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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MEMBER TESTIMONIALS

Hormesis and the Arakan Effect: Training That Builds You Stronger Under Stress

Biohackers live by the principle of hormesis – the idea that small, controlled doses of stress make the body stronger, smarter, and more resilient.
It’s why we take cold showers. Fast. Hit the sauna. Lift heavy. Breathe deep.
We stress ourselves on purpose – to grow.
But there’s one powerful, often overlooked form of hormetic training: martial arts. And not just any martial art – one designed for real-life chaos, pressure, and unpredictability.
That’s exactly what Arakan Martial Art delivers. And it’s one of the most potent, natural ways to upgrade your stress response system – physically, mentally, and emotionally.

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From Boardroom to Battle Ready: How Arakan Relieves Stress and Builds Strength

Corporate life can be a battlefield.
Back-to-back meetings. Impossible deadlines. Constant emails. Unrelenting pressure to perform. For many professionals, stress isn’t just part of the job – it’s a way of life.
And while productivity hacks and mindfulness apps may offer short-term relief, what high performers really need is a way to physically discharge that stress, mentally reset, and feel strong again.

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