Master Asr | Chinese Connection

Master Profile: Asr Cordes

Phone 936.324.8360

Early Training: Asr Cordes began martial arts at age eight and has been focusing on internal arts—including Tai Chi—since 1992. He is a senior student of the renowned Chen-style master Cheng Jincai.
Lineage Recognition: He is listed among the students in the lineage tracing back through Cheng Jincai, Chen Zhaokui, and others, affirming his place in the authentic Chen-style Tai Chi tradition.

Relocation & Dedication: Al-Asr Cordes relocated to Houston (from Baltimore, MD) in the mid-1990s to fully dedicate himself to teaching Chen-style Tai Chi, which was still relatively unknown in North America at the time.
- He began teaching at Cheng’s base located at 9730 Town Park in southwest Houston (established circa 1996).
- Later, he was appointed to head Cheng’s second studio at 6732 Texas 6 South, and also helped organize a third location in Sugar Land.
- His students are diverse—ranging in age from about 6 to 73—and come from across the region, including Dallas and Louisiana.

Healing Through Tai Chi: Both Cheng Jincai and Asr Cordes have shared how his Tai Chi practice alleviated his own chronic dizziness and headaches early on—demonstrating Tai Chi’s healing potential.
A Captivating Practitioner: A 1999 Houston Chronicle profile described him moving with “the grace and fluidity of an underwater ballet,” embodying the Taoist principles of yin and yang through motion.

Published Author: Asr Cordes co-authored Chen T’ai Chi, Volume 1: Traditional Instructions from the Chen Village—a richly illustrated and detailed guide on Chen-style Tai Chi. The book offers clear descriptions and transitions of postures straight from masters of the Chen Village.
Martial Achievements: In addition to his instructional work, he holds international recognition as a Tai Chi competitor and is known for his martial arts writing.