ĀTMA is the embodiment of who we are — the union of our core values brought to life: passion for climbing, respect for nature, and building a warm community. These pillars are the foundation of all our activities, in the beginning, the end and forever now.
Over a decade ago, experienced rock and competition climbers Jørg and Tiba had a vision — to create a space where community, nature, and the art of climbing could come together as one. In the midst of the fast-paced urban life in The Netherlands, they longed for a place where like-minded climbers could gather and reconnect with the natural world.
This vision was simple yet profound: blend the urban and the wild, respecting the sacredness of nature while building a space for climbers to evolve — physically, mentally, and spiritually.
After years of dedication and careful planning, ĀTMA was born. Everything we do reflects our core values, bringing together climbing, nature, and community in a seamless and holistic way. Our urban basecamp in Leiden, Wildflower Climbing Gym, serves as a hub for passionate climbers, where we provide expert coaching and foster a community of individuals committed to pushing their limits, whatever those are. Here, climbers are not only challenged to improve, but to connect — with themselves, each other, and the sport they love.
But as rooted as we are in the city, our hearts are drawn to the wild. In the forest of Fontainebleau, where nature’s spirit runs deep, we offer more than just coaching. We offer a chance to reconnect with the Earth, with ancestral wisdom, and with the essence of who we are. In walking the line between these two worlds, we find our purpose: as above, so below.
As ĀTMA continues to grow, so does our commitment to sharing our holistic approach to climbing with the world. We aim to expand our community and inspire more people to join us on this journey. Our vision for the future includes the growth of our basecamp in Fontainebleau, where climbers can stay in our gites, climb in the forest under expert guidance, and connect with like-minded souls from across the globe. It is here, amidst the boulders and trees, that everything comes full circle. Here, we come one, in ĀTMA — the spirit of the universe.
Tiba is one of the top athletes in the current Dutch climbing scene. Having bouldered up to 8B, she knows what she is talking about when it comes to training for climbing. Aside from being a full-time climber herself, Tiba has been a climbing trainer and coach since 2017.
“Climbing has brought me so much in life. From self-confidence, to a true love for nature and being outdoors, to finding flow in the movement on the wall. It has taught me that I can always exceed my own expectations if I’m willing to put in the work and put trust in my own abilities. This is what I want to share with others in my coaching. Everyone can take their climbing to the next level with the right approach, and that is different for everyone. I am very excited to help everyone find their personal way.”
Jørg has been passionate about climbing and coaching since the moment he discovered the sport over thirty years ago. He is now one of the most experienced and successful climbing coaches in the country, having coached multiple pro climbers and national champions.
“Whatever my life brings to me, it has always been climbing that leads the way for me. It has shaped my experiences, my personal values and the way I view the world. This is something that is of such a great value to me, that I can be nothing but grateful to have found this path. That is the reason I love coaching so much. It allows me to help others discover their passion in a way that it makes them grow as a person, just like I have with this sport.”
At ĀTMA we help you connect to your personal path in climbing. Experience our rock climbing camps in the heart of nature, personal coaching and a welcoming community.
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