My two kids began training at the San Mateo Tat Wong Kung Fu Academy when they were in elementary school. By the time they graduated high school my daughter was a second degree blackbelt and my son was a third degree. They not only developed their physical conditioning, but more importantly developed their self confidence. My wife and I felt comfortable that they would be able to defend themselves as they went off to college on their own. The instructors under Sifu Felipe and Sifu Katrina’s direction are great at bringing out the best of every student. Sifu Felipe is especially great with young children. I started training myself in my 40’s, and the Sifus and Sehings have me in the best shape that I’ve ever been. In my 50’s they prepared me to compete in kung fu tournaments in the Bay Area and even Brazil. I hope to be able to compete even in my 60’s. The other nice thing about the program is the variety it provides. From pad work, kicking and punching, sparring, traditional Choy Lay Fut hand forms and weapons training. Fun for all ages, from the very young to the very old and everyone in between.
Thomas So, 4th Degree
Sifu Felipe Godoy is the Managing Chief Instructor of the San
Mateo Tat Wong Kung Fu Academy. Sifu Godoy began his Martial
Arts training in Brazil with judo when he was only 6 years
old. He expanded into the styles of Karate, Tae Kwon Do,
Praying Mantis Kung Fu, and Fencing. In 1995 he discovered his true
passion, Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu.
Sifu Godoy came to the USA to study directly with Grand Master Wong
at the Tat Wong Kung Fu Academy Headquarters in San Francisco in
1997 after graduating from the University of Campinas, Brazil, with
a degree in physical education and sports coaching. His
expertise and teaching enthusiasm made him quickly a valuable part
of Grand Master Wong’s Instructor team.
Sifu Godoy has since competed in tournaments throughout the USA, as well as in Brazil, Venezuela and China. Among his many top honors are Gold Medals from the World Traditional Wushu Festival in Zhengzhou, China and a Gold Medal in Sanshou sparring from the Pan American Wushu Championships.
After many years of dedication to teaching and training, he was awarded the title of SIFU in December of 2006. And, now after so many years of being Chief Instructor of the San Mateo Academy he is in integral part of the headquarters team with Grand Master Wong and Master Chow. His commitment to helping students is only equaled by his ongoing efforts mastering the art of Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu. He is accomplished in the many aspects of Choy Lay Fut from technical Kung Fu and self-defense skills to kickboxing and grappling, to the traditions of lion dancing.
“One of my greatest rewards as an instructor is when I start to see a transformation in my students,” Sifu Godoy says. “I see them overcoming their fears and insecurities through the power of their Kung Fu training.”
Come join Sifu Felipe Godoy and the San Mateo teaching team and get inspired to train Kung Fu for a fun and interesting way to fitness and self-defense.