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About
Atlas Martial Arts
Atlas Martial Arts is more than a gym — it’s a community built on discipline, confidence, and respect. Located in Frewville, we provide classes for kids, adults, and competitors in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, striking, and recovery. Whether you’re stepping onto the mats for the first time or preparing for competition, our team of passionate coaches will guide you every step of the way.
Our Mission
At Atlas, our mission is to help every student unlock their potential — on and off the mats. We strive to create an environment where people of all ages can grow in confidence, sharpen their skills, and become part of a supportive community. Through structure, discipline, and encouragement, we develop martial artists who carry themselves with strength both inside and outside the gym.
The Atlas Difference
What makes Atlas Martial Arts different is our commitment to quality coaching and a variety of classes. With multiple instructors on the mats, smaller focused groups, and programs for all levels, you’ll always get the attention you need. From drilling sessions to open mats, gi and no-gi training to striking and fight team preparation, we’ve designed our timetable so you can train in the way that works best for you.
Head Coach
MICHAEL HELIOTIS
Michael is a black belt under Leo Arruda and the head coach at Atlas Martial Arts. With years of teaching experience, he leads our kids, gi, no-gi, and competition classes, creating an environment where every student can learn and grow.
He spent time in the United States training with some of the world’s most respected coaches, including John Danaher in Austin and Jason Rau in Long Island. Those months exposed him to elite training methods and cutting-edge jiu jitsu, lessons he now brings back to Frewville.
Michael’s true passion is teaching. Whether guiding beginners through their first class or preparing athletes for competition, he is committed to helping each student refine their technique, gain confidence, and enjoy their time on the mats.
Meet the Coaches
Nathaniel Polkinghorne – BJJ Instructor
Nathaniel has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for over five years and brings strong competition experience to his coaching. Specialising in guard passing, dynamic guard play, and front headlock attacks, he keeps his teaching focused on simple, effective concepts that help students improve quickly.
Rasmus – BJJ Instructor (Gi & No-Gi)
Rasmus began BJJ at 16 and has since competed at the ADCC Oceanic Trials in Thailand while training internationally under Jason Rau in New York. With goals of reaching the highest level of competition, he brings both technical insight and a problem-solving mindset to every class.
Tyler Zane
Tyler is a purple belt under Leo Arruda who has also trained under Michael Heliotis for several years. Active in the local and interstate competition scene with a number of state championship titles and interstate matchups, Tyler has a keen interest in bringing competition level strategy to the training room. Deeply invested in supporting his students and training partners to develop their games.
Thomas Curly
Thomas is a blue belt under Diego Caruso who as trained extensively under head coach Michael. A competitor and student of the game, Thomas has a broad range of jiu jitsu skill and knowledge.
