Midwestern Kong shares his life as a violent young man and how getting stabbed nine times changed everything
In the latest episode of mike ohern showwas hosted by fitness legend Mike O'Hearn with guest host Clark Bartram, and treated listeners to an emotional journey through the life of Brandon “Midwest Kong” Copeland. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and former mixed martial arts powerhouse, Copeland's story is one of resilience, redemption, and the quest to better himself.
Brandon “Midwest Kong” Copeland embodies the strength of a champion and the heart of a hero. Copeland, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, dominated the mixed martial arts scene from 2005 to 2014 with his tenacity and skill. In 2011 he launched the 'I Stopped The Bully' campaign, becoming a pioneer in the fight against bullying and inspiring young people across schools and detention centers.
Discovered by fitness icon Cali Muscle, Copeland became a standout in the fitness industry, setting records such as bench pressing 225 pounds 81 times in a row. He is also a children's book author and spreads messages of hope and community. Copeland champions unity, family, and dreams with infectious humor and great motivational skills.
In a discussion at the recent 2024 Arnold Classic, Midwest Kong reflected on his past, his fitness journey, and his future in serving his community. He helps bring mental health awareness to the forefront of urban youth communities. Let's dive in.
Midwest Kong, Julius Maddox, CT Fletcher and more to appear in upcoming documentary
Midwest Kong reflects on his past, his strengths, and his military exploits, while also looking to his future and the contributions he hopes to make to urban youth culture. In particular, he is part of his Sonz Of A Beast Initiative Project. Working with CT Fletcher, Julius Maddox and more – Sonz Of A Beast aims to support urban youth through fitness and mental health education.
In addition to the Sonz Of A Beast initiative project, Generation Iron will produce a documentary documenting the rise of the initiative and the trajectory of those involved in the project. The full announcement can be found here.
roots of martial arts
Copeland reminisces from his early days in the martial arts scene, when the sport was driven less by financial gain and more by raw intensity and honesty. He describes his introduction to Jiu-Jitsu as a humbling experience. Despite his athleticism at 220 pounds, he is easily controlled by smaller opponents. This fueled his desire to master technique rather than physical strength.
Facing Adversity: A Personal Journey
Growing up in a low-income neighborhood with a strong family structure, Copeland's life was marred by fear of abuse. He speaks openly about his own experiences with violence, both as a victim and as a perpetuator. His turning point came in 2004, when he was stabbed nine times during a tragic altercation. This experience of confronting his mortality forced Copland to confront the negative energy he was perpetuating, and set him on a journey of self-improvement and redemption.
From darkness to light: the path to salvation
Despite facing adversity during his recovery, including being abandoned by his daughter's mother, Copeland was determined to become a better person for himself, his family, and his community. He delved into his own mental health struggles and realized the importance of addressing his trauma and aggression head-on. This led him to work with celebrities like Julius Maddox and CT Fletcher on Sons of a Beast, a non-profit organization aimed at promoting men's mental health through fitness. became.
Inspiring others: Copland's travel legacy
Copland's story is a beacon of hope for all who face adversity. His journey from violence to redemption highlights the transformative power of self-reflection, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of a better tomorrow. A champion of unity, family, and dreams, Copeland's infectious humor and motivational talent resonate far beyond the confines of his podcast, inspiring listeners to embrace a path to personal growth and fulfillment.
summary
In conclusion, the appearance of Brandon “Midwest Kong” Copeland is mike ohern show This was not just a testament to his past accomplishments, but a testament to his indomitable human spirit and ability to effect positive change. As his story echoes across the airwaves, it serves as a reminder that no matter how dire the circumstances, salvation is always within reach for those willing to grasp it.
You can watch the entire episode above. Also, check out new episodes every week on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever you get your podcasts.
