Atik was born in the village of Gürdan in the
Boğazlıyan district of
Yozgat Province,
Turkey. He changed his family name from "Doğan" to "Atik" (literally, "Slippy") after a proposal by
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, who noticed his speed at the 1938 national championships. After retiring from competition, from 1955 to 1979 he coached the national wrestling team and prepared multiple international competitors. Appointed the head trainer by the
International Wrestling Federation (FILA) in
Switzerland, he gave lessons on wrestling techniques to sportspeople from all around the world. He is recognized as one of Turkey's best wrestlers, with exceptional technique as well as the most
aesthetic physique. In addition to his other honors, he was awarded with the
Légion d'honneur of France. Atik died at a hospital in
Ankara, on 27 April 1979. Two sports halls—one in
İzmir with a capacity of 1,200 people and another one in his hometown Yozgat—are named after him. ==Coaching achievements==