Melissa Vay
Instructor
Mel began her Arakan journey in 2015 searching for a practical self defence style that would be effective for a petite lady. She quickly feel in love with how confident and empowered Arakan made her feel and how incredibly effective it is for someone of a small stature to still be able to protect themselves against a physically larger and stronger opponent.
She was blown away how Arakan teaches women to defend themselves effectively, regardless of the size or shape of your opponent, through body weight, momentum, appropriate skills sets and techniques. She loves sharing this knowledge with her students and is passionate about empowering her students to learn fast and effective self defence skills.
Mel loves watching her students grow each week, in their confidence, gaining empowerment and learning practical self defence skills. She is a passionate and caring Instructor and also loves to train hard and is committed to her training and journey. Mel is open to learning and growing each lesson, both physically and mentally. She always gives 100% to her training and inspires her students to do the same.
Arakan has given Mel the confidence to hold herself through life, pursue her goals and provided her a with a career she loves. Mel believes that being an Instructor is a privilege and her caring and compassionate nature makes Mel approachable and likeable. She loves sharing Arakan with everyone she meets and shares her knowledge to her students. Mel believes her purpose is to empower her students to train hard as well develop inner strength and courage to grow and develop as a person to pursue life.
Mel's greatest Arakan achievement to date was achieving her Yellow Belt so that she could become a fully qualified female Instructor. Mel is the first female Instructor in Melbourne and is a great ambassador for all women in our Club.
When Mel is not training or teaching, she enjoys artistic pursuits such as painting and photography and spending quality time with her family and friends. She also enjoys spending time in nature and going for long hikes in the mountains.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Arakan testimonial - Kristine
When did you start training Arakan?
In late January 2020 I had my first lesson one on one under a big tree in the gardens with trainer Melissa Vay.
Melissa is fearless, supportive and strong. She taught me how to tap into my internal focus and external strength Arakan way. I felt empowered!
What motivated you to get started?
I was about to turn 60 and I started to feel slower, weaker and more vulnerable. I wanted to strengthen myself and focus on the future.
I had always wanted to train in martial arts. I searched and found Arakan had body and mind techniques that I could learn and practice.
What are your goals?
To maintain my fitness, to walk in the world with confidence and to know how to defend myself.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Strength and focus restored, I know some ripper defensive moves and strikes, so look out!
What advice would you give new students
Arakan is an amazing journey, you don't know what you will discover about yourself until you are put to the test.
I have learned that it is better to be ready than to hide away from danger.
Arakan testimonial -Ashleigh Fisher
I started Arakan officially in January this year after being invited to bring a friend in November last year. Although I had started my fitness journey doing pilates and barre, I wanted to find something that pushed me further and took me out of my comfort zone. Something that would help me toughen up mentally and physically. My goals are to stop overthinking and to switch into beast mode as quickly as possible and also to be able to do pushups properly! My greatest achievement so far is that I see changes, although I am not the strongest or the fastest, I am still improving myself. My advice to new students is to keep showing up, don't overthink and just enjoy it because you'll meet a nicer, more dedicated group of instructors.
I cannot recommend Melissa enough, she always encourages me and pushes me to my limit. Being of a similar size and to see what she can achieve shows me it's possible with enough dedication and time. I look forward to each lesson and always come away with a smile on my face.
Book a complimentary intro lesson with Melissa Vay
*Limited places available, subject to instructor availability.