Meet the Instructors
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 7 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 get-go. 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 Robert Hean - I am a 1st Degree black belt in Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen. I began at Lewis and Clark College in 2004, and have a lot of fun training. Training has given me incredible physical and mental discipline, helping me get fit and get a better handle on life in general. I love teaching students, whether they’re four or seventy-four because everyone can find something for them when they train. I find great joy in the movements of Poekoelan, not only are they self-expressive, but they give me the confidence to know that I can protect myself should the need ever arise.
Mas Emily Trubits - I have been training Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen since 2008. I love the confidence I get from training and watching everyone improve and progress, including myself. Training always reduces my stress and puts me in a great mood! I love to teach because I know I am teaching people skills that will help them for life and keep them safe. I am currently attending Southridge High School.
Mas Twila Kaye- Started training in with her son in 2005. Poekoelan is more then just a great physical workout. It’s a great way to relieve stress. It allows for growth in discipline, courage and esteem. It is a community of compassionate people. Teaching 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 me to stay consistent with it, so fitness has been a struggle. Poekoelan is different because I’m learning valuable skills as I work 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 me face all life’s challenges more constructively. Middle age has been easier to face as I see the progress I am making and the things I can do now that once seemed impossible. I love that Poekoelan bridges age barriers, and that many of my respected instructors and training partners are children and teenagers. I also love teaching-being part of the challenge and achievement that all students experience. For me Poekoelan has been life-changing. 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.
We all look forward to having you join our extended Poekoelan family!
Contact Information
Tulen Center is located at 4710 SW Scholls Ferry Road. If you would like more information please do not hesitate to call us at 503-291-9333 or to send us an email at [email protected]! Click here to get your FREE 14 Day Membership today. We look forward to meeting you soon!