T O P P 1 is a renowned martial arts school located in Arbroath, New Zealand. Founded by Stefan Milne, who has been passionate about martial arts, strength and conditioning, and fitness since he began his journey in 1984. Over the years, Stefan has trained in various martial art disciplines and strength conditioning pursuits, dedicating 25 years to honing traditional karate skills before expanding his expertise to include Aikido, Ju Jutsu, Tai Chi, Iai Do, Wing Chun, and Systema.
Stefan's training journey led him to earn his Level 1 and Master Level 2 Kettlebell certificate from Steve Maxwell at Maxercise in Philadelphia. Inspired by Bruce Lee's philosophy of eliminating inefficiency, the martial art classes offered at T O P P 1 have been optimised and now focus solely on Systema. The school also offers the opportunity for weapons practise and skill development, catering to re-enactments and stunt training for TV, film, and theatre. Students can learn to handle traditional martial art weapons, historic arms, and replica firearms.
Systema, the primary martial art taught at T O P P 1, is a Russian martial art that provides not only self-defence techniques but also health benefits and fear control. Students will learn how to relax in times of stress, whether it be through confrontations, adversity, accidents, or incidents. Unlike other martial arts, Systema also offers training in defence against urban weapons such as knives, sticks, chains, and more. It is no wonder that Systema is gaining popularity among police, military, and security forces worldwide.
Stefan's teaching philosophy extends beyond martial arts. He believes in the power of positive thinking and encourages students to never dwell on what they can't do or what-ifs. He finds joy in witnessing his students' expressions of self-recognition and success, whether it is accomplishing a single unassisted military press-up or flawlessly performing a kata/form. Stefan encourages all individuals to realise their potential and accomplish their life goals, no matter how abstract they may seem.
He advises breaking down big goals into smaller, manageable steps and dedicating time for personal growth and development.
Stefan also emphasises the importance of training the mind. He encourages individuals to focus on happy and optimistic memories, re-enacting them in their minds to cultivate a positive outlook on life. He advises redirecting thoughts from sad or upsetting memories to lighter subjects or recalling funny and happy moments. Even while mourning, he suggests cherishing the happy memories shared with loved ones instead of dwelling on their absence.
Additionally, Stefan advises against using the word “hate” and encourages individuals to replace it with the more forgiving term “dislike. ” He believes that hatred can consume and negatively impact one's life, and it is essential to let go and move on. Learning to relax is another crucial aspect of Stefan's teachings, as he believes it is vital for overall well-being.
At T O P P 1, individuals can expect a comprehensive martial arts training experience that focuses on Systema, weapon practise, and skill development. Stefan Milne's expertise and dedication to helping individuals reach their full potential make T O P P 1 a top choice for martial arts enthusiasts in Arbroath and beyond.