About Our Instructors
White Oak Martial Arts | Asheville, NC
The People You and Your Child Learn From Matter.
At White Oak Martial Arts, our instructors are not just skilled martial artists—
they are experienced educators, mentors, and leaders responsible for shaping how your child handles pressure, challenge, and growth.
Everything we teach is intentional.
From the way classes are structured to the way leadership is developed, our team is committed to building calm, capable students through steady standards and measurable growth.
Whether you’re enrolling your child or stepping onto the mat yourself, you’re learning from instructors who understand both the craft of martial arts and the process of long-term development.
Because the environment matters—but the people leading it matter even more.
Experienced Leadership in Martial Arts Education
White Oak’s leadership has trained instructors nationally, served on instructor testing boards, and helped shape curriculum at high levels of the martial arts industry.
We’ve seen what works.
We’ve seen what doesn’t.
And Everything we teach reflects that experience.
Our programs reflect decades of refinement — combining practical skill development with a structured pathway designed to build composure, responsibility, and capability over time.
This is not ego-driven instruction.
It’s disciplined, clear, and standards-based.
About Derek Croley
Derek Croley is the owner and head instructor at White Oak Martial Arts.
With more than 40 years of training and over 35 years of teaching experience, he has earned Black Belts or equivalent ranks across multiple systems and has trained internationally in both traditional and modern disciplines.
Beyond rank, Derek has served in national-level instructor development roles, evaluating and mentoring martial arts instructors across the country. His experience has shaped not only thousands of students, but the instructors who teach them.
His focus is not on performance or hype.
It’s on helping students become steady, capable people—especially when things are difficult.
It is on structured development — building students who are calm under pressure, disciplined in their habits, and capable in real-world situations.
He believes martial arts should create measurable growth, strong character, and steady confidence that carries into every area of life.
Derek is also the author of "The Shield Mindset" about effective self defense for children and "A Thousand Small Choices," a book focused on personal mastery and the cumulative power of disciplined daily decisions — reflecting the same structured philosophy used at White Oak Martial Arts.
About Evelyn Croley
Evelyn Croley grew up within the White Oak system, progressing through every level of its structured pathway from an early age.
Because she came up through the system herself, Evelyn understands exactly what students experience at every stage—and how to guide them through it.
She holds multiple Black Belts and instructor certifications, including Krav Maga Shield and Superfoot kickboxing, and has trained extensively under respected instructors nationwide.
As a lead instructor, Evelyn is known for her calm authority, clear instruction, and ability to help students rise to higher standards.
Her teaching emphasizes composure, responsibility, and steady progress — ensuring students not only improve their skills, but grow in confidence and capability over time.
A Structured, Safe Environment for Asheville Families
Parents trust White Oak because our instructors maintain clear standards, structured classes, and consistent expectations.
Safety is not an afterthought
Progress is not random
Growth is not rushed
Parents trust White Oak because they know their child is in an environment that is:
structured
consistent
and led by instructors who take that responsibility seriously
Everything here is built intentionally.
Our goal is not simply to teach martial arts.
It is to develop steady, capable individuals who can handle life with composure and responsibility.
The best way to understand the difference is to experience it.
Come meet our instructors in person.
The best way to see if White Oak Martial Arts is the right fit is to experience a class and meet the instructors who make our programs special.
👉 Start With a Private Intro Lesson.
