Practical self defense and fluid fitness for health, safety and wellness

Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen is an Indonesian martial art. Poekoelan means a series of blows with returning hands and feet; Tjimindie, beautiful flowing waters; and Tulen, original. The art was brought to this country in 1956 by a Dutch Indonesian master, Mas Goeroe Agoeng Willy Wetzel. Mas Goeroe Agoeng had many students but he chose one, a young girl, now titled Mas Goeroe Agoeng Barbara Niggel to carry on his art when he died

His willingness to teach a young girl and pass his art onto her was unusual. But it is said that Mas Goeroe Agoeng Willy Wetzel began training martial arts through his mother. Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen relies on explosive speed, energy and technique for power rather than raw physical force. As such it is an art for everyone of every ability – young, old, woman or man. In this art the term of respect “Mas” denotes both women and men.

Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen is powerful and dynamic. It is fluid fitness and wellbeing. Beautiful flowing waters could refer to the mesmerizing dance like movements that hide a fierce combat style, to a river and village in Indonesia, or to the energy that flows through the Tulen fighter.

Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen is a complete martial art. Students begin their training learning effective self defense skills and then move on to learn forms and and fighting. The art is animal based. Aerial movements come from the crane, ground fighting from the tiger, rapid blows with fists and knees from the monkey, and flow and whip from the snake. From the beginning, self defense and fighting are balanced with healing and meditation to allow the student to walk in compassionate, balanced action.

“Those who could not fight were destroyed. Those who loved to fight were also destroyed. Strength and virtue alone, such alone lasts and leads others aright.” – Hakin’s Song of Meditation