Review : Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen

Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen was founded by Mas Goeroe Agoeng Willy John Christopher Wetzel, a Dutch Indonesian man and ninth degree Golden Dragon. Mas Goeroe Agoeng traveled throughout Indonesia studying many styles of Pentjat Silat and took the best parts of each to develop the style of Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen. Mas Goeroe Agoeng brought the art to this country in 1956. The first school to teach Mas Goeroe Agoeng’s style was opened in Lowellville, Ohio in 1973 by Mas Goeroe Barbara Niggel under the direct tutelage of Mas Goeroe Agoeng Willy Wetzel. Mas Goeroe Agoeng’s compassion, spirit, and dedication to his art were boundless. Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen, headquartered in Massachusetts, is now under the direction of Mas Goeroe Agoeng’s direct heir, Mas Goeroe Barbara Niggel. Mas Goeroe Agoeng is the “Well” as he is the originator of the art, Mas Goeroe Barbara Niggel is the first bloodline or first river, and her students are second rivers and so on. There are now over 11 schools in the US and abroad that teach this art. Poekoelan has enriched and protected the lives of many, all over the world. Poekoelan (Pu ku lan) is an Indonesian word, which means “series of blows with returning hands and feet;” Tjimindie means “beautiful flowing waters;” Tulen means “original.” Together, this describes the movement of this complete martial art, which flows gracefully and is effective in both combat and healing. The art is symbolized by the flexible, supple, yielding bamboo and an individualistic, beautiful rose that has thorns to protect itself. These symbols are set upon a black background, which signify the secrets and mysteries of the art.


The systems movements are of a nature akin to water and bamboo, fluid and circular, spiraling and continuous, graceful and whip-like. Movements are derived from four animals; the tiger, the crane, the monkey, and the snake. The use of these animals provide a set of dynamic dualities: soft/hard, fast/slow, small/large, fierce/playful, circular/angular and high/low. All of this is combined with a meditative, dance-like form, called the “crawl,” a movement that is completely unique to each practitioner.

Martial techniques for self-defense are joined with breath and energy for union of the body and mind. The purpose is to waken and connect with the body, seek clarity of self and learn to strengthen, protect, and secure the human spirit core by developing calm, compassion, and a high level of internal energy for use in healing. The advanced levels of training in the Tulen art inspire the student to develop not only physical skills but mental and spiritual skills as well. The three advanced phases of the Tulen System are White Dragon, Silver Dragon and Gold Dragon.

Students begin by bowing with empty hands and open minds to our teacher. The cleansing spirit of the art pours through them, and with each step, it washes and purifies them. The training drum rhythms guide the students to their own movement. To fully understand the essence of training, students are encouraged to “accept, breathe, flow and not be concerned with outcomes.” Compassion-based Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen offers a calm and fluidly beautiful art of self-protection and cultivation of the inner spirit.

The goal of the student is to spread Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen worldwide in the name of Mas Goeroe Agoeng Willy Wetzel. Welcome to his art.

Website : http://www.poekoelan.com