Josh Cheeseman

3rd Degree Senior Instructor

Training Since: 2007

Teaching Since: 2010

Technique of Choice: Spearing Needle

Weapon of Choice: Walking Stick

Josh began training in Arakan in 2007, seeking a practical martial art focused on fitness, conditioning, and self-defence. He was drawn to Arakan’s philosophical depth and its effectiveness as a street-style martial art.

Through non-competitive training, Josh learned that his greatest opponent was himself, which deepened his focus and discipline, allowing him to guide his students through life’s challenges.

A supportive and caring instructor, Josh balances physicality with mental and emotional growth, inspiring his students to achieve their goals. Outside of Arakan, Josh enjoys live music, playing guitar, sports, standup comedy, and gardening. His greatest achievement is grading his Orange Belt and teaching Arakan to others.

Student Testimonials

I love Josh’s way of teaching. Very articulate, technical and practical! His attention to detail is amazing. His creativity in teaching helps me express myself as an artist through movement and exploring my body in ways that I had no idea I am capable of.
Josh’s easy going nature really helps me connect with him as a friend and also have the utmost respect for him as my instructor.

Daniel Octoriver

I am in my 8th year of training Arakan Martial Art with Josh Cheeseman. Josh has played a pivotal role in my Arakan journey. He is an outstanding Instructor who lives and breathes Arakan, leads by example and inspires me to be the best version of myself every week. Josh's passion for Arakan is unmistakable and it is a privilege to train with his guidance.

Josh has the ability to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses to customise your training to challenge both through every part of your ever changing Arakan journey. This has helped me to exceed even my own expectations of what I am able to achieve. His Belief in this art and my abilities as his student gives me an inner confidence to push through my doubts, rock up to training and improve.

I love Arakan and enjoy training with Josh as my Instructor. His influence has had a positive effect for my Arakan journey and this in turn helped me to become a better version of myself outside of my training and for that I am so grateful.

Charmaine Keogh

Josh has the right attitude and is self-motivated for a young man. Josh Always sees the positive to life's curve balls and powers through with a strong mind and good heart.

Alper Mustafa

Josh is a bloody legend and amazing Instructor.

Liam Breust

Without Josh, I wouldn't be in the position I am today. He has given me major amounts of confidence for not only self protection but every other aspect of my life.

Scott McKenzie

My family feels blessed for having Josh in our lives. For 10 years he has been and continues to be a key role model for my teenage son, and for the 18 months he has been my primary Instructor. What I love about Josh is the way he embodies the martial art. He understands that Arakan is about more than strikes, kicks and self defence and helps each student grow in their own unique mental, emotional and spiritual journey. I am grateful for all he has brought to our lives.

Katrina Monteith

Josh is an inspiration! Not only as an Arakan Instructor but as a human ambassador and inspiration to my personal well being and personal development. His knowledge of the human body, his patience as a teacher and his instructional demonstration of the Arakan art is super motivating in his lessons. I love training with Josh and his influence that has helped me craft my personal journey in my 6 years as an Arakan student. I am grateful for his involvement in my life.

Peter Cohen

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"I have been training with Corey now for over 4 years and initially i started training with him to get some basic fitness. I had my first complimentary lesson with Corey and was show the backfist and how to generate more power to that blow with some "technique". It was amazing to realise the difference in the power of the blow. Corey has since trained me every week since that time and (has patiently) explained everything concisely (many times) to assist my growth with Arakan Martial Art. It was apparent from the outset that Corey was passionate and considerate but his understanding of Arakan enabled him to teach the art at a very understandable level right through to being enabled to grade my first belt.
I now train with Corey to gain greater understanding of the next belt requirements but due to the exposure to Coreys passion and understanding of Arakan, is now not just about grading but more about a journey of learning that is continuous. The health benefits have been great for me personally and I cannot thank Corey enough for what he has helped me to achieve. I highly recommend him as an Arakan Instructor and have entrusted him to start training with my 14 year old son. Again, I see Corey gently working away with him and encouraging him. The benefits of having some knowledge, of what he is being Instructed, only brings us closer and gives us a better bond. Exponentially, my eldest son trains and my youngest daughter has trained for 4 years (this month, Jan 2020) as well, so it really has become a family affair."

Mark Barlow and family

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