A former professional wrestler brought his message about bullying to Buffalo United Charter School Monday morning.

Former Mixed Martial Arts fighter and wrestler Daniel Puder says he relates to kids because he faced many struggles growing up.  Puder says growing up he struggled with being overweight and being in special education, and he says he was the target of bullying.

CREDIT CHRIS CAYA/WBFO NEWS

After retiring from the ring, Puder says he saw the need to help students and change the conversation about bullying and self-respect and about building stronger relationships.

“If we give more meaning to the kids at this age, I’ve found that they want to try harder and they do better in school, they treat their parents better, they work harder [and] they held around their house.,” Puder said.

Puder stressed the importance of setting goals, mentoring, character building and leadership. He watched as students created anti-bullying messages and school policies.

Puder founded MyLife MyPower in 2010, to provide organizations and youth with programs to help combat bullying through self-esteem and self-empowerment.