Get Fit • Build Confidence • Learn Real Self-Defense in Asheville
Beginner-friendly classes for everyday people — no experience, no intimidation, just great teaching and a supportive ego-free community.
Build confidence, awareness, and real-world self-defense skills in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment. Whether you’re a parent looking for focus and discipline for your child or an adult seeking fitness, confidence, and real-world skills, our complimentary trial lesson is the perfect first step.
Since 2000, we have helped thousands of students in Asheville become the best version of themselves. We are family owned and operated, and would like to invite you to join our martial arts family.
✔ No experience needed • ✔ No pressure • ✔ Family friendly
Schedule Your Complimentary Lesson
Tell us a bit about you or your child, and we’ll reach out to confirm your free trial time.
We respond quickly and work with your schedule. No pressure, no long-term commitment required.
✔ Beginners welcome • ✔ Safe & structured • ✔ No pressure
More Than Kicks and Punches
Confidence You Can See
Stand taller
Speak up easier
Handle stress better
Real Self-Defense
Practical Krav Maga Shield
Awareness & boundaries
Skills for real life
A Community You'll Love
Instructors who care
Encouraging classmates
Family-friendly culture
Not a tough-guy gym. Not a belt factory. A real training community.
Since 2000, we have helped thousands of students in Asheville become the best version of themselves. We are family owned and operated, and would like to invite you to join our martial arts family.
At White Oak Martial Arts you get:
Professional certified instruction (not teenagers teaching classes)
Structured curriculum that works for beginners
Safe, clean, ego-free training
Real self-defense + real fitness
A community your family can trust
Meet Your Instructors
World-class credentials, decades of experience, and a passion for serving Asheville families. Train with Instructors who know what they are doing.
We believe martial arts should build people up — not scare them away.
Meet Derek Croley
Master Croley is a highly experienced 9th degree black belt with over 40 years of martial arts expertise. He has Black Belts in over 10 different styles and has lived and trained in China and trained in Israel. He is a former national instructor trainer and testing board member for a major martial arts organization, has judged numerous kickboxing events, and is a certified Krav Maga Weapons Instructor, police tactics trainer, and CQC Instructor. Croley is also a Vice President and Head Instructor in WACIMA (Worldwide Association for Chinese Internal Martial Arts). Having taught thousands of students in Asheville since 2000, he is thrilled to help your family.
Meet Evelyn Croley
Instructor Croley grew up on the mat, beginning her training at the age of 3. She has Black Belts in Krav Maga Shield, Superfoot kickboxing, US TAI Martial Arts, and is a 2nd degree Black Belt in White Oak Systems. She is also a nationally certified Martial Arts Instructor, a nationally certified woman's self defense instructor, child safety instructor, as well as Krav Maga CQC Core Instructor. As our Head Instructor, she has a passion for helping people become the best version of themselves through martial arts.
With Black Belts across multiple systems, national certifications, and deep roots in Asheville, your family is learning from some of the most qualified instructors in the region.
Hundreds of Asheville families started exactly where you are — nervous about the first class. Here’s what happened next:
Parents and adult students across Asheville trust White Oak Martial Arts to build confidence, discipline, and real-world self-defense skills.
Diane S
White Oak Martial Arts has made a profound positive impact on the lives of my son and I. We have been practicing there for 3.5 years and have earned our 1st degree black belts. During this time we have gained in skill, strength, confidence, and humility. Master Croley and his team of instructors are world-class in knowledge, skill, and heart.
Mandie W
Both of my kids went here for years! Master Croley is a fantastic teacher. My kids are 16 and 20 now and they gained self discipline, confidence, strength resilience and empathy from their years spent in this class. Cannot recommend them highly enough! Thank you!
Stefan D
All the most effective real-world fighting techniques and scenarios taught by the absolute expert Master Derek Croley. With his wealth of experience and background information, every class is an adventure. I have loved my journey at White Oak. Thank you Master Croley and Staff.
Martial Arts for all ages in Asheville!
Our one of a kind martial arts programs are designed to give our students the skills to create amazing lives for themselves. We teach people to be: Strong of mind, body, and spirit. Rooted in purpose, belief, and connection. Growing in confidence, self esteem, and contribution.
Our one of a kind martial arts programs are designed to give our students the skills to create amazing lives for themselves. We teach real world Krav Maga Shield self defense skills at age appropriate levels, fitness kickboxing, and we have an authentic Tai Chi class. Let's get to work on your journey of personal growth!
During your complimentary lesson, you’ll experience our community, meet our instructors, and see exactly how we help kids and adults grow on and off the mats — before you make any commitment.
What You’ll Experience in Your Free Lesson
- Beginner-friendly intro to our curriculum and class structure.
- Age-appropriate, real-world Krav Maga Shield self defense skills.
- Direct coaching from our experienced instructors.
- A chance to experience our community and class culture.
- Time for questions about schedule, pricing, and goals.
🥋 Kids Martial Arts (Ages 5–12)
Your child will develope:
Focus that helps at school
Confidence without arrogance
Respect & leadership
Fitness that feels like fun
🥊 Adult Krav Maga Shield
You will get to:
Learn to protect yourself
Get stronger & fitter
Release stress after work
Train without ego culture
💪 Fitness Kickboxing
I Love Kickboxing will:
Burn calories fast
No experience needed
Fun, high-energy workouts
Hit pads, not people
Tai Chi and QiGong
Find yourself and:
Burn stress away
No experience needed
Fun, focused and calm
Centered and real
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about classes, uniforms, or pricing? Here are answers to what parents and adult students most often ask before booking their first complimentary lesson.
Your First Visit
- No prior experience required — we love beginners.
- Wear comfortable athletic clothing and bring water.
- We’ll guide you through every step, at your pace.
- Try a class before making any membership decisions.
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.
Your first class is free. Your confidence starts Day 1.
We’ll help you choose the right program, answer your questions about schedules and pricing, and make sure your first visit is stress-free.
Our goal is simple: help kids and adults in Asheville become strong in mind, body, and spirit in a safe, encouraging, and structured environment.
Limited class sizes to keep learning personal.
Safety, Credentials, and Community You Can Trust
- Over 40 years of martial arts expertise and thousands of students taught in Asheville.
- Multiple Black Belts across Krav Maga Shield, Superfoot kickboxing, US TAI Martial Arts, and White Oak Systems.
- National certifications in martial arts instruction, women’s self-defense, child safety, and Krav Maga CQC.
- Family-owned and operated school focused on character, confidence, and contribution.
- Beginner-friendly, age-appropriate curriculum with a strong focus on safety and respect.
Schedule Your Complimentary Lesson
Fill out this quick form and we’ll contact you to confirm the best time for your free trial lesson.
Prefer to reach out directly? Email us at [email protected] or call/text 828-713-0765 .
White Oak Martial Arts is operated by Bei Shan Enterprises LLC
© White Oak Martial Arts. All rights reserved.