Team building is a critical component of any successful organization, whether in the corporate world or other group-based environments. A cohesive, well-functioning team can significantly improve productivity, communication, and overall workplace morale. Arakan Martial Art offers a unique and dynamic approach to team building through its workshops, designed to engage, challenge, and unite your group in a practical and meaningful way.
If you're in your 20s and serious about learning how to fight, you're probably weighing your options. Boxing, MMA, traditional martial arts—all of these can teach you valuable skills. But when it comes to real-world self-defence, where there are no rules and anything can happen, you need something more practical, something designed for the street rather than the ring.
That’s where Arakan Martial Art comes in.
In today’s rapidly changing society, many men struggle with finding their place and purpose. The pressures of modern life and the pervasive influence of social media often lead to confusion, anxiety, and a sense of inadequacy. However, Arakan Martial Art offers a structured pathway to personal growth and empowerment, providing the tools needed to thrive in all areas of life. By embracing the discipline, focus, and resilience cultivated through Arakan, men can overcome these challenges and become better versions of themselves.
As winter sets in, many of us find ourselves retreating indoors, wrapped in layers of clothing, and often falling prey to the seasonal sniffles and sneezes. However, there is a potent remedy that can help fortify our immune systems and keep us healthy during the colder months: regular exercise, particularly through Arakan Martial Art. Not only does training in Arakan Martial Art enhance our immunity, but it also contributes significantly to our overall health and longevity. Let’s delve into the science behind these benefits and explore how practicing Arakan Martial Art can be your best defence this winter.
In the modern quest for self-improvement, biohacking, and personal development, Arakan Martial Art emerges as a multifaceted tool that transcends the conventional boundaries of physical training. This unique martial art offers more than just self-defence skills; it's a holistic approach to upgrading your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Arakan Martial Art is not just a practice for the young or physically fit; it's a holistic discipline that offers immense benefits for individuals in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. This unique martial art goes beyond physical training; it's a tool for maintaining and enhancing mental acuity and overall well-being.
Exploring new destinations can be a thrilling adventure, offering a kaleidoscope of cultures, landscapes, and experiences. But as any savvy traveler knows, the thrill of adventure comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to personal safety in unknown territories. Here's where the art of self-defense, specifically martial arts training, steps in – not just as a skill set but as a vital travel companion, enriching your journeys with confidence and preparedness.
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) is a condition that causes crippling fear and anxiety and prevents people from living what’s considered a ‘normal’ life. The most common treatment for social anxiety is behavioural therapy.
Have you ever wanted to learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones?
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt threatened, intimidated, or bullied?
Are you a family man would like to learn to take control of potentially threatening situations and feel more confident?
We believe everyone always has the right to feel safe and secure . The ability to be able to protect yourself and your loved ones has become a vital skill set in today’s modern world.
Arakan Martial Art is an effective and powerful self-defence art that teaches efficient, practical and easily adaptable techniques for today’s modern world. You will lean the fastest most effective ways to keep you and your loved ones safe!
The unpredictable nature of a self-defence situation is that you never know who you may encounter at any moment and should a potential situation arise, you will need to go from being in a relaxed state, to being able to protect yourself and loved ones within a split second.
As we get older, we realise the value of family and the ability to keep ourselves and loved ones safe.
Arakan Martial Art is a very unique art that enables you to use your body to its best advantage. You will learn to connect with and move your body in very dynamic ways, in which you never thought possible. Several moving parts will come together as you begin to coordinate left and right, top to bottom, forwards and backwards; continuous movements from one to the other, becoming incredibly adaptable. These movements also works the body bilaterally which uses both brain hemispheres, potentially triggering neural plasticity. Your body and mind will become more adaptable, flexible and agile with training.
Contrary to what many people think, a long term disciplined practice in martial arts can help you become more tolerant, calm and peaceful, rather than aggressive.
Many people avoid training in a martial art because they’re “not a violent person”, in fact, it’s a misconception that martial arts equates to violence. This misconception actually robs people of a martial arts journey as well as the massive array of benefits that form part of that journey.
In todays’ society we expect so much so quickly. There is always so much pressure on ourselves and people around us to gain immediate results, no matter what the venture maybe.
Our concept of time has changed dramatically; I often hear comments such as, “I have been training for so long now, it’s been almost three years,” and “I have given myself three months to see if my new business can make big profits,” and “it’s time to find a new job, I have been in this same job for two years, it’s been too long.”
Malcolm Gladwell, in his book Outliers states that it takes 10,000 hours for someone to master a topic...
Arakan Martial Art® is passionate about empowering children! Each year, Arakan Martial Art® holds a seminar geared towards teaching children self protection skills and techniques, to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
Arakan Martial Art® provides a safe, friendly and fun environment where children learn experientially, how to become more aware of danger and respond with efficient and effective self-protection techniques. Feedback from both parents and children has been extremely positive.
As parents, it is probably one of our greatest fears that our child disappears. Our hearts skip a beat, a lump forms in our throat, dread creeps in; we feel panic stricken.
If you’re lucky, your child has just simply been blocked from view temporarily by an object or popped over to a friend’s house without telling you. However, there is always the chance that it may be something more sinister; our worst nightmare.
When ‘life happens’, it is an opportunity to rise up and show our strength and courage. With the recent pandemic hitting our shores, it meant some changes needed to happen with training, whilst conforming with the strict government regulations and hygiene protocols.
As global citizens, we have all been adversely affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. This might just be to our day-to-day socio-occupational routines and training regimes but most likely than not, it has affected our sense of security and certainty about the future to some extent. For some, it can be hard not to worry what the Pandemic and its socio-economic impacts can mean for ourselves, our families, friends and communities.
During this time of uncertainty, we would like to reassure all our current and future members that we are still providing Arakan Martial Art Training as usual.
Your health and wellbeing are important to us and not only does staying active help to boost your immunity (important in fighting illnesses and viruses) but by training Arakan Martial Art you also learn practical and essential self defence techniques.
At Arakan Martial Art, we specialise in Private Lessons which are conducted outside in the fresh air and are still allowed under government restrictions. Alternatively, if you would like to train but are unable to do so in person, we also have the option of online video lessons via Skype or other video streaming platforms.
There is an old saying, ‘necessity is the mother of all inventions’ and Arakan is no different. Arakan is perfectly adaptable for all shapes, sizes, ages, physicality and any health or other perceived limitations.
No two bodies are the same. Everyone has something they are managing, working on or towards.
We appreciate these differences and always ensure we structure your journey from where you are at. Our students have been in wheelchairs, had missing or prosthetic limbs, broken bones, terminal illnesses…. the list goes on; all perfectly capable of training Arakan. It is even more important to be able to protect yourself with these perceived limitations. We believe everyone has the right to feel safe and our mission is to impart skill sets and techniques to ensure the safety and wellbeing of you and your loved ones.
It warms our heart to hear of stories of how people how literally transformed their lives through training Arakan Martial Art®
We often hear the excuses ‘I’m too old, too fat, too sick, not fit enough…’ the list goes on.
To tell the truth, we all have ‘stuff’ going on in our lives, however it’s how we deal with that ‘stuff’ that determines whether we live a happy and fulfilled life, or not.
Dave shares his story of how he went from being a burnt-out, ‘old, sick, depressed, stressed out 35 year old guy’ to a ‘bulletproof 45 year old man’ who is fitter, faster and stronger than he has been in his whole life!
Dave tells of how training Arakan regularly and consistently transformed his health and wealth in all aspects of his life. He became more empowered and confident in his business, at home, in his relationships and now feels bulletproof.
Martial arts’ is traditionally seen as something we enrol our children into whilst at school or we participated when we were younger. We all see the benefits of learning a martial art; improved fitness and health, balance, coordination, focus, discipline and agility, as well as learning self defence skills. However, more adults are beginning to see the benefits of training a martial art and beginning their journey as a mature aged student.
There is no age barrier to training Arakan Martial Art®. We have students as young as 3 years of age and as old as 83 learning Arakan Martial Art®.
My journey started when I shared some medical results with my son. I had been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the Liver, ultimately if untreated it would lead to further health complications and diminished quality of life. I asked my doctor what was the cause, I was told it was related to me being over weight (Girth Size). I asked what treatment I needed. I was told "Just lose weight".
I spoke to my family about my condition and what the doctor said. My eldest son , who also does Arakan, said "I have just the thing for you".
Almost three years ago I received a call from my instructor Corey asking if I’d like to have a complimentary lesson with him. Almost three years ago I had my mind blown away. I’d just witnessed someone moving in a way I’d never seen before and carry himself with a confidence and humbleness I only ever dreamed of having. I never realised that along the way I’d stop dreaming and start acting to become the person I always wanted to be.
Did you know that back pain is one of the leading causes of absenteeism from the workplace? Approximately 1 in 6 Australians will suffer back pain in a year. It may impact our ability to walk, sit, lay down, sleep, not to mention our ability to function optimally at work and at home.
Back Pain may be caused by insufficient strength in the spine due to impaired core strength, excess weight, poor posture, sitting for long periods of time, lack of physical activity, poor mobility, hereditary conditions or diseases, injury or inflammation due to a number of reasons including diet and stressors.
I started Arakan just interested in the discipline of keeping fit and learning this fantastic skill at the same time. This appealed to my rational mind and it made sense that this could actually be applied in a real life situation.
I have been training for over 5 years and like some students starting out I had to find a balance with regularity of training with cost and other commitments. What I didn’t expect was that as I trained but I became more empowered, decisive and a leader in my business.
All experiences in life whether good or bad, shape who we are and it is up to us to use them to create the best version of ourselves.
From the minute I hit the first pad I felt my Light turn on. At the time I had no idea what it was but I felt something happen that I liked and I wanted more.
Over the years I have discovered that 'Light' and have learnt to use it to heal my darkness. And discovered a passion to guide others to discover their Light, regardless of what has happened to them.
This year I have been lucky enough to be invited to attend a special orange belt group once a month on a Saturday morning with the Chief Instructor. It's been such a privilege to be invited to this class as Master Rob really starts to break down how the techniques of the Orange Belt grade really flow together.
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson said "Evil is the force that believes its knowledge is complete." In this class everyone has been training close to 10 years if not more and I get the real sense that no one at the class feels like their knowledge is complete and especially not after Master Rob begins to unveil how all the pieces fit together, the depth of knowledge Rob has on a seemingly simple technique is unfathomable.
Just on 5 years ago, my son Sam, at 11yo, started his Arakan Martial Art® training. Like anything new, learning takes time and application. He made progress quickly and this was aided very much by his initial instructor Ryan Robbie. Ryan’s patient, supportive instruction helped guide Sam through these early years working closely on developing his technique and timing.
In the following years Sam also trained with Nathan Hinga in his Level 1 class. The improvement he achieved in his technique, conditioning and feeding skills was easy to see. He was always pumped to attend his lessons and we noticed a maturity developing in him which we attributed to what he was learning and the time spent with his instructors and fellows students.
Every martial art is a system of movements based on body mechanics to produce a desired effect. Each style will have its unique way of moving. Each style will have its particular rhythms, strikes, kicks, deflections, defences, take-downs etc.
Every style of martial art is capable of delivering massive amounts of damage to an opponent; ranging from strikes, take–downs, joint locks, kicks, and chokes just to name a few moves.
Some martial arts have been developed or has been adapted over time for competition. Audiences are most often treated to a spectacular contest, especially at the highest levels of competition. Competition based styles ,may also be effective for self defence purposes on the street, outside of the ring; as long as the practitioner is competent and experienced enough to be able to adapt the skill sets that they have learnt at the gym, to the street...
Mentoring can assist youth with developing coping mechanisms and tools to help deal with life challenges. The benefits are both immediate and long term with both the mentor and mentee greatly benefiting ...
Former world champion bodybuilder, Nick Jones recently shared his thoughts on his Arakan Journey so far and his recent successful Yellow Belt Grading. Watch the video here now...
I trust all is great and that you have had a great start to 2018. It’s so amazing to see so many Arakan Warriors training hard, thanks for having such a great attitude towards training.
This year marks 25 years of Arakan Martial Art in Australia, so I would like to extend very special congratulations to members who have been part of our family for ten years or longer. I believe that most of the battle is in just turning up, consistently, every week and just doing the ‘work’.
I think events and pressure situations, such as an Arakan Martial Art grading are good for us, as they give us an understanding of what we are capable of when we put our entire energy into something. For me this opportunity came with the series of Green belt gradings I did through-out 2017 and the final one this year...
he Orange Belt journey for me was an amazing process, that only after grading am I truly appreciating. Arakan has positively influenced my life in many ways and i have felt through the grading process those life changes accelerate as I was pushed through my comfort zone again and again forming new and more powerful habits...
I started Arakan 3 years ago after deciding that I needed fitness (was sick of the gym) and also wanted to learn to fight/defend myself, being a smaller bloke in the height category. So began my journey. The first year was a nice and slow understanding of the craft. I wanted to dedicate myself to turning up and creating a new routine and I didn’t want to do what most people do, go hard, feel like they have achieved something and then quit...
his is my second year attending the ladies seminar. In the 10 weeks, Rob teaches us techniques and about body mechanics to help us push through the initial reaction of panic and fight through the exhaustion and discomfort so you can find a way to get home safely. When I started two years ago, I wouldn't have guessed that I would be most grateful for the exposure to stimulus like grabs, hair pulling or being pinned to the ground so that if it ever were to happen outside of training, it is not the first time I've felt it....
Cities are becoming more densely populated, traffic is forever increasing, and drivers are becoming more and more frustrated. Out of all seminars I've attended through Arakan Martial Art, I've so far found road rage to be the most practical of all...
7 years ago I found the courage to leave my 10 year mental, physical and emotional abusive relationship. So at almost 28 I found myself no longer a teenager but a woman, back at my mothers house beaten down with a broken soul and no idea of how to function as an adult.
6 years ago I moved to the Gold Coast for a fresh start....
Renee has been training for over 6 years. She has been training hard for her Yellow Belt Grading, which she passed in earlier this year in July. Renee is a committed and dedicated student who is such a pleasure to teach. Renee’s courageous approach is an inspiration to us all....
Over 250 Arakan Warriors in one place, training hard in beautiful surroundings with the best intentions and energy for each other, how does it get any better than this? Thank you to all of our amazing members for the most magnificent day! I am forever grateful to have the privilege to share Arakan with you all....
I never thought it would ever happen to me. I had always considered myself a strong, confident, and independent woman, yet I became a victim of extreme, ongoing domestic violence (physical, emotional, mental, verbal, and financial abuse) where I came very close to losing my life. I lost everything; my home, my career, my friends, and all sense of who I was as a person. To stay safe, I had to live in a women’s refuge for 3 months when I first fled. My personality and character had been stripped bare and I carried a world’s worth of shame and embarrassment over my experience. In coming out of the refuge, I began the journey of putting my life back together, something I was determined to do from the day I fled from my ex-partner...
Starting to write this article I asked myself do I include all the interesting events, ups and down I’ve endured along my Arakan journey hmmm….. yes. Just like training there will always be peaks and troughs and times where lessons are harder than others and times where the planets align and everything seems to fall into place. Whether its physical, mental or emotional Arakan has always taught me and given me the strength to battle through any situation. On the flip side of this Arakan is the place where I have had the best times of my life and met my best friends, amazing training partners and my partner and mother of my child. On top of this I’ve had such an incredible, patient and understanding mentor and instructor Rob Kyaw to guide me along the way.
It’s always super exciting to teach these seminars, the intensity is always through the roof; I find myself flipping from smiling to cringing throughout the seminar. Thank you to all our amazing students who trained with such high level of intensity yet with so much care and respect for each other. Arakan has never been a competition style (hopefully never will be) so it’s our way of creating some exciting moments for our students whilst creating an environment where they can learn and grow as practitioners.
It really warms my heart to see so many beautiful, smiling faces of the Arakan junior students. Speaking on behalf of all of the Arakan Instructors, it is indeed a pleasure to be given the privilege of teaching your kids. Thanks for your trust, support, and patience with us. One of my greatest joys in life is to be part of a child’s growth towards greater levels of empowerment, so thank you again for the opportunity.
For a child, each stage of life is a fast transitional period. It’s great to see that Arakan plays such a big part in the lives of our youngest students from the age of three to our young adult students, up to nineteen years old.
One of the aspects of coaching that is most amazing to me is that when a child learns to become a good student of life, I.e. he/she learns how to watch and listen attentively, he/she learns how to focus intently and learns to increase his/her situational awareness, everything in this student’s life improves dramatically, including academically, socially and in other sporting areas.
Many students begin their journey thinking that after some time and commitment to training, all of their doubts will be extinguished, that they would gain greater levels of confidence and they would feel totally indestructible.
The reality is that along their journey, students may become even more doubtful and less confident than when they began their journey. Although this state is temporary and transitional, the feelings of doubt often lead to the student becoming disillusioned and stopping their journey all together.
Making an investment in private martial arts lessons for your child has the potential to dramatically change your child’s life forever. Many parents have discovered the significant advantage of enrolling their children in private lessons with Arakan Martial Art instead of putting them into a traditional group class with another martial arts club.
Studies have shown that children benefit significantly from one on one, personalized training in any area of life. As Arakan is uniquely taught to improve both the mind and the body, your child can become stronger both mentally and physically through private lessons.
I attended the Arakan Sydney Night Club Seminar in June.
In one word for the experience, wow, unbelievable. That’s two words!
The most amazing thing about the nightclub seminar was the level of energy - with all of us students as well as the instructors from the beginning to the end, it just multiplied exponentially....
Writing this, feels like a lot of Arakan lessons I teach. I always think to myself, "I have an hour to share as much as possible in an art that could easily go for a few lifetimes, yet I don't want to dilute anything". I guess that is one of the reasons why we are taught to always have urgency with what we do; there is so much to learn, so don't stuff around and make the most of the time that you have....
Both seminars started fast, we lined up uneasily awaiting what was ahead. You could feel the tension crackling. Not hesitating, the instructors lived their roles as prisoners, guards or night-clubbers looking for a good time. At Casablanca night club, in Sydney, the bouncers had us line up and show IDs. Once in, I was bumped into and confronted by drunkards looking for a drink…or a fight. Brawls erupted all around me as I tried to smooth talk my way out of buying an instructor a drink. It felt so eerily similar to what I’d seen when out clubbing, I was confronted. Bad Top 40s blaring, it felt like a sweaty night out in Sydney. Over the 2 hours we endured typical party situations, from standing up to sitting down from light presses to lightning fast cupping palms to groin shots, we learnt the ins and outs of martial nightclubbing. That night I could not help but be twitchy and hyper aware as I did actually navigate Sydney’s nightlife. Having dusted myself of from the Sydney seminar it was time for round two....
When I was invited to write about Training Day, I wondered if it was because, from what I saw, I was the only one who lost blood. More on that later.
The seven-strong Melbourne contingent landed on the Coast in 2 waves. My partner and I were in the later Friday night convoy. I remember being en route to the Coast in our Europcar rental and discussing with our friend (and fellow student) what we were anticipating for the next day. Descriptors like nervous, excited, trepidatious never strayed far from our expectations, which were largely speculative, as we were all first-timers at an Arakan Training Day....
I remember meeting Richie when he was approximately fifteen years old, I was teaching at Southport High School, when Richie and his group of friends enquired about what is was that I was teaching. After a brief conversation, the boys convinced me to start teaching them on a weekly basis. I will always remember these classes very fondly, a group of boys just training hard without too many conscious desired goals. Richie was always very athletic and coordinated and would love to learn everything he could about fighting; a passion will still share approximately twenty years later.
here do I start about being the Chief Instructors student. Well I was trying my hardest to dodge writing this, because writing is definitely not my thing, but I know the Arakan way is; even if we don't like it, we still get it done. That’s the Warrior Way. So here I go; let me tell you a little story…
When I was 15, I turned up after school one day to play basketball. Little did I know there would be no basketball that day as one of my brother’s friends had seen Rob teaching someone at the school and asked him what they were doing. He said 'its called Arakan, a Burmese martial art.'
f as a parent, I left this world tomorrow, would I be comfortable with the knowledge and lessons that I have passed on to my daughter? Would I be satisfied that I have equipped her with the skills and knowledge to get through life with me no longer there to guide her? A confronting situation no doubt. But one that I have personally come to terms with over the years. Arakan has helped me discover my responsibility as a parent, and has given me the insight to understand the benefits that Arakan offers its junior students.
I have been training Arakan Martial Art for over two years now, and this is the second Ladies seminar I have attended. The experiences I have had during this particular seminar have been absolutely mind blowing. Not only do we learn how to physically defend ourselves, but we also gain the "mental toughness" to recognise and handle threatening situations. We learn countless techniques to get out of dangerous situations, and also have the opportunity to practise and apply these techniques in a simulated and controlled environment. The care and passion the instructors show each and every week is amazing, putting their bodies on the line so we are able to apply self-defence techniques in real life scenarios.
I love spending time with Ben; we may be training really hard together or just having a laugh after training, Ben is always such a pleasure to spend time with. Ben has been training for over 9 years now and is a talent, successful, honest and humble person, these are qualities in a person that I value highly. Ben is always so open to learn and grow, no matter what the topic may be, which makes him a true warrior of life.
WOW! What a truly AMAzing event Training Day 2016 turned out to be. The venue was great, the weather was great and the energy throughout the seminar was electric… thank you to all the dedicated students who trained like warriors, you all inspire me and motivate me so much.
Thanks to the truly awesome team of Arakan Instructors, you really make everything so much fun, I cannot stop smiling when I am around you guys and girls…
I love the journey. I enjoy training hard so that if a dangerous situation comes up, I can deal with it in a decent manner, and not be frightened...
I love sharing Arakan with ladies. Seeing how much a student develops and grows, seeing them become more confident and empowered through Arakan. That has to be one of the greatest gifts as an instructor.
I have had the privilege of being Nathan’s Instructor for over a decade now (please check). Over this time Nathan has become one of the highest exponents of the art and one of the most senior Instructors of our club. Nathan is a machine, his training ethics and the level of effort he puts into training is always of an elite level. Thanks Nath, for being always open to growing and learning, you are a true Arakan Warrior...
At Arakan Martial Art ®, we DO NOT encourage you to ditch the workout and take the easy path because we believe that you can discover yourself on many levels by pushing through your perceived barriers.
We believe that effort creates results and our members love to push themselves beyond their perceived limits…this warrior attitude can be transposed to all areas of your life....
I've always considered myself fairly tough and independent, but I've been in some unpleasant situations which I've tried to talk myself out of with little or no result. It's taken me a little while to realise it, but the unfortunate consequence of such occurrences is that my confidence in my strength has become incredibly fragile - something that is difficult for me to admit to myself, let alone others....
Many martial arts have the potential to change someone’s life and put them on a path of self-discovery and self-improvement
At Arakan Martial Art we have found that commitment to training each week has resulted in positive life changes that have benefited our students in all areas of their lives...
By training in Arakan Martial Art, many students experience a heightened sense of awareness, greater levels of confidence and self-belief, and gain the mental, emotional and physical ability to take control of most situations. In addition to these positive outcomes (a small list of many), members experience dramatic improvements in their health, fitness and physical appearance...
While there are many signs and advice for you to follow when it comes to personal security, you are the only one who can guarantee your own safety. In fact, every person should be their own safety warden and watch out always for things that may put them in danger. Many people are getting involved in Arakan Martial Art to empower themselves and be able to improve the level of safe defence ability...
Sometimes due to difficult life circumstances our bodies are forced to go through strenuous processes in an order to maintain balance. All of this will lead to stress; a little bit of which can be good for the health and too much of which can be harmful. In this article, we look at the definition of stress, the impact of stress, stress related illnesses and possible ways of dealing with stress...
While all athletes are very aware of the importance of exercise in reaching their peak fitness, the jury is still out on the dietary aspect of health and fitness. A quick Google search for the healthiest nutrition regime would produce thousands of contradictory results. Sorting through all of these varying opinions could be not only time consuming, but very confusing for those without a background in health and fitness....
Bullying can take any number of forms. Everybody has heard of instances of cyber-bullying, and usually attributes this and face-to-face bullying with the teen age group and younger; generally, young people who are in school. Instances of this kind of bullying are seen in many different movies and television, but the fact is that bullying can take place in a much larger spectrum. Adult bullying, though much less known by the general public, can be just as devastating to those involved....
In this day and age, the unfortunate truth is that it is necessary for all ladies to prepare themselves, and acquire the skills to defend themselves from would be attackers. Ladies self defence skills need to be taken on by both young and old, as crime does not discriminate....
My name is Dylan and I am 16 years old. I enjoy singing, acting, writing, video games, reading and watching movies. I also have cerebral palsy.
I met Ryan in May 2013 at an expo in Robina and I was invited to come for an Arakan introductory free lesson. It took until September before I was able to take up the invite and I haven’t looked back....