Real World Self Defence for Perth
Perth is one of the most isolated major cities in the world, and it has its own rhythm - long drives, the Swan River, a laid-back pace that can lull people into underestimating how quickly a night out or a walk home can turn serious. Most martial arts options in Perth are built for the gym floor and a set of competition rules. Arakan was built for what actually happens on a Perth street, train platform or car park when there are no rules at all.
Arakan comes from Rakhine Thaing, a centuries-old martial art from Myanmar's Arakan region, brought to Australia and adapted for the modern world by Chief Instructor Robert Kyaw. It combines striking, grappling and weapon awareness with situational awareness and de-escalation - recognising danger early is as much a part of training as knowing what to do if you can't avoid it.
Why Perth Locals Choose Arakan Over Traditional Martial Arts
A karate or boxing class in Perth trains you to fight another trained person under a fixed set of rules. Arakan trains you to handle an untrained, unpredictable attacker who isn't playing by any rules at all - because that's the only kind of confrontation that happens outside a gym. The techniques are simple, direct and built to work under real stress, not just in a drill.
One-on-One From Day One
Every new student's first lesson is private, one-on-one with an instructor, built entirely around your fitness level, goals and concerns. There's no group class to keep pace with and no belt-grading pressure - beginners with no prior experience are the norm, not the exception, for our Perth students.
Training Across Perth
We run private lessons seven days a week across Perth, with both male and female instructors available.
Who Trains With Us
- Young men who've thought about boxing or MMA but want something built for real situations, not the ring
- Women wanting genuinely practical self-defence in a supportive, non-intimidating environment
- Professionals wanting real confidence navigating the city, not just a fitness routine
- Businesses across Perth looking for corporate self-defence or team building sessions with real substance behind them
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any fitness or experience to start?
No. Your first lesson is private and built entirely around your current level.
Is this a striking art, a grappling art, or both?
Both, plus weapon awareness - real confrontations aren't confined to one range, so neither is our training.
How is this different to Krav Maga, which is popular in Perth?
Krav Maga is a valuable tactical system with military origins. Arakan combines striking, grappling, weapon awareness and de-escalation into one integrated system built specifically for uncontrolled, real-world confrontations.