Tao Institute

8.20
9 W Walnut St 2nd Floor, Asheville, NC 28801
Perfect for:
Traditional martial arts enthusiastsSpiritual seekers
Opens in 4 days at 5:30 (Monday)
Tao Institute interior

About

Tao Institute in Asheville, North Carolina is a traditional martial arts school established in 1975 by Master Frank J. Paolillo, offering a complete Internal Martial Arts system. The school emphasizes Qigong development, spiritual cultivation, and personal transformation through both traditional and modern training methods. With nearly five decades of martial arts experience, Master Paolillo brings depth and authenticity to the training experience.

Jiu Jitsu Near Me VerifiedJiu Jitsu Verified
8.20/10

Our weighted 10-point scoring system for martial arts academies prioritizes instruction quality, training environment, and overall student experience.

We consider factors like instructor expertise, class structure, and facility quality. Our assessment combines student feedback, expert reviews, and website information.

Scores above 9.00 denote world-class quality, signifying premier martial arts training experiences.

Instructor imageInstructors
9.00
Class Structure imageClass Structure
8.50
Safety and Hygiene imageSafety and Hygiene
8.00
Facility Quality imageFacility Quality
7.50
Value for Money imageValue for Money
8.00
Location and Accessibility imageLocation & Accessibility
8.00

Public Review Sentiment

Google
Based on 4 Google Reviews
The Tao Institute has limited public reviews, but the available feedback highlights the wisdom and knowledge offered at the school, suggesting a focus on traditional martial arts philosophy and depth of instruction.
Last Updated 2 Mar 2025

Instructors

Master Frank J. Paolillo brings nearly five decades of martial arts experience to his teaching, with a background that includes Karate, Kempo, and Jiu Jitsu. His training under various masters, including Grandmaster Chan Pui, provides students with access to authentic and traditional martial arts knowledge.

Facility

While specific details about the facility are limited, the Tao Institute is located in downtown Asheville, suggesting an accessible urban location. The school has been established since 1975, indicating a stable and potentially well-maintained training environment.

Pricing

The Tao Institute website does not provide transparent pricing information for in-person classes, though they do offer online resources through a subscription model. For accurate and current pricing information, prospective students would need to contact the school directly.

Facility

Well MaintainedEnough spaceDowntown locationTraining space for various martial arts practices

Gym

Relaxed AtmosphereSupportive VibeGood Safety

Instructors

ExperiencedTraditionalKnowledgeableDiverse martial arts background

Classes

GiAdvancedAdult friendly

Pricing

Not enough informationNo free trialUnclear Pricing

There is no explicit mention of a free trial on the Tao Institute website, though many traditional martial arts schools offer an introductory class or observation period.

Location

Street Only ParkingGood Accessibility

Opening Hours

Opens in 4 days at 5:30 (Monday)
Monday 5:30 - 7PM
Tuesday 5:30 - 7PM
Wednesday 5:30 - 7PM
Thursday (Today)5:30 - 7PM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Location

The Tao Institute is conveniently located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, making it accessible to residents and visitors to this vibrant mountain city.

Address

9 W Walnut St 2nd Floor, Asheville, NC 28801

Website

https://taoinstitute.org/

Phone

+1 828-316-1501

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of martial arts are taught at the Tao Institute?

The Tao Institute offers a complete Internal Martial Arts system including Qigong, Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan, Dragon Style Baguazhang, Northern Praying Mantis, Tao Style, Taoist meditation, and weapon form training. The head instructor also has background in Karate, Kempo, and Jiu Jitsu.

How long has the Tao Institute been established?

The Tao Institute was established by Master Frank J. Paolillo on December 8, 1975, giving it nearly 50 years of history in teaching traditional martial arts.

Is there an online training option available?

Yes, the Tao Institute offers online resources through a separate website (online.taoinstitute.org) with a subscription-based membership that provides access to instructional courses and lectures. There are two tiers of training available for different skill levels.

What is the focus of training at the Tao Institute?

The Tao Institute emphasizes Qigong development, spiritual cultivation, creative energy, and personal transformation through both traditional and modern training methods.