DRAGON PHOENIX FOUNDATION

Movement, Connection, and Opportunity

We help seniors and veterans facing financial barriers access Tai Chi, Qigong, and supportive movement programs—online and here in Buncombe County.

Our work begins with individual tuition assistance and a small in-person pilot. As resources grow, we plan to support free community classes, instructor training, and partnerships that bring instruction to more people.

The foundation administers assistance.
Teaching partners deliver instruction.

ONLINE ASSISTANCE • U.S. RESIDENTS

Practice From Home, at Your Own Pace

Our online assistance program helps eligible seniors and veterans access a dedicated Tai Chi and Qigong course taught by Dragon Phoenix.

Follow recorded lessons from home, revisit the material, and build a regular practice that fits your schedule.

  • Need-based assistance: Eligible participants may receive 100% or 50% tuition assistance.

  • Six-month awards: Assistance lasts six months, with renewal available through a new eligibility review.

  • Focused course access: Your award includes the dedicated Tai Chi and Qigong course only.

  • Available nationwide: Applicants must live in the United States and be age 65 or older, or a U.S. military veteran.

Dragon Phoenix provides the tuition reductions for this initial online program. Dragon Phoenix Foundation administers applications and eligibility reviews.

IN-PERSON ASSISTANCE • INVITATION ONLY

Supporting Wellness Close to Home

We’re beginning with a small, invitation-only pilot for eligible seniors and veterans in Buncombe County, North Carolina.

Participants can attend up to two eligible drop-in classes per week at Dragon Phoenix. This pilot helps us test our application process, support participants, and establish attendance reporting before expanding the program.

  • Local participation: Applicants must live in Buncombe County.

  • Eligible classes: Tai Chi, Qigong, Nia, and Sword Yoga.

  • Individual assistance: Full or half tuition assistance based on financial need and eligibility review.

  • Six-month awards: Your award notice explains your assistance level, access, and participation dates.

Dragon Phoenix contributes the waived portion of tuition during the pilot. The foundation does not reimburse Dragon Phoenix for these pilot classes.

Broader in-person assistance will open as funding becomes available. Your support can help bring this opportunity to more community members.

FUTURE INITIATIVES

Growing Our Reach in the Community

Our vision extends beyond individual tuition assistance. As funding and partnerships develop, we plan to bring free instruction into community settings and help prepare more people to teach.

Free Community Classes

We plan to support qualified instructors and teaching partners in offering free Tai Chi and Qigong classes throughout the community.

These partnerships could bring instruction to senior centers, veterans’ organizations, assisted living communities, and other gathering places.

Instructor Training

We aim to help dedicated participants pursue instructor training so they can share Tai Chi with others.

Supporting thoughtful, well-prepared teachers can help create more opportunities for accessible community instruction.

These initiatives are in development and are not currently open for enrollment. Their timing and scope will depend on funding, qualified teaching partners, and community needs.

Interested in a future teaching or community partnership? Contact veguc8ng@gmail.com.

AN ANNUAL COMMUNITY GATHERING

Come Together Through Movement

Dragon Phoenix hosts World Tai Chi and Qigong Day each year, bringing people together to share practice and connect with the community.

Dragon Phoenix Foundation will participate alongside the school, introducing our assistance programs, sharing our mission, and welcoming donations that help expand access to instruction.

Whether you’re new to Tai Chi and Qigong or have practiced for years, this gathering offers an opportunity to learn about our work and meet the people helping it grow.

Future event details—including the date, location, and schedule—will be posted when confirmed.

World Tai Chi and Qigong Day always happens on the last Saturday in April

Find Support. Help Access Grow.

If financial barriers make participation difficult, explore our assistance options for seniors and veterans.

If you’d like to support this work, your donation helps the foundation administer assistance and build toward more opportunities for community instruction.