|
This
is a system based on Indonesian and Chinese fighting styles.
Both styles mimic animals in movement and philosophy. From Indonesia,
Poekoelan gets snake and tiger movements. From China, Poekoelan
gets monkey and crane movements. Each animal has its strong
points. For instance Tiger movements are ideally suited to ground
fighting while Monkey movements are excellent for grappling.
Poekoelan Tjimindie Kung Fu begins with intense training for
self defense. Roughly 100 holds are taught. In order to advance,
all holds must be performed under a time limit. This demonstrates
mastery of techniques, performance under pressure, and control
of movements. Beyond the self defense class, the student learns
fighting and forms. Each has its own subgroups. For instance
forms are divided into Sets (demonstration forms), Lunkas (traditional
forms), and Kumbongs (personal forms).
Poekoelan
was developed in Indonesia by Mas Djot (pronounced "Dweet")
Bang Salimoen and Oei King Boen. Each was a master of their
country's martial art. Mas Djot Bang Salimoen had learned Penjak
Silet. Oei King Boen had learned Chinese Kung Fu. They blended
these styles together and called the style Poekoelan.
Poekoelan derives from the word Poekoe (sometimes spelled
puku) which means "to hit". The term poekoelan roughly translates
as "a series of strikes with returning hands and feet".
Poekoelan was brought to the United States by Mas Goeroe Angoeng
"Willie" Wetzel in 1956. He learned Poekoelan in a village
in West Java called Tjimindie. Tjimindie is located on a river,
and the name means "beautiful flowing water". Goeroe
learned the Tjimindie dialect of Poekoelan which incorporates
movements and attitudes reminiscent of flowing water.
Goeroe moved to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania in 1956, and trained many students.
Sensei Brian Cowing began training under one of those students at
the age of 18. He received his black belt at age 24. When
he received his black belt, he took over the school in Provincetown,
Massachusetts. He taught for several years before he and Sensei
Ruthanne decided to open their own school. They called the
new school Fifth River Karate. Two of their students are Mas
Shandy Smith and Mas Jessica Brawner.
Rose and River
Martial Arts
The name of this
school is "Rose and River Martial Arts". Our school
symbol is a stylized rose with a black dragon in the center
and flanked by a river that divides into six branches. The
rose refers to the Poekoelan symbol while the rivers indicate
that this is a sixth river school. Mas Shandy and Mas Jessica
are both fifth river students and teach Poekoelan Tjimindie
Kung Fu. This means that all students taught by Mas Shandy
and Mas Jessica are sixth river practitioners. The black dragon
symbolizes the mystery and power of the system.
|
