Rebellion Teen ‘Trapper’ Expelled From Every School; From Streets to Saved: Kani’s Powerful Transformation
As a young teen, it’s easy to slip into bad habits, especially when the wrong crowd influences you. Sometimes, it feels like you’re stuck in a place you know isn’t healthy, but it’s not until you discover your true purpose that you begin to see a way out.
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| Photo credits: Kani Prabaharan |
Kani Prabaharan, only
18 years old, admits to a past where being caught by the police, expelled from
every school, and dealing weed was what he thought was him ‘making something of
himself’. With no role model to look up to, only his mum, he knew letting her
down was proving him guilty and ashamed. It wasn’t until his mum found 500g of
weed under his bed in big see-through Ziplock bags, that broke his heart and
hers…
So, what changed?
A powerful sport called calisthenics became his purpose,
drive, and ticket to self-discovery and strength internally and externally. No
other sport fosters a community quite like calisthenics, where authenticity,
skill-building, long-term goal-setting, and genuine support are at its core.
Kani, from Croydon, proves that even a beginner in calisthenics can achieve incredible progress with the right mindset and inspiration. But for him, calisthenics isn’t just about physical strength- it’s been a journey of finding purpose, faith, and friendship.
Kani’s fitness journey began in 2021,
but it wasn’t until March 2024 that he committed fully to his goals. By the
summer, he was inspired by friends training in calisthenics and quickly
mastered the muscle-up by August. However, his real focus has been the front
lever, a skill that captivated him from the start due to its difficulty.
What truly stands out in Kani’s story is how his journey began with inspiration from someone close to him:
“The work ethic inspired me
from the jump,” he shares, referring to his friend Riyadh. “It was more him as
a person that helped me. Without even knowing it, he gave me a true friend that
I really needed. Realistically, Riyadh saved my life.”
Kani’s honesty about his past struggles is a reminder of how
impactful finding purpose can be.
“Before this, I was empty, lifeless, with no purpose or goals, and absolutely no belief in myself. Meeting Riyadh gave me life. God gave me my first real friend,” he says. As Kani puts it, “Cali only just got here - my life has only just begun within these past three months.”
His story resonates deeply with others who’ve found strength through authentic connections. One member, predominantly known and loved for her media work in the student community with the UCA (University CalisthenicsAssociation), shared:
“I relate too. Finding those genuine, authentic people
helps create that powerful moment of realisation, strength, and growth. Your
story reminds me of mine when I met someone who ‘saved my life.’ It was the
most beautiful experience I needed to put me back on my path to higher good.”
Representing the Tamil community gave him purpose and he is now becoming that inspiration he didn’t have growing up. He is determined to be the best Tamil calisthenics athlete, being that positive footstep for the Tamil teens.
His journey reminds us that anyone can transform their life with the right support, a clear purpose, and dedication. Who'd have known such a niche sport could be the holistic cure? To Kani and
others pursuing calisthenics: your best days are just getting started.
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