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Oct. 8, 2026

Fighting Is a Skill, Not an Emotion: Violence, Mental Health, and Self-Control

Fighting Is a Skill, Not an Emotion: Violence, Mental Health, and Self-Control

Brandon “Midwest Kong” Copeland knows how to fight, but some of the biggest lessons of his life came from learning when not to fight.

In this episode of Breaking Bullying, Midwest Kong opens up about growing up around violence, surviving being stabbed nine times, competing in MMA, confronting his own anger, and realizing that being able to fight means nothing without self-control. He shares how therapy and martial arts helped change his direction and why he now uses his experiences to mentor kids, build confidence, support anti-bullying efforts, and advocate for mental health.

Kong and Tim also discuss why martial arts can be so powerful for kids who struggle in traditional sports, the importance of giving young people somewhere to belong, and why parents need to invest in who their children are becoming on the inside.

Connect with Midwest Kong

Instagram: @midwest_kong

Facebook: Midwest Kong

YouTube: Midwest Kong

Sons of a Beast: sonzofabeast.org

Breaking Bullying

YouTube: @BreakingBullying

Email: breakbullyinghere@gmail.com

Karate Chop Bullying

www.karatechopbullying.com

Kato Karate

www.katokaratemn.com

Contact the show at breakbullyinghere@gmail.com

If you want to learn more or are subjected to either Bullying or Harassment, you can go to:

Karatechopbullying.org

If you are dealing with dark or suicidal thoughts call The National Suicide Hotline:

Phone: 988

Opening Theme: "The Beginning and the End" by Grahf

Closing Theme: "Cute Melodies 11" by Soundtrack 4 Life