Master Felipe Godoy

SM Chief Instructor

SM Tat Wong Kung Fu Academy

Master Felipe Godoy is the Managing Chief Instructor of the San Mateo Tat Wong Kung Fu Academy who 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. After coming 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 a valuable part of Grand Master Wong’s Instructor team.Master 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 2006 and the title of Master of Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu in November of 2024. After 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 Master 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.