People are Saying
Students don’t just see improvement in class. They see it in everyday life.
✔ Beginner friendly • ✔ Safe & structured• ✔ Kids 5-14 and adults
Led by Experience. Taught with Consistency.
White Oak is led directly by its founder, Master Derek Croley, who has over 40 years of martial arts training experience, oversees all curriculum, standards, and long-term student development. Author of "A Thousand Small Choices," "The Hunter," and "The Shield Mindset," he has helped thousands of kids and adults.
Every class is taught by either Master Croley or Evelyn Croley, who grew up training within the program, has multiple Black Belts, and now plays a central role in developing students on the mat.
That continuity matters.
Students aren’t passed between instructors or taught different interpretations of the material. The structure stays consistent. The expectations stay clear.
And over time, that consistency is what allows real growth to take hold.
"Confidence isn't something you give a person, it's something they build through experience." -Master Croley
Getting Started is Simple
The sooner you start, the sooner you see the change — in confidence, composure, self discipline, and how you and your child carry yourselves.
Start With a Private Intro Lesson
Space is limited
1. Book Your Intro Lesson
We take a few minutes to understand your needs.
2. Attend Your Private Session
You'll experience training in a structured, supportive environment.
3. Join the Program
If it’s a fit, we map out a clear path for development.
✔ Beginner friendly • ✔ Safe & structured• ✔ Kids 5-14 and adults
Not ready to jump into a lesson but want to see what we're like? Come watch a class.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do I need any prior experience to join your classes?
No prior experience is required. Our classes are suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Our instructors provide personalized guidance to help you progress at your own pace.
Is this safe?
Absolutely. Classes are structured and professional.
Am I in good enough shape?
Yes. You get in shape by training — not before.
What should I wear to my first class?
For your first class, wear comfortable athletic clothing and bring a water bottle. If you decide to join us, we will provide you with the appropriate uniform. After that, most students attend classes twice each week.
Are you good with kids?
That’s our specialty — confidence, focus, respect.
What does this cost?
We attempt to offer flexibility to make this training available for many different people. We will have to speak with you to figure out what will be best for you, but our tuition ranges from $79-$114 bi-weekly.
What kind of martial arts do you teach?
Though we also offer Fitness Kickboxing and Tai Chi, when people ask this question they're usually asking about our primary martial arts program. Our core curriculum is Krav Maga Shield- a blend of kickboxing, grappling, and age-appropriate weapons training, geared specifically toward self-defense at an age-appropriate level. We also teach the psychology and physiology of self-defense - how the body and mind actually respond under stress - so students understand not just what to do, but why it works.
A Serious Path. A Simple First Step.
Every family begins with two Introductory Lessons — a private lesson first and then a group class — so you can experience our structure firsthand.
If it feels like the right fit, most families begin with our Starter Phase.
The Starter Phase is a true stepping stone into the full pathway — long enough to experience the standards and measurable growth we’re known for before choosing whether to continue into the Core Black Belt Leader Phase. Our pricing is consistent with other quality programs in Asheville — and everything you need to get started is included.
Real growth takes time.
We also believe you should experience it before making a serious commitment.
Limited class sizes to keep learning personal.
Not ready to jump into a lesson but want to see what we're like? Come watch a class.
This Isn’t Just Martial Arts.
It’s structured development designed to build calm, capable, steady people —
who can handle pressure and carry themselves well in real life.
If you’re looking for an activity, there are plenty of options.
If you’re looking for real growth, start with a private intro lesson.
White Oak Martial Arts is operated by Bei Shan Enterprises LLC
© White Oak Martial Arts. All rights reserved.