MEET THE TEAM...
Dean Hardwick
Head Instructor and Founder of Atlas Martial Arts Academy
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, Dean 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 ignited a hunger for deeper martial arts knowledge, leading him to explore 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 the elite training grounds of Tiger Muay Thai and Phuket Top Team in Thailand, he has consistently sought to refine his skills across disciplines. He holds the following qualifications: Certified Krav Maga Instructor Level 3 Personal Trainer Level 2 Box N Burn Certified Trainer With decades of experience in Karate, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and self-defence, Dean brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and real-world insight to his teaching at Atlas Martial Arts Academy.
Elaine Barrow
Vinyasa Yoga Instructor
&
Lead Tiny Titans Coach
Elaine brings over 20 years of experience in the childcare industry to Atlas Martial Arts. A qualified Nursery Nurse and Pre-School Teacher, she has worked across both early years education and private nannying—providing her with a deep understanding of child development and behaviour. Elaine leads our Tiny Titans programme for 3–4 year olds, using her extensive knowledge to create a safe, engaging, and fun learning environment. Her energy, patience, and passion for working with young children make her classes a highlight of the week for our youngest students. Elaine is also a 200-hour qualified Vinyasa Yoga instructor and heads the Yoga Programme at Atlas. Her classes are an essential part of our schedule—offering a chance to address the physical stresses of daily life and helping our BJJ athletes recover and improve mobility. A dedicated BJJ practitioner herself, Elaine also coaches our Monday morning Adults Fundamentals class and the Children’s BJJ session on Monday evenings. Qualifications: NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing (Level 3 Childcare) 200hr Vinyasa Yoga Instructor 20+ years experience working with and developing young children
Shelley Pearson
Gym Manager
&
Head Box N Burn Coach
Shelley has been a cornerstone of Atlas Martial Arts 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 with passion and energy. In her role as Gym Manager, Shelley oversees the daily operations of the academy and is often the first point of contact for new members, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and supported from the moment they walk through the door. A dedicated martial artist, Shelley actively trains in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai, and has stepped into the ring for charity boxing events as well as competed on the BJJ mats. If you have any questions or need assistance, Shelley is always happy to help and loves connecting with our community.
Adam Chalmers
Assistant Instructor
BJJ
Adam has been with Atlas Martial Arts since its inception and is a key member of our coaching team. A passionate and driven martial artist, Adam thrives on competition—regularly testing his skills both on the tournament circuit and at invitational events. As the 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.
Jamie Baillie
No Gi Coach
Jamie began his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey in 2020 and quickly developed a deep passion for NoGi grappling. With a sharp technical game and a relentless work ethic, he has gone on to secure numerous victories in both tournaments and superfight events. As the lead NoGi coach at Atlas, Jamie brings his competitive edge and expertise—particularly in leg locks—to every class. His sessions are dynamic, technical, and perfect for anyone looking to elevate their NoGi game. If you're serious about improving your grappling, be sure to make Jamie’s classes a part of your weekly training routine.
Darrel Gilson
Assistant Instructor
BJJ
Darrel brings a wealth of martial arts experience to the Atlas team, having competed in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling, and MMA. His diverse background makes him an invaluable asset to the gym, especially for those looking to build a well-rounded grappling game. Known for his ability to seamlessly connect stand-up techniques with ground control, Darrel’s coaching places strong emphasis on effective takedowns and transitions—crucial skills for any serious practitioner. If you're looking to sharpen your stand-up and takedown game, Darrel’s classes are not to be missed.
Frazer Hayward
Assistant Instructor
BJJ
Frazer is the newest addition to our coaching team and a familiar face at our early morning sessions. As the lead for our 6am Friday class, he brings energy, discipline, and technical insight to help you start your day on the mats the right way. In addition to his BJJ experience, Frazer is a qualified Personal Trainer with a strong background in strength, conditioning, and nutrition. This makes him an invaluable resource for anyone looking to compete or simply get the most out of their training—both 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.
Nick Cartledge
Assistant Coach
Muay Thai
Nick has been dedicated to Muay Thai for the past three years, immersing himself fully in the art. His passion has taken him to Thailand—the birthplace of Muay Thai—where he has spent extended periods training under some of the sport’s most respected coaches. With fight experience both in the UK and Thailand, Nick brings authentic knowledge and a fighter’s mindset to his coaching. Now leading our Friday Muay Thai sessions at Atlas, he’s focused 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.
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