Lineage
Dr Lin Feng Chao is one of the key teachers behind James Godwin's Tai Chi lineage.
His place in the lineage helps explain where James's teaching comes from and why that matters for students who want rooted instruction.
Biography
A life shaped by healing, martial practice, and deep study
Dr Lin Feng Chao was born in Taiwan in 1948. His early interest in traditional Chinese medicine grew out of his own health difficulties, which led him first into martial arts and then more deeply into Tai Chi.
He also studied Tui Na and Chinese medicine, developing a path that connected movement, sensitivity, healing, and disciplined daily practice rather than treating Tai Chi as exercise alone.
Why he matters here
Why this matters to students in Sedgefield
In 1969, Dr Lin's teacher moved to Canada and directed him toward the legendary Cheng Man-Ching. Dr Lin then studied Tai Chi, acupuncture, and Chinese medicine as a closed-door disciple of Cheng until Cheng's passing in 1975 — part of the small inner circle taught directly, in the traditional way.
When Dr Lin later moved to South Africa, he brought that teaching lineage with him. James Godwin's own training sits within that line, giving Dantian a clear teaching background rather than a generic wellness story.
The lineage in South Africa
A transmission that took root on the Cape
Dr Lin settled in Cape Town in 1991 and taught in the traditional way: small groups, direct correction, and long apprenticeship. Several teaching lines grew from those rooms. The UCT Tai Chi Club was founded by Dr Michael Lan, an in-house student of Dr Lin. Long Hu Tai Chi continues under Dr Michael McLoughlin, his student since 1992. And James Godwin, one of a small group Dr Lin trained in the traditional forms, now teaches at Dantian in Sedgefield.
The line is short and documented: Yang Cheng-fu taught Cheng Man-Ching, Cheng taught Dr Lin, and Dr Lin's students carry the practice in South Africa today.
Practice
Reference footage
Start Here
Start with the free Friday introduction class
Use the form, WhatsApp, or email to ask about classes, availability, and the easiest way to begin. The free introduction class runs on Fridays from 7:00am to 8:00am.
- Teacher: James Godwin
- Location: Sedgefield, Garden Route, Western Cape
- Weekly intro class: Fridays, 7:00am to 8:00am
- Map: Open location
- WhatsApp: +27 68 603 8834