Melissa Vay

Instructor

Born: 1997

Student since: December 2015

Biggest Achievement in Arakan: Training for my grading, attaining my Yellow Belt and becoming a fully qualified female instructor in Melbourne!

Interest outside of Arakan: I like painting, taking photogenic photographs of nature, drinking chai latte, spending quality time with friends and family and also going for long hikes out in the mountains.

Comments from Instructor: One of the many things training Arakan has taught me is to hold myself confidently in life...

Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/melvayarakan/

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.