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

Strengthen Team Building with Arakan Martial Art

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.

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Learn How to Fight

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.