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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. One of their students is Mas
Shandy Smith.
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 is a fifth river
student and teaches Poekoelan Tjimindie Kung Fu. This means
that all students taught by Mas Shandy are sixth river practitioners.
The black dragon symbolizes the mystery and power of the system.
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