Derek Croley brings a high degree of professionalism and dedication to the teaching of Tai Chi and the martial arts. From personal experience, his teaching is superb and his curriculum is well balanced for students of all ages and abilities. Whether a novice or more advanced student each has the opportunity to learn apace. New martial arts skills and techniques are regularly introduced - a result of trips to China and his collaboration with a Chinese master - into the teaching. This and his special blend of tongue in cheek humor together with a seriousness and love of the art make classes interesting, fun and understandable. (Translated: easier to grasp.) This is not Tai Chi for the masses. This is Tai Chi for the serious student taught by a devoted master. Beginner and advanced students bring varying degrees of life experiences and expectations into the classroom but it can be a great learning experience for those who keep an open mind."

I have been a student at WOMAC for almost 3 years. The purpose of the classes is to teach martial arts and the internal principles that make martial arts movements effective. They are NOT "exercise classes" and are not designed to be "workouts". Through learning forms, testing discrete movements and positions, and practicing via "push hands" and other exercises I have not only learned a lot, but the effect on my physical well-being has been remarkable. When I first started I could barely make it through 45 minutes of class due to back pain, and that was on pain meds. Now I can do 2 hours of training and have been able to get off all medications. The health benefits have come because of the focus on doing the movements correctly, from internal mindset and movement. Observing several Grand Masters in recent classes in China reinforced my belief that Master Croley is definitely teaching at a very high level.

Have been going to White Oak for 5 years now. I liked how at each belt level we were required to do things for personal development and public service. Moral philosophy is important when teaching fighting arts. At this school we focus on a technique and then explore it's variation. Real life situations are not like practice. We are encouraged to think on one's feet in the moment. The Grand Master of White Oak is world famous George Xu, one of the treasures of China. He determines much of the curriculum and visits the school teaching master classes. The instructors also visit Master Xu to continue their studies and perfect their art. There are many classes focusing on different aspects of Martial Arts such as Hsin Yi, Tai Chi, a mixed martial art workout class, kids classes and family classes. There is enough going on that no one can get bored and there is always something to learn. Great attention is spent on internal movement as well as control of the opponent.

I looked for a martial arts teacher and school for years and never found a place that I believed would teach me Martial Arts and the philosophy that went with it. Then I observed classes at the White Oak Martilal Arts Center and was impressed, After I interviewed Master Derek Croley, I signed up immediately. Master Croley and the White Oak Center is teaching me Martial Arts however it is also teaching me about life balance, stepping outside of my box, and confidence. Since starting classes with Master Croley I have done things I never believed I was capable of doing. I would recommend the White Oak School to anyone looking for a balanced and responsible martial arts school where you can train comfortably and responsibly.

I would highly recommend Derek Croley. I have been studying under Master Croley for two years. I have trained in Martial Arts on and off for years.

I have attended White Oak Martial Arts Center for 3 years now. I have been very impressed by their philosophy and ability to engage advanced martial arts theory. They are grounded in an ancient Chinese art yet are able to connect to their students in a very humble and genuine way. I would highly recommend this program to any serious martial arts students.

After more than 4yrs of training at WOMAC I have had only good experiences. I believe the instruction is the best in the area, and has always included encouraging, positive feedback. The instructors do a great job of giving well prepared and thought out lessons. Students gain life skills that prepare them for real situations and to become confident leaders.

I have trained here for over three years and I beleive this is the finest Martial Arts teaching available in Asheville. The work is grounded in a deep understanding of the history of the art with comprehensive emphais on the physical, mental and spriritual aspects each form taught there. I tend to get bored easily but the teaching here just gets more and more interesting as I progess. I have had a significant reduction in lower back pain and i have better balance and strength from participating on a regular basis at this school.

I have been attending White Oak for quite some time, and had no inclination to write a review - I simply needed the physical address to give a friend. However, after reading the solitary blasphemous review of White Oak, I decided to give my two cents; every single point presented by the imbecilic review of White Oak is wrong, so, instead of focusing on the plethora of positives associated with WO, I'll focus on defending it from the ignoramus' single star. First, what in the holy hell is clean fighting? In a street fight are you expected to bow, shake hands, and exchange pleasantries before commencing? There are no rules in a real fight, and any half-wit would know that. As far as working out goes, WO will not replace a moderate regime at the gym, so It seems the reviewer is confused, do they want a gym masquerading as a martial arts studio, or a martial arts studio? Is it expensive? You get what you pay for, and an 8th degree black belt teaching you how to fight is worth it. tbc

After training at this school for many years, I cannot recommend it. The workouts are not rigorous and the techniques are not taught cleanly. Students are basically allowed to do whatever they want and are not given corrections or critiques that could make them better. In my opinion the main function of the school is not to teach good martial arts but to make money. There are better schools in town that cost less, give you a better workout, and teach you cleaner techniques. Lastly, I have to say that a big focus of the school is "inner development", however, in my experience this was not achieved in the students or senior instructors. In my opinion they all act nice but have only repressed their negative emotions...not abolished them.