Goeroe Jeff Denson is a 5th degree black belt in the art of Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen. He started his training at Lewis and Clark College in 1989. He and his wife Pendekkar Silvia Smart have run Tulen Center SW for over 9 years. They both live in SW Portland with their two children.
Pendekkar Silvia Smart is a 4th degree black belt in the art of Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen. She started training at One With Heart Tulen Center in SE Portland in 1987. When she first started training, she loved how empowered she felt right from the start. Her experience over the years has deepened to include a great appreciation for the lessons in strength of character and compassion. Smart lives in SW Portland with her husband and two children.
Mas Justine Metteer started training at 9 years old, advancing to Blue Sash at twelve. Unfortunately, due to moving out of state, she had to stop her training, but returned 15 years later! Now, she is a Green Sash and is our lead instructor. Mas Justine loves instructing because she hopes she is passing along valuable information and that the students are having as much fun as she does. She believes that training as a kid in Poekoelan is “one of the best things I could have done for myself”.
Mas Rowan Spake has been training since he was 11 years old. As a senior at the Health Science High School, he looks forward to what the future holds for him after graduation. Mas Rowan brings a calm confident nature to his teaching which is inspiring for students at Tulen Center.
Mas Emily Trubits has been training Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen since 2008. She loves the confidence she gets from training and watching everyone improve and progress, including herself. Training always reduces her stress and puts her in a great mood! She loves to teach because she knows she is teaching people important skills that will help them for life and keep them safe. She is currently attending Southridge High School.
Mas Twila Kaye started training with her son in 2005. She believes that Poekoelan is more then just a great physical workout that also relieves stress. Through training, she improves her discipline, courage and esteem. She knows Poekoelan is a community of compassionate people. Teaching for Mas Twila is a way to give back and to show others the power of self-defense training.
Mas Divonna Ratliff – Exercise has always been too boring for Mas Divonna to stick with a consistent workout, so fitness has been a struggle. Poekoelan is different because she’s learning valuable skills as she works out, and fitness is more of a means to a higher goal, rather than the goal itself. The mental training is just as effective, and has helped her face all life’s challenges more constructively. Middle age has been easier to face as she sees the progress she is making and the things she can do now that once seemed impossible. She loves that Poekoelan bridges age barriers, and that many of her respected instructors and training partners are children and teenagers. She also loves teaching- being part of the challenge and achievement that all students experience. For her, Poekoelan has been life-changing. She’s stated “It’s exciting to be able to share it with people no matter their age or physical abilities. So much can be accomplished one class at a time.”
Mas Emilia Smart-Denson started training Poekoelan when she was three years old. She loves the strength and power she gets from Poekoelan, along with the fun and exercise. She loves teaching others about such an important part of her life. She is in 8th grade at ACMA middle school.
Mas Alden Kaye started training in the art of Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen when he was 6 or 7. Poekoelan “has gotten me fit and strong, but that is just a “side effect” of having fun. The community is very kind and helpful. Even though Poekoelan seems like it’s a solo sport, you do rely on the other practitioners for guidance.” He loves teaching, even though it may be challenging, because he is helping students grow in the art.
Mas Robert Hean is a 1st Degree black belt in Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen. He began at Lewis and Clark College in 2004, and has a lot of fun training. Training has given him incredible physical and mental discipline, helping him get fit and get a better handle on life in general. He loves teaching students, whether they’re four or seventy-four because everyone can find something for themself when they train. He finds great joy in the movements of Poekoelan; not only are they self-expressive, but they give him the confidence to know that he can protect himself should the need ever arise.
We all look forward to having you join our extended Poekoelan family!
Contact Information
Tulen Center is located at 4710 SW Scholls Ferry Road. Call us at 503-291-9333 or send us an email at info@tulencenter.com. Let’s get you started on your 14 day FREE membership right away! We look forward to meeting you soon!