Photo taken during ceremony in 1973 where Mas Goeroe Agoeng promoted Mas Goeroe Barbara and put her belt in the middle identifying her as his direct successor. Also pictured is Goeroe Tom Reeveley as a white sash in white gi on the left. Mas Goeroe Agoeng is in the background as is the tradition when handing legacy to your student. Mas Goeroe Barbara is on the right facing sideways in humble ceremony to honor the wish of her teacher. Photo was taken in Ohio at Mas Goeroe Barbara’s Tulen school Indo- American named by Mas Goeroe Agoeng in honor of his heritage INDO and American for Mas Goeroe Barbara.
In honor of Mas Goeroe Agoeng (Grand Master) Willy Wetzel’s dream to teach and further develop the lessons and knowledge of Poekoelan, we introduce his art, Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen.
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.
To learn more details about the history of Poekoelan click here.