Lineage
Cheng Man-Ching is one of the central figures in the Tai Chi tradition behind Dantian's teaching.
He matters for students who want to understand the Yang short form tradition behind James Godwin's teaching.
Biography
Scholar, physician, artist, and Tai Chi master
Cheng Man-Ching was born in 1901 near Shanghai. Although often remembered primarily as a Tai Chi master, he was known more broadly for the so-called Five Excellences: Tai Chi, poetry, calligraphy, painting, and Chinese medicine.
His life story also matters because Tai Chi was not an abstract tradition to him. It was tied directly to recovery, discipline, and the cultivation of health.
Health and practice
Tai Chi was part of a real transformation in his life
Cheng Man-Ching's health was fragile earlier in life, and his later practice of Tai Chi became part of a profound personal recovery. That experience shaped both how he taught and how he understood the art.
"Tai Chi Chuan, the great ultimate, strengthens the weak, raises the sick, invigorates the debilitated, and encourages the timid."
Transmission
How the lineage reaches the teaching at Dantian
Cheng studied with Yang Cheng-fu and later became one of the most influential teachers in bringing Tai Chi to western students, especially through his work in Taiwan and New York.
Before he died, Yang Cheng-fu asked Cheng to continue his research with another long-term student. Later, Cheng taught Dr Lin Feng Chao, whose training forms part of the lineage behind James Godwin's teaching in Sedgefield.
Further study
Further reading for students who want more context
Get in touch
Ask me about your practice
Ask about Friday, paid private lessons, or a possible group in your town. Tell me which option interests you, where you live and when you are available. You do not need to book to join the free Friday community class.
- Teacher: James Godwin
- Location: Sedgefield, Garden Route, Western Cape
- Free Friday community class: Fridays, 7:00am to 8:00am
- Map: Open location