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.