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.

"
After an unfortunate turn of events earlier in the year, all 3 of my kids now have self defence lessons every week.

Today their Instructor 'pushed a button' and one of my kids started to break down, emotionally.

Their Instructor immediately stopped, walked over and put his arm around them, told them to let it all out and stood with them with his arm around them as they cried. He then used a circuit breaker activity to move on from it and was beautifully gentle for the rest of the lesson.

Afterward they *child* told me that they felt a bit embarrassed for crying but their Instructor had made them feel safe in doing so and that they believed they would be safe to continue to release the emotional pressure caused earlier this year, with their Instructor.

What a genuine and strong second male role model for my kids, other than their father. Money can't even buy that kind of authenticity.
"

Perth Family

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