Meet Cameron Cullers: Martial Artist and Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cameron Cullers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cameron, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing about my industry that outsiders are probably unaware of, is though my industry is becoming more ethnically diverse, Still to this day the unspoken truth is that there are still disadvantages and stigmas that myself and other martial artist of color face. There is this unspoken and unacknowledged idea that Black, Hispanic or many individuals of color can not or are not meant to teach or even participate in martial arts. Its almost similar to the idea that individuals outside of a certain social economic or ethnic background should not take part in specific athletics such as archery, polo, equestrian, cricket, because those activities are viewed as activities for elite social economic classes. I enjoy this point of view because it feeds my passion and desire to prove the nay sayers wrong and keep them guessing about my origins and my abilities.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a mentor. Thats my calling and my purpose. Where ever I go, I usually end up teaching. I don’t do this intentionally it just happens. I look at myself as a vessel. A vessel for a greater purpose to encourage and gift peoples lives with the light that already resides inside of them. I teach from experience and I believe that life is the best teacher. When I share one on one time with my clients I give them a piece of what I have experienced in life to help them better understand what is to come for them. I believe thats what sets me apart. If theres something I can not relate to or haven’t experienced, I will gladly refer my students to someone who is more versed in that area. Learning and sharing again is a gift, only those who hide and keep certain information to themselves are the ones who are abusing their gifts. I am most proud of all of those students who have entrusted me with their minds. They come to me one way and leave from under my mentorship with a different level of progression that they have attained. That is the best gift, worth more than any amount of money or any trophies. The connection that is felt and received from me to them is unmatched. I recently had a student who I had taught some semesters back reach out to me and say that they were looking for a self defense class to take up, but wanted to learn in a place that they felt comfortable, safe and a place that they could trust. They came to me. Thats what I mean. From Empower MMA to Premier Martial Arts to my Spelman Students, there is a certain level of trust that is felt and shared amongst us. I appreciate that. Nothing about the road I took to get where I am now was easy. Long nights, a lot of sacrifice and many sleep deprived classes were on hand to witness the blessings and progression that would put me in the place I am now. I overcame every challenge by realizing that there was no challenge but my self. The only way to go into a fearful situation is to understand that there is no situation at all. Fear is an illusion and everything I experiences was a fantastic lesson to make me better and handle things differently. Some of the lessons that I have learned along the way are whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you are right either way. The mind is your best friend or your worse adversary, you decide. Limits don’t exist unless you want them too and if thats the case then you never wanted what you claimed you wanted in the first place. I am unstoppable just like you, despite anyones efforts to destroy you or manifest your demise, YOU hold the key to your warehouse of abundance. I want the world to know that we are beautiful We are powerful and despite what others say or think, we are the key to our own happiness. I am the key to my happiness and progression. Anything I put my mind to, I achieve and so do my students. At Empower Mentorship and Martial Arts we offer that gift of knowledge to our mentees. How you live your life is a mindset not meant to be turned off and on but to be ignited and engaged infinitely.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Im going to keep it 100. Atlanta can be crazy at all times of the day. I have seen some crazy stuff in broad daylight as well as at night. So I don’t go out too much. However, I like doing spontaneous activities. So I would have to take the crew axe throwing, or to archery (A skill I have picked up in my spare time). Nitro Zone (im a kid at heart and I have no problem jumping up and down on trampolines), Piedmont park is a great hang out spot. Wonderful views there and really diverse with the demographic of people. I like lil 5 Points, though it can be crowded at times, there are a lot of great restaurants in that area. Ponce City Market has some great vibes, especially at certain times of the day. Its a couple other places I know about but I can’t be giving out all the goods for free! lol I usually bring the party to me so…lol

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to Shout out first and foremost the Universal Creator for giving me purpose, allowing me to understand my purpose and execute my purpose. My Parents, for introducing me to the world of martial arts and art in general. They made sure I stayed dedicated as a child and learned and understood what discipline looked and felt like. My siblings for sharing the grueling hours of training in our Fathers Dojo creating memories and being mature enough to laugh about it now. Dasara and Sariah for always supporting me and my efforts despite how much it may consume my time. My students and Parents from my Mentorship program Empower Mentorship and Martial Arts. They have been dedicated and loyal to my calling. I appreciate the parents for entrusting their children to my mentorship and the young people for looking up to me as an example to model their lives after. I am not perfect and I let them know that its okay to make mistakes. We can only win and learn. T. Lang and the Atl Movement Lab, is a Gem in WestEnd Community of Atlanta. Phenomenal place that cultivates many different types of art mediums and has been an avid supporter to the Mentorship program.

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