Brendan Cosso’s temptation to smuggle drugs landed him in the most dangerous prison in South America. He rebuilt his life and dedicated it to education, events and helping people take a positive path. In this breathtakingly graphic and candid interview, we learn the value of decision-making from the CEO of the World Calisthenics Organisation.

Watch the full episode on YouTube

Growing up in a middle class family in California, and living a life of luxury working the VIP clubs of Hollywood, Brendan made one bad decision that saw his life come crashing down.  Tempted by a lot of money and the lure of the Brazilian party scene, Brendan strapped himself up with cocaine and headed back to the US.

Caught at the border, his decision landed him in the most dangerous prison in South America. Brendan rejected the idea that he would remain ‘a criminal’ and spent his term learning and educating himself. Improvising with whatever was available, he made a pulley system to work out on, improving his strength and movement – the system he later developed into the CrossCore, now sold worldwide. 

He has rebuilt his life and as CEO of the World Calisthenics Organisation, he dedicates it to education, events and creating opportunities in fitness for people who don’t have careers. 

After being introduced to Calisthenics through a friend, Brendan saw the entertainment potential and created a competition in the park – making up the rules and pulling together make-shift equipment. Instantly popular with onlookers and contestants, Brendan sought sponsorship and quickly grew the contest to become Battle of the Bars – the global competition known on the streets today. 

Along with Kenneth Gallarzo, Brendan Cosso founded the World Calisthenics Organization (WCO) with the overarching intention of bringing the calisthenics and street workout movement to the forefront of the mainstream fitness industry.

The WCO was the first organisation to hold a calisthenics competition on such a large and professional scale, reaching nearly 37,000 onlookers at the LA Fit Expo January 2013.  Combing elements of street workout, parkour, gymnastics, free running and tricking, Battle of the Bars has become an intricate part of the growing community.

Through WCO, Brendan is creating opportunities in fitness for people who don’t have careers and is championing the recognition of calisthenics as a sport.

See www.worldcalisthenics.org for more details.

 

Episode highlights : 

• How even in the darkest of places, you can find the strength to turn your life around – with self-reflection, acceptance, hard work and good decisions.
• Understanding that it isn’t until you forgive yourself for what you’ve done that it allows you to move forward to forgive others for what they did to you.
• The importance of mental strength and dealing with difficult experiences in enabling you to be good and make a difference from today on.
• How by accepting whatever help your connections offer, you can help yourself to change your life.
• The importance of not worrying what others think, focusing on your goal and never giving up on what you think is achievable.

 

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Brendan Cosso…