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

*Limited places available, subject to instructor availability.

"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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