Pene Phillips

Senior Instructor

Training Since: 2016

Teaching Since: 2019

Technique of Choice: Hammer Down 

Weapon of Choice: Sword

Pene began his Arakan journey in 2016, quickly developing a deep passion for the martial art and embracing its physical and mental challenges. His dedication led him to earn the title of Arakan Martial Art Instructor in May 2019, after being recognized for his commitment with the Student of the Year award in 2018.

Outside of Arakan, Pene has a wide range of interests, including literature, where he enjoys exploring various subjects to expand his knowledge. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as rugby, fishing, and camping. Pene values spending quality time with his partner and children, cherishing family moments and creating lasting memories.

As an instructor, Pene’s passion for Arakan shines through. He believes in the transformative power of the art, encouraging his students to embrace challenges and grow. Having experienced remarkable personal growth from pushing his own limits, Pene helps students develop physically and mentally, viewing Arakan not just as a martial art but as a life-changing journey.

 

Student Testimonials

Pene has been an awesome Instructor over the past 2 years, helping me with my confidence, getting me to realise I can do anything I put my mind to. I have struggled in the past to keep motivated in a sport and Pene has changed that and I look forward to the training sessions weekly. He understands my special needs and my ability and helps me achieve my goals. 

Joshua Stollznow

Pene is a great Instructor, patient, compassionate, flexible and adapts easily to my disability related needs. He has helped improve my confidence, balance and coordination.

Elena Milillo

I have been training with Pene since my Arakan journey began. I've had the pleasure of watching Pene grow as both an Instructor and Martial Artist. Watching Pene move, inspires me to push myself harder and become a better Martial Artist myself. 

Joel Wells

I really enjoy my lessons with Pene. Just in the last few months he has really been extending me, has confidence in me and has put me forward tougher seminars which has really boosted my confidence in myself and the ability to defence myself if I got into a difficult situation.

Melanie Wyer

Pene is amazing, the effort he goes to, to understand my son an the patience he has is incredible. He is friendly and has an obvious passion for helping his students get to where they want to be in confidence and ability. 

Tara, mother of Brax

Pene is encouraging and motivating to get the best out of his students. Pushing his students to give all they can to improve and work on their skills.

Josh Mann

The confidence Arakan has given my 10 yr old boy has blown my mind. His mentor, Pene, is patient, has built a great rapport in a short amount of time, is understanding, caring and it’s a pleasure to watch my sons self confidence grow each week. My son also has Aspergers, ADHD and extreme anxiety, so Pene, in my opinion is also learning and I watch as he implements strategies specific for my son. Finding Arakan and Pene has been a blessing to us, thank you Arakan and thank you Pene

Christine Hayward

Pene is an awesome instructor if you are looking for a martial art/self defence for your kids...!
I introduced my nephews, who can be a handful...to Arakan with Pene as their instructor.
He's also a Dad...he is patient, engaging, and an awesome instructor for young people looking to build their confidence and focus.

Patrick McCluskey

My journey with Arakan started with a midday jog through a local park where I happened upon a private lesson being delivered. I approached to inquire and before long I had started on a new quest.
Deciding to go for that jog turned out to be one of those “sliding doors” moments. Without it, I wouldn’t have embarked on one of the most enjoyable and rewarding undertakings I’ve ever committed to.
Arakan has captivated me in a way I’ve been searching for since my long hiatus from weight training. The realistic drills have conditioned my mind and body in ways that I’ve found other martial art disciplines haven’t. I feel like a blade that’s getting sharper every week.
In a time when anyone can throw on a “trainer” t-shirt and claim to be competent, it’s refreshing to be reminded of what devoted instructors are capable of. The forethought that Pene brings to my private lessons is clear. Each session has a purpose and fits into a bigger plan. He’s always positive and coaches where there are physical and mental shortfalls alike. I finish each session feeling invested in which is a rare experience.
Arakan instructors are incredibly skilled and, importantly, a blast to be around. I haven’t been to a session where I haven’t both laughed and been in awe of the skills being taught. Two minutes talking with Master Rob will leave you feeling like you’ve been mates for years.
Arakan is more than a martial art, it’s an invitation to become a better you in the presence of humble achievers who pay what they receive forward.
Will you feel welcome? Yes.
Will you get bruised? Probably.
Will you love it? Absolutely!

I started training Arakan with Pene 2 years ago and I couldn't have asked for a better instructor. 
Pene is a professional at his craft and training with him, immediately got me passionate about Arakan. 
He knows how to make everyone feel comfortable. 
I had the pleasure to train with some of his other students. And even if we all have different stories and backgrounds, Pene manages to adapt training based on your own situations and conditions.
Arakan is so much more than technique and learning how to fight. You discover yourself on a deeper level and it shapes you to become the person you want to be. 
Before Arakan, I had nearly no sports background. I would actually hate the idea of exercising. But with the guidance of Pene, now I am pushing my limits in every single lesson.
In less than one year, I went from not being able to do 5 push-ups to doing 30 every day. And it's not about how many push-ups you do, but about not giving up and being disciplined. This is the biggest takeaway from my training with Pene.
Training Arakan can only change your life positively. And starting to train with Pene is one of the best decisions I've made!

Stefano Cina

Thank you very much for the important role you're playing in my personal growth and development. Learning Arakan has had a very positive impact on how I carry myself in my day-to-day life and been a big boost to my confidence. I also have a lot of fun in the process. 
Some other thoughts:
Another thing I love about Arakan is the very practical applications we train in. From playing out scenarios in a real night club, fighting in tight alley ways and playing out road rage scenarios in your car. Where else do you get the opportunity to practice these real world situations. I love it. Pene, I really do appreciate what you do an the impact you have on my life. 

Ian Conlan