HISTORY
Arakan Martial Art® is a modern evolution of Rakhine Thaing, an ancient martial art tradition passed down for centuries by the tribes of the Arakan region in Myanmar (formerly Burma). Rakhine Thaing is a regional style of Burmese Thaing, blending striking, grappling, and weapon techniques rooted in Myanmar’s diverse cultural traditions. Chief Instructor Robert Kyaw (Ne Htoon Kyaw), born and raised in Myanmar, trained in this unique art from an early age. After relocating to Australia, he adapted Rakhine Thaing to create a fast, practical self-defence system for the modern world. With decades of experience, Robert is the first to bring Rakhine Thaing to the Western world, inspiring future generations of practitioners.
NO RULES, NO LIMITS
On the street, there are no rules, no limits. Danger is unpredictable, where attacks can come from behind, you might face multiple assailants or find yourself up against weapons like knives. Arakan prepares you for the chaotic, high-stakes nature of real-world confrontations. The system teaches you to stay adaptable, react with speed, and use whatever you have to survive. In any real confrontation, there are no safe zones, and Arakan equips you with the skills to handle it all.
FULL-BODY SELF-PROTECTION
Arakan Martial Art® is built on efficiency, not size or strength. You will learn to use your whole body dynamically, developing greater flexibility, agility and adaptability. Every movement, strike, and defence is designed to make you more effective, no matter your physical stature. Arakan teaches you how to turn your opponent’s size and energy against them, allowing you to protect yourself, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS & CONTROL
A core principle of Arakan is developing situational and environmental awareness. You’ll learn to recognize potential threats before they escalate, giving you the upper hand in unpredictable situations. Arakan helps you stay calm and focused under pressure, understanding how to defuse tense situations before they turn violent.
TRAINING FOR EVERY SCENARIO
Arakan Martial Art® prepares you for any scenario. Our Training Events are held in diverse environments, from public spaces to confined areas, ensuring you’re ready for any situation. We train in a variety of settings, including nightclubs, train carriages, carparks, schools and more. Whether you’re training in close-quarters combat, learning to defend against weapons, or facing multiple attackers, Arakan gives you practical, effective techniques for real-world threats. The goal is to ensure you’re always equipped with the right skills to protect yourself, no matter the circumstances.