Somatic Therapy Meets Martial Arts – A New Alliance Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence

Kate Alderman – Somatic Therapist, Somatic Sexologist, Nervous System Recovery Coach, Brainz Magazine Executive Contributor, founder of You’re A Strong Woman Foundation, and domestic violence survivor, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Arakan Martial Art®. Led by founder and chief instructor Master Robert Kyaw, Arakan is recognised as one of Australia’s most respected real-world martial arts training organisations.

Together, they are launching a transformative six-week program designed to empower survivors of domestic violence and abuse through a unique blend of nervous system recovery, trauma-informed therapy, and real-world self-protection training.

The program, titled “Fierce Protection & Nervous System Recovery”, bridges two worlds that, until now, haven’t been seen together, the emotional, physiological, and somatic healing of trauma alongside the focus, confidence, power, composure, and practical skills of martial arts. This innovative approach helps survivors reclaim a sense of safety, agency, and true power that goes beyond talk therapy into a profound state of embodiment and self-mastery.

This is a revolution in how we heal. By integrating trauma-informed somatic therapy, which works through the body to release trauma stored deep within the nervous system, with practical, real-world self-protection training, survivors are supported not just to survive, but to reclaim their power, freedom, capacity for true love, and unshakable self-trust.

“This partnership isn’t about violence, it’s about presence, healing, empowerment, and the kind of freedom that only comes when safety is recovered”, says Kate Alderman. “It’s about restoring a survivor’s ability to trust their own body, instincts, and boundaries again, to feel safe from the inside out, and to come home to the power within. As a survivor myself, I know the journey of recovery and rebuilding safety. While trauma-informed somatic therapy supports emotional integration and nervous system recovery, Arakan is helping me re-establish a sense of safety in my body. This work is born from fire, passion, purpose, integrity, and a relentless commitment to creating true safety and empowerment. Healing isn’t about going back to who you were before, it’s about discovering more freedom, becoming truly powerful, and being more whole than ever before.”

Master Rob, founder of Arakan Martial Art®, adds, “Our mission has always been to empower individuals with real-world skills to protect themselves and their loved ones. Partnering with Kate means we can support individuals on a deeper level, addressing physical safety, emotional resilience, and trauma recovery. This collaboration allows us to provide skills within a deeply supportive, trauma-informed and ethical environment.”

Both leaders emphasise the integrity, safety, and compassion at the heart of this alliance. The Arakan community is known for its respectful, non-ego, non-violent culture, and Kate’s trauma-informed somatic approach ensures emotional safety and nervous system recovery are honoured every step of the way.

The six-week program is available across Australia, including Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, and Perth. The program is designed for survivors and professionals, therapists, and organisations in Australia seeking to refer clients to a trusted pathway for nervous system recovery, empowerment, and supportive community connection.

What makes this program unique is its whole-human approach, healing at the nervous system level, learning to protect yourself in the real world, and unlocking inner power that ripples into every area of life, relationships, career, family, and beyond.

This is not just recovery. This is reclamation, a groundbreaking alliance that has never been available until now.

To register for the “Fierce Protection & Nervous System Recovery” program, for more information, or to discuss referral opportunities, please visit the official program page here.

For additional questions, please contact:

Kate Alderman

Contact here.