Free First Tai Chi Class • Serving Asheville since 2000

Calm Under Pressure. Strength That Lasts.

Authentic Tai Chi & Qigong training for adults who want less pain, less stress, and a body they can rely on — not just another workout.

Family-owned martial arts school serving Asheville since 2000.

Most people exercise to look better.
Tai Chi trains you to last longer.

This is Tai Chi for real life — stability, mobility, and calm strength.

Limited complimentary spots each week. Reserve your free trial lesson now and feel a noticeable shift after just one class.

Takes 30 seconds. No payment required.

“I walked in stressed from work and left feeling lighter, taller, and deeply calm.” – Elena, 42

Reserve your Complimentary tai chi lesson

Choose a time that works for you. We’ll confirm by email within one business day.

Small classes • Beginner friendly • No experience required

Why adults choose White Oak Tai Chi

You Don't Need Harder Workouts.

You need a body that works again.

Most new students come to us because they feel:

✔ Stiff, tight, or worn down.
✔ Stressed but exhausted.
✔ Concerned about balance or aging.
✔ Frustrated that gyms hurt more than they help.
✔ Disconnected from their body.
✔ Not as capable as they used to be.

We teach Tai Chi as a practical system for health, strength, and resilience — not performance or mysticism.

Reset your nervous system

Slow, mindful sequences reset your nervous system and help your mind shift out of work mode—so you leave class calmer than you arrived.

Many students report their best night of sleep after their very first session.

Improve balance & joint comfort

Gentle weight shifting and upright posture help strengthen your legs, support your back, and ease stiffness—without impact or strain.

Perfect if you feel wobbly on stairs or tight in the lower back after sitting.

A clear, relaxed mind

By pairing breath with movement, tai chi gives your overthinking mind something gentle to focus on—creating mental clarity without forcing meditation.

You’ll leave class with simple exercises you can use at your desk or before bed.

“After just three weeks, my shoulders dropped, my balance improved, and my doctor commented on my lower blood pressure. The free trial was what finally got me through the door—now I look forward to every class.”

Mark, 51, software engineer

Only 8 free trial spots available this week.

Your first visit, step by step

What happens in your free trial lesson.

We know trying something new can feel intimidating. Your instructor will meet you exactly where you are—no chanting, no competition, no pressure to perform.

You’ll be moving comfortably within minutes and leave with a calm, grounded feeling—along with a clear sense of whether tai chi is right for your body and schedule.

  • 5 minutes – Welcome, brief chat about your goals, and a tour of the space or online setup.

  • 15 minutes – Gentle warm-up focusing on joints, breath, and posture (all easily modified). All Qi Gong.

  • 25 minutes – Learn a short tai chi sequence step by step, with clear, simple language.

  • 10 minutes – Standing stillness and breathing practice to fully relax your nervous system.

  • 5 minutes – Questions, personal recommendations, and optional membership options.

Wear anything comfortable you can move in. Sneakers, bare feet, or socks are all welcome.

Most students feel less tension, better posture, and a calmer mind after just one class

If you don’t feel any benefit, you’re under no obligation to return.

Is this for you?

This Is Not “Wave Your Arms and Relax” Tai Chi.

You won’t be memorizing a routine. You’ll be rebuilding how your body works.

You will…

  • Release chronic tension without becoming weak

  • Move smoothly without strain

  • Strengthen joints and connective tissue

  • Improve balance and coordination

  • Stay calm under pressure

  • Develop quiet, reliable strength

  • Be surprised by how much stronger and more stable you feel within a few weeks.

What Students Notice First

  • Less pain and stiffness

  • Better posture

  • Deeper sleep

  • Clearer thinking

  • A calmer nervous system

What They Notice Over Time

  • Real strength without joint damage

  • Confidence in their body again

  • Stability on uneven ground

  • Energy that lasts all day

  • A sense of calm capability

StillMind Tai Chi instructor demonstrating a tai chi pose

Meet your instructor

40+ years of practice. A calm, patient teaching style.

White Oak Martial Arts founder Derek Croley blends the Xu Guo Ming Method of tai chi with modern understanding of stress, posture, and adult learning. Students describe his classes as “calm but energizing” and “like a moving meditation that anyone can follow.”

  • Certified tai chi instructor with over 8,000 hours of teaching experience.

  • Background in Internal power exercise and mindful movement for adults 35+.

  • Specializes in working with beginners who feel “out of shape” or anxious.

  • Offers clear, down-to-earth explanations—no jargon or spiritual pressure.

  • Widely regarded as one of the most experienced internal martial arts instructors in the region.

“My goal in your first session is simple: that you walk out feeling better than when you walked in—and confident that tai chi is something you can really do.”

Our goal isn’t just relaxation — it’s a body that remains strong, stable, and independent for decades.

Reserve your spot

Book your free trial tai chi lesson now.

Choose a time that works, tell us a bit about your goals, and we’ll confirm by email. There’s no payment or commitment required for your first class.

You’ll receive a confirmation email with directions, parking details, or your online class link.

If you need to reschedule, simply reply to that email—no fees for changes or cancellations.

Your First Class Is Safe, Simple, and Surprisingly Effective

  • Release neck and shoulder tension

  • Learn to relax while moving

  • Build joint strength and stability

  • Improve breathing and circulation

  • Develop balance and coordination

  • Integrate everything into Tai Chi movement

Today’s offer: First class is completely free, with small-group attention. No contracts, no auto-billing, and no sales pressure.

We limit each trial session to ensure everyone gets one-on-one guidance.

Questions, answered

Common questions about your free tai chi class.

If you’re wondering about something that isn’t covered here, simply mention it when you book—our team will respond personally.

Short on time? Skip ahead and reserve your free trial. You can always reply to your confirmation email with any questions.

Do I need any experience or special equipment?

No experience is required—most of our trial students have never tried tai chi before. You do not need any special equipment. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move, and either soft-soled shoes, socks with grip, or bare feet. We provide any additional props if needed.

Is this for beginners?

Yes. Most of our students are complete beginners when they take their first class.

What if I have old injuries or limited mobility?

Tai chi is highly adaptable. Movements can be made smaller, slower, or done with support from a chair or wall. During your trial, your instructor will ask about any injuries and quietly offer modifications. If standing for long periods is difficult, we can include more seated practice. If you are under medical care, we recommend checking with your doctor first.

What if I feel uncoordinated or self-conscious?

You are exactly who we built this class for. The room is quiet, supportive, and judgment-free. Movements are broken down step by step, and it is completely normal to forget sequences or move at a different pace. We focus more on how you feel, not how you look. Many students who felt nervous at first now say tai chi is their favorite hour of the week.

Can I bring a friend or family member?

Yes—tai chi is wonderful to share. When you book your free trial, you can mention that you’ll be bringing someone with you. If there is space in that session, they are welcome to join at no cost as well. For larger groups (3+), please contact us first so we can recommend the best time.

One free class. A body you can rely on.

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to start taking care of your body and nervous system, this is it. There’s no cost, no commitment—just 45 minutes devoted entirely to your wellbeing.

Reserve your free trial today and feel the difference tai chi can make in your week.

Limited complimentary spots each week to keep classes small and personal.

Call/Text

Address

239 S. Liberty St.

Asheville, NC 28801

White Oak Martial Arts is operated by Bei Shan Enterprises LLC