While the latest trends in martial arts are in a constant state of flux, the same holds true with the entertainment industry. The nature of this demand in marital arts, however, creates a plethora of questions: Who’s the best to train with? Is pound-per-dollar the real deal? Of that, which instructors have the greatest impact on the lives and needs of their students? What works and what doesn’t? These questions sparked an intrinsic need to seek solid answers and a greater understanding of the spiritual impact and state of today’s martial arts on humanity itself. Now I realize that martial arts has its roots, which are as diverse as they are traditional. I respect that. In fact, I stand in awe of it. In all humility, I may not always understand the cumbersome and binding politics of it, but I appreciate it nonetheless. However, evolution brings greater awareness and change. Let’s face it: it’s that one constant (aside from death and taxes) we can be sure of in life. But what we need to take note of is, as the consciousness of man changes, so does the evolutionary understanding, need and practice of martial arts. And so I set out to provide a glimpse of future opportunities the martial arts presents to the most gifted instructor or student.

It’s been wisely stated that within a single question can often lie an infinite number of others. And so goes Pandora’s Box. Interestingly enough, those initial and somewhat simplified questions prompted me to ask the more heavy-hitting ones: Who is presently learning the martial arts? Which styles? And why? Further, how these teachings are benefiting today’s ever-so hungry students—those craving something, but not exactly sure what?

Today’s ever-increasing “cross-over” celebs often see that rollover effect (even if behind the scenes) transcend into their workloads, which are then projected onto songs, music videos or movies. In fact, more hip-hop artists are taking on more of the executive side of things. It’s little wonder they often have a strive to discover outlets for balance, growth and creativity. Not only do they seek peace of mind and a qualitative lifestyle, but also to land that competitive edge.

For several months I found myself conducting research in Atlanta, Ga. (known in local recording artists’ circuits as the “A-town’’), with one of its most sought-after martial arts instructors, sifu Terrance Walker. I was immediately thrown into an impressive mix of his daily routine and his school, which encompass an unparalleled loyal allegiance, including musical artists throughout the country. Yes, the A-town has spun about many a well-known name and face, from Usher to OutKast. Fortunately, I was able to partipate in training and discuss many of martial arts’ influences with members of the latter.

It was a typical muggy southern night in “the ATL” as I made my way to OutKast’s recording studio. Purple Ribbon Label is a owned by OutKast and distributed through Virgin Records. Initially known as Aquemini Records (named after the band’s 1998 album), it was later transformed and renamed when bandmate André 3000 began showing a greater interest in acting. It also was a time in which OutKast member “Big Boi” decided to seize opportunity and take sole responsibility for the growth of the label and the artists it signs such as, Sleepy Brown, Konkrete and its latest success, Killer Mike.

In the sweltering heat, I found myself standing at the doorway of the studio alongside Walker. Entering, it’s impossible to miss the massive aquarium in the entryway filled with flashy movements and confetti of colors. No doubt, a replica of the vivaciousness and fantastical fun the band itself exudes. Yet, there’s tranquility to the place. A sense of freedom and feeling that perhaps you’ve just been dropped down the rabbit hole and transported to a wonderland somewhere in time.

A multitude of awards and pictures adorn the halls as you make your way to the swank, decorated studio areas. Yes, Purple Ribbon possesses a magical, kid-in-a-candy-store-type quality. Wasn’t that P. Diddy on the phone here last month? Oh, and Dave Chappelle is sitting next to me and chatting up a storm with the group. And say… isn’t that Jermaine Dupree over there in the corner? In this always fast-paced, neverending locale, the band and its confines are also frequented by an array of actors, actresses, choreographers, directors and producers.

Located in the back of the studio area is the golden nook and cranny—a private room dedicated exclusively to the practice of martial arts. Believe it or not, a room where you find yourself training not only with OutKast, but its entourage of professional staff and other occasional celebrity faces hoping to reap the benefits of some serious training. It is the vortex of the studio’s energy. One similar to Walker’s main training hall, a space rich in culture with divine fusion of African and Eastern artistic elements.

So, what makes Walker such a sought-after name by many of today’s artists? Walker opened the Walker Shaolin Northern Mantis Academy over 11 years ago and has studied marital arts for 35 years with some of the legendary greats including, Sheria Enahora, guro Dan Inosanto, Baba Ieeshia, the late Dr. Moses Powell, mestre João Grande and sifu Francis Fong. His styles encompass northern seven star praying mantis, tai chi chuan, wing chun, jeet kune do, kali, African kayti stick play, mariama kemet African ground play and capoeira. But it’s so much his repertoire of experience that most find so unique, it’s the spiritual components he naturally blends into his teachings. Walker insists martial arts of any kind should enrich the practitioner’s life—spiritually, mentally and physically.

“To give 100 percent of myself at all times to all people is important to me,” Walker states. “But it is also equally important to devote that time to myself and grow as a martial artist; to continue learning as I know I always will be.” Along with his studio, Walker owns and operates a security company and works with local law enforcement officials and charity causes. He also impacts the forces of the music and entertainment industry by educating and teaching the true value of martial arts.

“I teach (artists) a foundation and then, as the creative machines they are, encourage them to find their own unique paths of truth,” he admits.

In fact, these celebrities often call upon Walker at all hours of the day for one-on-one training sessions—to de-stress, choreograph or appear in a video. And, at times, to serve as a spiritual counselor or act as a bodyguard, as he recently did at the BET and MTV Music Awards.

Achieving success and notoriety in one’s field is the dream of a lifetime for most artists. But the buck doesn’t stop there. OutKast, with its funky flair, recently ventured into the genre of film with its first film entitled, Idlewild.

“It’s set in the 1930s-40s during prohibition time. It’s a movie jam-packed with personality. And it’s like two stories going on simultaneously. We aren’t OutKast in the film, but we do occasionally break out the songs,” Big Boi states. “It was our first movie and I’m grateful for the experience. That film brought us into doing a TV show and onto our next movie, which we began filming in the Carolinas in November. It’s going to be called, Who’s Your Caddy? Yeah, sifu Walker’s in the new movie and we’ve been doing JKD drills in between takes. It’s great!”

Once stardom is struck, having to distinguish between friend or foe can be grueling. Then there’s the constant pressure to achieve greater success. In a perfect world, artists in all walks of life wouldn’t need extra support—internal or external. But with so much pressure coming from all directions, it’s no surprise most are turning to martial arts to serve as a personal rock and unleash the ebb and flow of creativity.

We’ve seen African and Asian influence pour over into the hip-hop scene. It primarily began in the late 1980s-early 1990s with the images and lyrics of such groups as Wu-Tang Clan and the Ying Yang Twins. Artists such as Public Enemy and Dead Prez are more considered “activist rappers” whose apparent Asian influence and love of arts, culture and Eastern philosophies ooze from their lyrics. Even the King of Crunk himself, Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz have gotten in on the action. And then there’s Busta Rhymes, who is well-known for being a disciplined shaolin kung-fu practitioner.

Leading influencing on these artists include, Bruce Lee, Muhammad Ali, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye and Dr. Martin Luther King. On their reading list is the I Ching, written works of Lao Tzu, the Tibetan Book of the Dead, as well as the personal writings of Bruce Lee.

“I think for a lot of these artists, they’ve seen that kung-fu within their environments have made some of the more serious changes even reaching beyond political,” Big Boi maintains. Adds Walker, “Yes, it’s given way to a more younger generation discovering self-confidence and self-worth, an alternative outlet away from gangs and violence.”

“Right,” notes Big Boi. “I really believe it gives today’s kids skills they need to cope and flourish in a not-so-great neighborhood or upbringing that lacks in proper guidance.” And it’s not just communities of people being impacted by the arts. Hip-hop is now taking on an approach to cleaner lyrics; expressions that make a statement and a difference in the world. What are they attributing as a great source to this movement? Martial arts.

“Hollywood can often be an industry filled with insurmountable negativity and even with music, it can become this vicious cycle, you know,” Big Boi explains. “You need an outlet to pray and meditate, to study and open your inner self more to greater creative effectiveness. To give moral discipline. Sometimes it’s even a way to express history.”

To back that statement up, Big’s personal assistant, Marché Butler, shares how since Walker brought martial arts into the studio, more than 85 percent of its employees partake in classes.”

“It has made for a better working environment and we’re more productive. The energy’s gone through the roof and I, personally have noticed a difference in Big Boi being more cooperative, patient and at peace with himself and his work,” Butler relates.

“True that,” notes Big Boi. “What I continue to learn from sifu Walker is invaluable. He opened true doors for me—ones on the inside that no fame could’ve opened, yet contributes to my overall success.”

Adds Walker, “It’s more like, “How do I know I’m right about my teaching methods?’ I know by whether any student (celebrity or otherwise) shows up to class with a smile and is passionate about training.”

“Influence.” It’s defined as that intangible force that can affect a person, thing or course of events. Some sifu have it, some crave it. Effective leaders demonstrate self-control, self-mastery and good character. It’s what Walker strives to be every day and it’s why students big and small, famous and not-so-famous find their way to his training halls.

Ideally, strong leadership is the keen ability to affect and persuade others without exertion of force or formal authority.

“Most are so quick to focus on themselves or the mechanics of it all and not the source of where the knowledge comes from,” Walker maintains. “That knowledge itself which is given from God himself. And if we stray from that, we lose the purpose of what kung-fu is. We lose our way.”

Debra L. Shields is a freelance writer and spiritual life coach based in Denver, Colorado. Along with an extensive dance background, she has cross-trained in various martial arts since 1996. She is currently training in capoeira with Canto do Galao.