Sometimes, the students say it better than I can…

Dear Pendekkar,

I want to thank you and Goeroe Jeff for believing in me. I honestly wanted to walk off the floor a number of times during the “Men’s Class in 2010” – I did not think this was for me. I am so glad I kept training with your encouragement as well as Goeroe Jeff’s. The Tulen community is so special – the encouragement from Mas Rob H, Mas Divonna, and Mas Twila to keep me going. I made the decision to keep training after seeing M. Rob F. while walking my dog and I said I think I will keep training, and I did. So did he. I was amazed when I made that decision and very glad I did.

I have not felt as good spiritually and physically since my 20s. It has been an unbelievable experience. At first I was sore after class but my body has adjusted and keeps getting stronger. For me, martial arts is not something to dabble in like a spin class at the gym. As Mas Goeroe Agoeng Barbara says, you need to practice every day. I feel I need to come to class at least 2-3 days a week and practice at least 2 times – luckily I am a Golden and you and Goeroe Jeff have allowed me to practice during off hours. Not practicing makes Poekoelan very frustrating since I am slow to learn set movements.

As I’ve said before, the humbling nature of Poekoelan has really helped me. (I am such a “know it all” but keeping my mouth shut at class is a good thing.) Mas Cy really helped me with set 2. Mas Hirsh has been an inspiration to me. Mas Emily, Mas Rowan, Mas Lisa and the home grown SWTC Black Belts are awesome. M. Rob H has taken me under his wing and that has been great.

I feel my training has become much more focused now that I have lost weight and feel comfortable in third phase. Learning the basics of the holds was very hard and set one still seems impossible. My goal for this year is to try to clear my mind for evening classes which is very difficult but that is improving.

My general recommendation for adults is try it for 3 months and then make a commitment. The situation with the Men’s class is almost better than private training since you get a black belt to instruct(sometimes 2) and adult attackers that are pretty friendly and since I am down to 161 – I am easier to throw…..

Mas Brad