Matthew Smulders

Instructor

Training Since: 2015

Teaching Since: 2021

Technique of Choice: Throat Strike

Weapon of Choice: Dagger

Sean began his Arakan journey in 2015 after moving to Melbourne, seeking a martial art to improve his fitness. He quickly embraced Arakan's focus on personal growth and self-defense.

As an instructor, Sean is patient and passionate, helping students become empowered, resilient, and stronger in all aspects of their lives. He enjoys combining self-defense training with fitness and conditioning, pushing students to grow mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Sean's achievements include being named Most Improved Student, Student of the Year, and earning his Yellow Belt. He is also proud to be the first Melbourne-grown Arakan Instructor. Outside of training, Sean enjoys staying active and riding motorcycles.

Student Testimonials

I have been doing Arakan Martial Art for the past one month for self defence training. I find it very practical when it comes to self defence. From day one Matthew Smulders, my trainer would have us do at least one street scenario where I apply whatever I learnt in the lesson. In the last lesson he taught me how to deal with collar grab. First we practiced the movement, then we practiced the scenario. What I like about training with Matt is that he adjusts the training intensity based on how much I have absorbed the lesson, helps me make the small adjustments and then ramps up the intensity. And he is a super nice guy to talk to. I always feel heard and enjoy these lessons a lot.

If you are in Melbourne, I highly recommend training with him.

Humzah Al Kindi

Book a complimentary intro lesson with Matthew Smulders

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Why Martial Arts Beats Boxing, MMA, and Gym Training for Lifestyle

If you’re a young man in your 20s looking to get fit, strong, and confident, you’ve probably considered a few different options. Boxing gyms are everywhere. MMA has exploded in popularity thanks to the UFC. And of course, the regular gym is always an option if you want to lift weights and build muscle.

All of these can be good in their own way. But if you’re not just chasing short-term gains, if you’re looking for something deeper - a lifestyle, an identity, and a path of growth - then Arakan Martial Art leaves them all behind.

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Travel, Adventure, and the Martial Arts Lifestyle

Your 20s are the perfect time for adventure. You’ve got energy, freedom, and a hunger to explore the world. Whether it’s backpacking through Asia, road-tripping with mates, taking off on overseas holidays, or simply saying yes to new experiences, this is the time to create stories you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

But here’s something most people don’t realize: martial arts aren’t just something you train at home in a dojo or gym. When you embrace it as a lifestyle, it goes wherever you go. It becomes part of your identity - a constant companion that makes every trip, every challenge, and every adventure more exciting and meaningful.