Arakan Martial Arts welcomes first Australian Female Instructor to the ranks . . .

by Alana Fairhill

INTERVIEW WITH ALANA FAIRHILL- First Australian Female Arakan Instructor

Gold Coast-based Arakan Martial Art has made history by inviting the first female instructor to join the ranks in a 15+ strong Instructor Team. The history of ARAKAN dates back to ancient times and involves a complex web of differing races, religions and kingdoms. Originally an eclectic fighting style developed for the Burmese royal guard to protect their kings, this ancient Martial Art is diverse as well as practical, merging physical power with internal energy principles.

Length of time training:

I have trained Arakan for 6 years. I started with my brother not long after I moved to the Gold Coast from Bega on the Far South Coast. He was referred by a friend and I went along out
of interest.

Previous Martial Experience:

I previosuly trained Karate for 16 months.

Why I love Arakan:

I love the history and meaning behind the art. I love feeling free when I train and experiencing the intensity and adrenalin rush that it gives me as well as the confidence and strength
that it has provided me with. I love the people that I train with, the Instructors who have all helped shape my life and the friendships that I have made with everyone involved with
Arakan.

I love Chief Instructor Robert Kyaw, his knowledge, passion and wisdom and how generous and humble he has been to me. I love the fact that being involved with this amazing club will resonate with me throughout the rest of my life and that one day my future children will think that what I have achieved through Arakan is simply amazing.

I love the fitness benefits. What Arakan has done for me physically and mentally and how I feel like a more fit, healthy and complete person for being able to practice the art.

Arakan Training Schedule:

3 Private Lessons and 3 Group Lessons per week.

Future Goals:

To obtain my orange belt and learn and train my green belt consistently and have a positive impact on my students lives as my Instructors have done for me. I look forward to continuing to grow and develop as a student, Instructor and person, and to hopefully inspire other women, young and old to embrace Arakan and all the opportunities and value it has to offer.

I know I will continue to enjoy the Arakan journey wholeheartedly.