We've been serving Asheville for over 25 years. Here's what some of our students had to say.

I have been a tai chi student of Master Croley for many years now, and if you want to learn real internal martial arts, whether for health, for sport, or for self defense, White Oak is the place to find it.

I started practicing Tai Chi and Qigong with Derek Croley at White Oak in July 2024. I had just begun a year-long sabbatical from my job as a university professor, and was hoping to find some relief from the hip pain that had plagued me for over a decade. I had tried everything else - pain meds, cortisone shots, massage, acupuncture, myofascial release, integrated bio-mechanical therapy, and different styles of physical therapy via several practitioners. At the time, I had been practicing martial arts with Derek for about 3.5 years, so I was already aware of his extraordinary knowledge and skills in the martial arts, but until then my schedule had not allowed me to attend his twice-weekly Tai Chi/Qigong classes. What I gained through my practice was so much more than I anticipated. Over the past year plus, I have learned to pay attention to my body, to feel the subtle changes that happen when one moves through a series of forms. I have developed an awareness of the interconnectedness of my body’s systems, and formed a stronger connection between my mind and body, allowing me to focus and control my energy. Most importantly, I am learning to relax on a cellular level. As a trauma survivor, this has been key to my healing process. I have read Derek’s book, “The 6 Steps to Self Mastery: Develop an Internal Power Practice that will change your life” three times, and learned something to improve my practice each time. I feel fortunate to have found someone I consider to be one of the best martial arts mentors of all time, and I do not say this lightly. As a life-long educator, I recognize excellent teaching when I see it. Derek is able to take a complex system of movements and break them down into a series of smaller steps, making learning the movements both fun and easy. Further, his encyclopedic knowledge of martial arts systems around the globe enhances his instruction as he often uses examples to illustrate the evolution of each form’s utility over time. I cannot speak highly enough of Derek Croley, his superb skillset, and innate teaching abilities. If you are wanting to improve your physical health and mental well-being, White Oak Tai Chi is an excellent place to practice to help you achieve those goals. ❤️❤️❤️

Learning and practicing Tai Chi and internal martial arts has improved my health amazingly. My husband and I enjoyed this class so much we even joined Master Croley in China in 2010 to train. My grandson is enthusiastic about his class as well.

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 Martial Arts Asheville. Thank you Master Croley and Staff.

We have had 3 kids, ages 9-16, at the downtown Asheville location. The oldest really benefited from the adult classes. The younger two have enjoyed learning this style of fighting for the past two years and are still excited to come to practice three days a week. I highly recommend this practice for both kids and adults.

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

I visit schools around the world, This school and its Team are amongst some the best I have seen. Quality instruction and clean energetic Facility. I'd you live in the area and don't train here your losing out.

My son has been going here for two years now and it has been a fantastic experience. Besides the regular classes he very much enjoys the parents night out activities.

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!

We love this dojo for our son... very exciting, fast paced, and ACTUAL SELF DEFENSE... the parents volunteer to be "the bad guy" and the children have to fight the padded mats off we are holding... Wonderful technique in my opinion, very personable and hold the children and parent accountable for appearance, attendance, and morally ethical decision-making! Love love love they way they work

Go here! This place was incredibly good to attend. I went to White Oak for...gosh, 9 years. Studying at White Oak Martial Arts taught me to protect myself, physically and mentally. It improved my life. Practice gave me control and awareness of my body and movement. I started feeling safe, confident, in control of myself and my environment. That gave me the courage to assert myself socially and in academics. Derek Croley gave me a chance to teach, which gave me insight into how a business is run and operated, and how to teach. White Oak taught me greater respect for others, and that work and dedication is rewarded with personal improvement. I'd recommend this school to anyone. Come to White Oak if you want a teacher who is an incredible fighter and actively seeks to improve himself and every student at the school. Also, this place is pretty awesome for women - Croley isn't condescending, he will demand the same things of you, he hires women, and he will give you equal attention and challenges. If you're love to fight and want to learn to do it well, you will find a supportive, intelligent community willing to practice seriously in and out of class at White Oak. If you are looking to improve yourself - mind and health is incorporated into lessons. I'd recommend this place in a heartbeat and would still be there if I could! After I moved, I still miss White Oak and enjoy coming back for seminars when I can.

I would recommend White Oak Martial Arts for anyone and everyone. I have 4 sons and the awesome staff works with them both individually and as a group. They are awesome, especially with my son on the autism spectrum. Every month they do some extra awesome stuff geared toward both the kids and family. Give them a try! You won't regret it!