Your first class is free – kids & adults◆Claim your free trial◆Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu◆No Gi BJJ◆Thai Kickboxing◆Ladies Box N Burn◆Tiny Titans◆Mini Titans◆Junior Titans◆Children's BJJ◆Tiny's Jiu Jitsu◆
The Academy · Islip · Near Thrapston & Kettering

Inside Atlas

Take a look around our 3,500 sq ft purpose-built academy, meet the coaching team, and find out exactly where to park before your first visit.

Welcome to Atlas

Our Story


Atlas Martial Arts was brought to life in 2020 after years of training and teaching part time in various martial arts. We started out in a converted cricket hall in Thrapston, and in 2022 moved to Islip into our own 3,500 sq ft purpose-built academy – a clean, safe environment for children and adults to experience the enormous benefits martial arts can have, both inside and outside the gym.

We promote a family atmosphere with an emphasis on growth. Students are encouraged to help others so that everyone grows at a faster pace – and that atmosphere builds loyalty and dedication amongst students, parents and staff alike.

Your commitment to us is repaid with our commitment to bring you the highest quality classes, a club and instructors to be proud of, and a journey that far exceeds your expectations.

“The hardest part of any journey is taking that first step.”

Dean Hardwick · Head Instructor & Founder
2020Founded in Thrapston
3,500Sq ft purpose-built academy
16Coaches & assistants on the team
30+Years' experience leading the way
Gym Tour

Take a Look Around


Competition-grade Dollamur mats, a fully kitted striking area and a gym our members describe as immaculately clean – it's cleaned with a professional scrubber-dryer so you always train on fresh mats. Tap any photo to enlarge.

Our Coaches

Meet the Team


A coaching team with experience across BJJ, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Judo, MMA, yoga and childcare – united by a passion for helping every student improve.

DHDean Hardwick

Dean Hardwick

Head Instructor & Founder

Dean began his martial arts journey at just five years old and, apart from a brief break while studying, has remained dedicated to training ever since. His foundation lies in the Korean art of Tang Soo Do, where he earned a third-degree black belt after 14 years of committed practice. As a competitor, he secured several world titles and numerous local championships over an impressive 11-year run.

In 2013, Dean shifted his focus toward self-defence, training in Krav Maga under renowned instructor Ricky Manetta in Essex. This led him to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – first under Andy Nugent (CFS BJJ), and later continuing his journey with Escapology BJJ under world-class black belts Tom Barlow and Chelsea Leah.

Dean has travelled extensively to train with some of the best minds in martial arts, from Renzo Gracie's academy in New York to Tiger Muay Thai and Phuket Top Team in Thailand.

  • Certified Krav Maga Instructor
  • Level 3 Personal Trainer
  • Level 2 Box N Burn Certified Trainer
EBElaine Barrow

Elaine Barrow

Vinyasa Yoga Instructor & Lead Tiny Titans Coach

Elaine brings over 20 years of experience in the childcare industry. A qualified Nursery Nurse and Pre-School Teacher, she has a deep understanding of child development and behaviour.

Elaine leads our Tiny Titans programme for 3–4 year olds, creating a safe, engaging and fun learning environment. Her energy, patience and passion make her classes a highlight of the week for our youngest students.

She is also a 200-hour qualified Vinyasa Yoga instructor and heads the Yoga programme at Atlas, helping our athletes recover and improve mobility. A dedicated BJJ practitioner herself, Elaine also coaches adult fundamentals and Children's BJJ.

  • NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing (Level 3 Childcare)
  • 200hr Vinyasa Yoga Instructor
  • 20+ years working with young children
SPShelley Pearson

Shelley Pearson

Gym Manager & Head Box N Burn Coach

Shelley has been a cornerstone of Atlas since day one. Starting as an assistant coach in our children's programme, she quickly became an integral part of the team and now leads our popular Ladies Box N Burn classes.

As Gym Manager, Shelley oversees the daily running of the academy and is often the first point of contact for new members, making sure everyone feels welcomed and supported from the moment they walk through the door.

A dedicated martial artist, she trains in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, has stepped into the ring for charity boxing events and has competed on the BJJ mats. If you have any questions, Shelley is always happy to help.

ACAdam Chalmers

Adam Chalmers

Assistant Instructor · BJJ

Adam has been with Atlas since its inception and is a key member of our coaching team – a passionate and driven martial artist who thrives on competition.

He regularly tests his skills on the tournament circuit and at invitational events. As lead coach for our Saturday morning BJJ sessions, Adam brings his competitive experience straight to the mats, sharing the techniques and strategies that make up his personal game.

If you're looking to sharpen your Jiu-Jitsu and learn from someone who truly lives the sport, Adam's classes are not to be missed.

RHRyan Hanwell

Ryan Hanwell

No Gi Coach · BJJ

Ryan is the No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach at Atlas Martial Arts. Having trained consistently for over five years, he brings a strong passion for grappling and a commitment to helping students develop both technical skill and confidence on the mats.

Ryan focuses on creating a positive, challenging and welcoming training environment for practitioners of all levels. His coaching emphasises practical techniques, effective movement and the fundamentals needed to succeed in both training and competition.

Whether working with beginners or experienced athletes, Ryan is dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential and enjoy their journey in Jiu-Jitsu.

DGDarrel Gilson

Darrel Gilson

Assistant Instructor · BJJ

Darrel brings a wealth of martial arts experience to the team, having competed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling and MMA.

His diverse background makes him an invaluable asset for anyone looking to build a well-rounded grappling game. Known for seamlessly connecting stand-up techniques with ground control, Darrel's coaching places a strong emphasis on effective takedowns and transitions.

If you're looking to sharpen your stand-up and takedown game, Darrel's classes are not to be missed.

FHFrazer Hayward

Frazer Hayward

Assistant Instructor · BJJ

Frazer is the newest addition to our coaching team and a familiar face at our early morning sessions, leading our 6am Friday class.

Alongside his BJJ experience, Frazer is a qualified Personal Trainer with a strong background in strength, conditioning and nutrition – an invaluable resource for anyone looking to compete or simply get the most out of their training, on and off the mats.

Whether you're chasing peak performance or just looking to improve your overall game, Frazer's well-rounded approach has you covered.

NCNick Cartledge

Nick Cartledge

Assistant Coach · Muay Thai

Nick has dedicated himself to Muay Thai, immersing himself fully in the art. His passion has taken him to Thailand, where he has spent extended periods training under some of the sport's most respected coaches.

With fight experience in both the UK and Thailand, Nick brings authentic knowledge and a fighter's mindset to his coaching. Now leading our Friday Muay Thai sessions, he focuses on passing down the techniques and traditions he's learned abroad.

Whether you're new to Muay Thai or looking to refine your skills, Nick's classes offer a truly authentic experience.

JMJordan McGill

Jordan McGill

Assistant Instructor · BJJ

Jordan began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in September 2023 on the Atlas Beginners Course and immersed himself in training from day one, building a reputation for consistency, dedication and a relentless drive to improve.

He stepped into competition early and has competed regularly throughout his journey. His hard work culminated in a standout achievement in July 2025, when he won the British Open and was awarded his blue belt soon after.

Known for his obsession with technical development, Jordan began coaching in 2026. His coaching philosophy centres on building strong fundamentals – helping students develop confidence through a solid understanding of the core principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, whatever their level.

Before Your First Visit

Parking & Directions


Parking at the academy itself is very limited, so please park on Chapel Hill or Toll Bar Road and walk up. Here's exactly how to find us.

⚠Do not park on School Lane

Head to Parking

Set your sat nav to Chapel Hill (NN14 3JU) or Toll Bar Road (NN14 3LH) – not the gym's postcode.

Park Up

There's plenty of room on both roads. Parking here keeps the impact on Islip residents to a minimum.

Walk to School Lane

Make your way on foot to the top of School Lane. Please don't park on School Lane itself.

Through the Gate

Go through the gate into Acorn Industrial Estate. We're at Unit 1–4 – look for the Atlas sign.

Parking Option 1

Chapel Hill, NN14 3JU

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Directions to Chapel Hill
Parking Option 2

Toll Bar Road, NN14 3LH

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Directions to Toll Bar Road
Then Walk Here

Unit 1–4, Acorn Industrial Estate

Top of School Lane, Islip, NN14 3FD.

Walking Directions to the Gym

Please Do

  • Park on Chapel Hill or Toll Bar Road and walk up
  • Arrive 5–10 minutes early to allow for the walk
  • Drop children off promptly for drop-off classes and collect them at the end
  • Be considerate of local residents and estate businesses

Please Don't

  • Park on School Lane
  • Use the spaces outside the gym – there are only 10 and coaches take priority
  • Park in any other spaces on the estate – they belong to businesses that need access 24/7
  • Wait on site during drop-off only classes (Children's BJJ, Mini Titans, Junior Titans)

Anyone parked anywhere other than Chapel Hill or Toll Bar Road will be asked to move. Thank you for helping us be good neighbours in Islip.