Phoenix Kyaw

Instructor

Training Since: 2007

Teaching Since: 2023

Technique of Choice: Front Kick

Weapon of Choice: Short Staff

Phoenix began his Arakan journey at just two years old, training under the close guidance of his father, Chief Instructor Robert Kyaw. With over 17 years of hands-on experience, Phoenix hasn’t just built elite self-defence skills. He’s forged discipline, drive, and the kind of life principles that shape a warrior.

Even after stacking up academic awards and receiving top-tier university offers, he chose the path less travelled, committing fully to teaching Arakan straight out of high school in 2023. Now recognised as Arakan’s youngest instructor, Phoenix’s raw power and athletic edge earned him the national ‘Outstanding Athlete’ award in his debut year.

Outside of Arakan, Phoenix lives for the adrenaline. Mountain biking, gym sessions, and the outdoor grind. A former elite swimmer and runner, he pushes limits daily. He’s also been tearing up guitar strings and vocal cords for 14 years, writing songs with the same energy he brings to training.

Young, high-energy, and a guy’s guy through and through, Phoenix creates a strong, respectful space where students of all levels feel seen, supported, and ready to rise. He’s kind, genuine, and always goes above and beyond for his students, building a positive, tight-knit community of all ages, genders, and life experiences. Whether it’s helping someone through tough times or igniting a fire in their training, Phoenix is here to pass down power, pride, and purpose, carrying forward the strength of his Burmese heritage.

 

Student Testimonials

I’ve had the honour of training with Phoenix, and I can confidently say he’s an exceptional instructor. As a young instructor, he brings unmatched energy, drive, and intensity to every lesson. He trains like a machine, which constantly pushes me to break past my limits and grow as a fighter. As a young man myself, Phoenix has helped me feel safer when I’m out with mates and has played a big role in building my mental resilience. His ability to break down complex techniques, combined with his patience and real passion for teaching, creates a powerful and supportive training space. I highly recommend Phoenix, he’s not only an incredible instructor, but also someone who offers real support and friendship.

Calvin Bianchin

As a young woman, I was initially hesitant about starting my Arakan journey, but Phoenix has quickly made training the highlight of my week. Phoenix is an incredibly kind and supportive instructor and always provides a fun and empowering environment. His kind and supportive nature creates a lesson where learning is both enjoyable and empowering. Phoenix has a unique ability to make each lesson engaging while always pushing me to be better. His outstanding knowledge of street fighting, coupled with his constant encouragement and belief in my potential motivates me to give my best effort, and I truly recommend him for any future students. 

MJ Murray

Our two boys joined Arakan earlier in the year to learn self-defence skills, as they were unfortunately the targets of some bullies at school. From day one, they have absolutely loved Arakan! We've had the pleasure of training with different instructors, however, they continue to train with Phoenix each week. Phoenix is fantastic. He is committed to the helping the boys develop their skills, and we have noticed a big difference in their confidence, commitment, and fitness. Being kids, they don't always turn up ready to roll, but Phoenix is very adaptable and gets their attention by creating a fun and safe space to learn in. The best part, no more bullies. 5 stars all the way for Phoenix and the amazing people at Arakan Martial Art. 

Stephanie Swiatek, mum of Jackson and Dexter

Phoenix has helped me grow in many ways, not only in martial art. He’s taught me how to push myself physically and mentally, how to reach my goals, and most importantly, having an open mind towards feedback and improvement. His commitment to giving one hundred percent energy in his lessons always amazes me and I always walk away feeling empowered. Phoenix’s physical capabilities always inspire me to be fitter, faster and stronger. As a teenager, I’ve found Phoenix to be an incredible supporter, a genuine friend, and a strong big brother figure throughout my training. He’s introduced me to his other students, and now I have more  like minded friends than I could’ve imagined.

Nick Patterson

Phoenix not only challenges you to push further but does so with an of understanding of where you are. His depth of knowledge of Arakan has helped my technical skills improve immensely but also each lesson has improved my physical fitness as well. He generously teaches in ways that you can understand, which has meant my confidence continues to grow as I’m able to learn new skills under his guidance. As a mother it is my goal to be able to gain confidence in my ability to protect myself and my family, and I feel I’m doing that with every lesson with Phoenix. I’d highly recommend Phoenix to all, he will help you push past your limitations and challenge you with care in each lesson. I’m so grateful I’m able to learn from him. 

Ash Galang

Phoenix is an exceptional instructor. Ever since my first lesson with him, Phoenix's positive attitude and dedication to help me improve, had me hooked on Arakan. His outstanding physicality and fighting ability motivates me to train harder every lesson. He’s helped me discover my strengths and abilities that I never knew I possessed. Thanks to him, I’m a more confident, mindful, and empowered young man. I’m also stronger, physically and mentally, as Phoenix pushes me to my limit. I really appreciate Phoenix for always going above and beyond and taking care of me and all of his other students.

Ben Lloyd

Phoenix is currently teaching and helping both my 8 year old daughter Zoe and I during our Arakan Journey. He is a fantastic and enthusiastic instructor who is very patient and focused when teaching. He always pushes us to do our best and demonstrates his passion, which makes us train harder and enjoy lessons more. He is easy going but also a hard task master which is a great balance which makes each lesson exciting not knowing what new challenges await.

Andrew Tavares 

Instructor Phoenix is a diligent and determined instructor, who seeks to elucidate the best performance possible for training every time. He balances training intensity with technique improvement all while accommodating for my abilities and skill level. He also incorporates fitness, where I’ve seen an outstanding improvement in my endurance and power. Phoenix’s personal students all form a great connection, and his community of students are the best. I love training with Phoenix.

Harrison Lovett

I have had the privilege of training under Phoenix in Arakan Martial Art, and the experience has been transformative. His deep expertise and unwavering dedication, create a learning environment that is both challenging and supportive. Phoenix excels at breaking down complex techniques and fostering a strong sense of discipline and respect. Under his guidance, I have not only honed my martial skills but also gained confidence and resilience. I highly recommend Phoenix to anyone seeking to advance in martial arts

Gulsen Mehmet

 

I discovered Arakan thanks to Phoenix and what a great idea! He's incredibly patient, dedicated to his art and passionate about sharing his knowledge. I really look forward each week for our training and can already feel lot of progress since we started. Thank you again Phoenix and see you next Thursday.

Hugo Lagrange 

Have you ever thought about how to take your Arakan to the next level? Phoenix will certainly bring out the best in your martial art and fighting ability. Phoenix is an incredible enthusiast and disciplined instructor. Phoenix is my choice when I book a lesson with Arakan as he’s certainly changed the dynamics of my training with his focus power and confidence. See you at training.

James Rodgers