The Fighters

The second book of the trilogy series, Broken Before Battle: Raising Champions for Tomorrow, was written to speak to parents and students personally. Suzette wanted to tell the incredible stories of carefully selected champions who share their own champion mindset of how to overcome in life with full details, in-depth life illustrations, and truths not shared before. Suzette gave a heartfelt thanks to each of the champions featured within these pages, and we can’t wait to see what they do next!

Joanna shared about her childhood growing up in Poland and how she serves her community. Orlando showed us his life journey from a violent childhood into the U.S. Navy, as a police officer into education to become an attorney, and how his love for wrestling drew him into MMA.

Michael jumped into action with confidence and enthusiasm, discovering his calling in life. Rashad spoke to the reality of being raised in poverty and how changing that can impact the mindset of children, including his own. Mike gave everything to his fight career and now develops other warriors in MMA. Suzette also told more of her own story, revealing her focus about changing our thoughts and chasing our dreams, no matter what happens.

All three of her children are champions in their own arenas of life, and they speak for themselves within this book. Derek transitioned from being the brother of a champion to becoming the man he wants to be, creating financial success for others in MMA. Anika grew through medical challenges, cherishing memories of her caring older brothers. Dennis, Suzette’s husband, is a warrior in his own right too, gaining a family with two sons overnight and fighting through deadly cancer twice.

While enjoying her journey getting to know some of the MMA warriors at the Alliance Gym in San Diego, Suzette met several fighters with different organizations from across the globe. This mission of writing her first book in 2014 catapulted her deeper into MMA, expanding her understanding the skills and philosophy each fighter.

Each athlete is diligent through radical dedication to a fierce regimen of intense training. Both men and women MMA professionals enjoy camaraderie created through mixed martial arts as they practice fighting within the UFC or other organizations such as Bellator, Absolute Championship Berkut, World Fighting Federation, and Combate Americas.

Their ability to maintain strength, mental game, and agility while wrestling through life’s demands of personal and family responsibilities is truly an expression of determination to be admired—and declared.

In Suzette’s inspired vision, fighters were represented by the individual standing candles, each ignited with a small flame. But in real life, they are human beings who willingly fight, sweat, and bleed to overcome mental and physical obstacles to move forward toward their dreams.