August 28-30, 2026 · Asheville, NC · Limited to 14 Participants · A Two-Day Intensive
Understanding Tai Chi
Most people learn the movements of Tai Chi. This workshop is about understanding why those movements work.
This isn't a seminar where you sit and watch. It's a hands-on weekend of coaching, testing, partner drills, Qigong, form practice, and body mechanics designed to help you build the Tai Chi Body—a body that is organized, connected, relaxed, and capable of producing effortless power.
Whether you're completely new to Tai Chi or you've practiced for years, you'll leave with a clearer understanding of how the body actually works. No matter your experience level, you'll be coached from where you are today—not compared to anyone else in the room.
Space is limited- Reserve your Spot
We are limited spaces to make sure we provide a high level of personal attention and instruction.
Includes approximately 13 hours of instruction, a participant workbook, and individual coaching.
What You'll Learn.
Over two days you'll learn how to develop the qualities that make Tai Chi unique.
You'll explore:
Structure and body organization
Whole-body connection
Creating Internal power
Push hands and sensitivity
Practical Qigong
Form as a training tool—not just choreography
How traditional concepts like Jing, Qi, and Shen fit into practical training
Most importantly, you'll leave with a clear roadmap for continuing your practice long after the workshop ends.
by sunday afternoon you'll leave with...
A Practical Framework.
Understand the principles behind the Tai Chi Body instead of simply a collection of movements.
Better Body Organization
Stand more efficiently, move with greater stability, and understand how the body should organize itself during practice.
A Clear Understanding of Internal Power
Discover what internal power actually is, how it is developed, and how to begin producing it yourself.
Direct Experience
Practice push hands, partner drills, movement testing, and practical exercises that let you feel the principles—not simply hear about them.
Personal Coaching
Receive individual feedback throughout the weekend on the one or two things that will make the biggest difference in your own practice.
A Plan for Continued Practice
Leave with a participant workbook, notes, drills, and a simple daily practice you can continue at home.
What Makes This Workshop Different?
Most Tai Chi workshops teach movements.
This workshop teaches body quality.
You will learn to build the Tai Chi Body.
Every concept is presented through the same process:
✓ Learn it.
✓ Practice it.
✓ Feel it.
✓ Test it.
Rather than memorizing choreography, you'll develop the qualities that make Tai Chi work.
Only 14 spots available
How the Weekend Works
Friday Evening — Where You're Starting
Discover Your Starting Point
August 28, 6pm-7:30PMish
Friday evening is relaxed, interactive, and designed to prepare you for the weekend.
You'll meet the group, experience light Qigong and movement drills, and begin exploring how your body moves today.
Throughout the evening you'll receive individual coaching as we identify the one or two changes that will have the biggest impact on your practice.
Saturday
Building the Tai Chi Body 9AM-Noon
Saturday is devoted to creating the foundation.
We'll explore:
Central Pillar
Unified Body
Posterior Chain
Hip Pivot
Saturday Afternoon- Creating Internal Power 1:00PM-4:00PM
You'll learn to create internal power through:
Elastic Spring
Compression
Torque
Drive
Every principle is explored through Qigong, drills, form practice, and partner exercises.
Saturday Night--- Go see and experience Asheville!!!!
You've earned it. Explore downtown Asheville, take a hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway, enjoy a local restaurant, or visit one of the city's famous breweries.
Just one suggestion... eight IPAs and Sunday morning Tai Chi probably aren't the best combination. 😄
Sunday
Connection 9AM-Noon Then 1PM-4PM
Sunday brings everything together.
We'll review the principles from Saturday before developing the qualities that allow the body to work as one complete system.
Topics include:
Leverage
Pressure
Space
Hidden Path
These ideas are explored through guided practice, push hands, partner drills, and practical application.
We finish by revisiting where everyone began on Friday evening so you can experience your own progress.
Every concept follows the same learning process.
Learn it.
Practice it.
Feel it.
Test it.
Rather than spending hours listening to lectures, you'll spend the weekend building each principle through movement, coaching, partner exercises, and guided practice.
This Weekend Is For You If...
This is for you if…
You've learned a Tai Chi form but want to understand what the movements are actually teaching.
You're new to Tai Chi and want to build good habits from the beginning.
You're a martial artist interested in improving body mechanics and movement quality.
You care about strength, longevity, balance, and moving efficiently.
You enjoy learning through hands-on coaching instead of long lectures.
This Is Not For You If...
You're looking only for a casual "wave your hands in the park" experience.
You want to collect another certificate without putting in the work.
You're uncomfortable receiving hands-on corrections or partner feedback.
You're expecting mysticism instead of practical instruction.
Why Learn This From Us
Derek Croley has spent more than 40 years studying martial arts and internal movement, including direct training under George Xu, Liu Chan Shan, Bill Wallace, and Ken Brayman. As a WACIMA Vice President and a Chief Instructor, he has dedicated his career to translating complex internal principles into practical skills that students can understand, feel, and apply.
40+ years of martial arts training.
Lived and trained in China.
Author of several books, most recently The Hunter.
A Worldwide Association of Chinese Internal Martial Arts Vice President and a Chief Instructor.
“My goal in your 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.
The Details
This Workshop Is Safe, Simple, and Surprisingly Effective
When: August 28-30 beginning at 6pm
Where: White Oak Martial Arts, 239 S. Liberty St., Asheville, NC
Capacity: Limited to 14 participants
Investment: $199
Includes:
Friday evening orientation
Two full days of instruction
Participant workbook to take home
Individual coaching
Push hands and partner training
Practice drills
Coffee and light refreshments
Questions, answered
Common Questions
If you’re wondering about something that isn’t covered here, simply mention it when you book—our team will respond personally.
Do I need Tai Chi experience?
No. Some attendees will be experienced practitioners, others will not. The material is taught so both groups get real value.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing you can move in. Flat-soled shoes or barefoot. We do ask that you do not wear outside shoes.
Is this physically demanding?
It's hands-on and interactive, but it's not a bootcamp. It's Tai Chi and Qi Gong. You will be moving all weekend. However, you can at any time step off and rest as needed.
What if I have an injury or physical limitation?
Let us know when you register. Many limitations can be worked around. Ultimately, you'll have to decide if this is something you can do.
Is there a refund policy?
You can cancel any time with a full refund up to 7 days out from the event. After that there is no refund, even if you don't show. If the event is canceled for any reason, you do get a full refund.
Reserve Your Spot Now
The Workshop is August 28-30, 2026. Enrollment is intentionally limited to provide plenty of space for movement, partner work, and individual coaching. Includes approximately 13 hours of instruction, a participant workbook, and individual coaching.
