SANDRA SUCCAR
Pursuing Dreams through the MMA Octagon
At 24, I’ve journeyed from the confines of a basement to the electrifying octagon of MMA arenas, carving a path that led me to becoming the reigning MMA Asia and world champion. It’s been a wild ride that has taught me invaluable lessons in fortitude, strength, resilience, and the power of chasing your dreams.
Immersed in the realm of MMA since the age of 10, my journey commenced with a simple desire to be strong for the sake of my family, particularly following my father’s untimely departure when I was merely three years old. Among the weight of societal assumptions, I (@sandrasuccar_) resolved not to surrender to constraints imposed by prejudiced perspectives. With unwavering determination, I transformed my basement into a sanctuary of training, a testament to my refusal to be bound by limitations.
By the time I was 16, I knew I needed more than my basement. I saved up, joined a gym, and started working with a local coach. It wasn’t long before I was attending seminars and exploring every avenue to improve my skills. When I was 18, destiny knocked, an academy reached out, saying they’d sponsor me if I was ready to commit. That was my green light, my chance to prove to myself and the world what I was made of.
However, delving into the realm of challenges, injuries have been a part of this journey like unwanted guests. Broken nose, swollen eyes, nearly broken hips I’ve had my fair share. But every setback was just another reason to come back stronger. There were moments of doubt, especially after a major injury, when I questioned if this was all worth it. I had to ask myself, do I want this bad enough to overcome the pain and uncertainty?
Hence, I’ve had to learn about balance. My full-time job as a 2D animator sometimes feels like another fight altogether. However, this skill provides a safety net; similarly, singing infuses me with a profound sense of grounding and tranquility. When I reflect on it, a sense of ease washes over me. Singing is an avenue I cherish deeply, providing relaxation and contentment. In addition, I train for hours, work for hours – it’s a whirlwind.
Another new step in my adulthood that taught me a whole lot of other things is the tough decision I had to take to step away and live alone. Unfortunately, my family wasn’t always in tune with my passion, affecting my mental health and becoming a hindrance in my progress and results. I always acknowledge that the projections of their fears and worries on me stem from good intentions and love for me but in order to find balance, protect myself, and reach my goals, I had to take the difficult decision to live alone.
Through all of this, the most important thing to me is that I’ve found my support system. My coach is not just someone who guides me in the octagon, but someone who’s there for me in every battle life throws my way. Identifying the right coach is paramount; their guidance fuels your journey. Equally vital is your circle, my partner, my teammates, and my friends. They’re my pillars, lifting me up when things get tough. I also don’t forget the fans, those cheers mean the world to me. Surround yourself with uplifting individuals and be prepared to detach from negativity, even if it’s family. I personally chose independence over incessant doubt.
However, it’s not all about winning belts and trophies. It’s about fighting for something bigger. I want to change my family’s life and my country’s perception. Lebanon has its challenges, but I want to show that we can rise above, no matter where we come from. So, my dream isn’t just about being a world champion; it’s about being a beacon of hope for dreamers in my homeland.
So, here I am, still chasing my dream of becoming a UFC world champion. It’s not about the belts, the fame, or the glory – it’s about showing the world that even a girl from Lebanon can rise above the noise and make a mark. Every bruise, every sacrifice, it’s all worth it. It’s a journey of passion, determination, and overcoming barriers. The octagon is where I feel at home, where I feel strong, where I shine away all doubts.
At 24, I’ve journeyed from the confines of a basement to the electrifying octagon of MMA arenas, carving a path that led me to becoming the reigning MMA Asia and world champion. It’s been a wild ride that has taught me invaluable lessons in fortitude, strength, resilience, and the power of chasing your dreams.
Immersed in the realm of MMA since the age of 10, my journey commenced with a simple desire to be strong for the sake of my family, particularly following my father’s untimely departure when I was merely three years old. Among the weight of societal assumptions, I (@sandrasuccar_) resolved not to surrender to constraints imposed by prejudiced perspectives. With unwavering determination, I transformed my basement into a sanctuary of training, a testament to my refusal to be bound by limitations.
By the time I was 16, I knew I needed more than my basement. I saved up, joined a gym, and started working with a local coach. It wasn’t long before I was attending seminars and exploring every avenue to improve my skills. When I was 18, destiny knocked, an academy reached out, saying they’d sponsor me if I was ready to commit. That was my green light, my chance to prove to myself and the world what I was made of.
However, delving into the realm of challenges, injuries have been a part of this journey like unwanted guests. Broken nose, swollen eyes, nearly broken hips I’ve had my fair share. But every setback was just another reason to come back stronger. There were moments of doubt, especially after a major injury, when I questioned if this was all worth it. I had to ask myself, do I want this bad enough to overcome the pain and uncertainty?
Hence, I’ve had to learn about balance. My full-time job as a 2D animator sometimes feels like another fight altogether. However, this skill provides a safety net; similarly, singing infuses me with a profound sense of grounding and tranquility. When I reflect on it, a sense of ease washes over me. Singing is an avenue I cherish deeply, providing relaxation and contentment. In addition, I train for hours, work for hours – it’s a whirlwind.
Another new step in my adulthood that taught me a whole lot of other things is the tough decision I had to take to step away and live alone. Unfortunately, my family wasn’t always in tune with my passion, affecting my mental health and becoming a hindrance in my progress and results. I always acknowledge that the projections of their fears and worries on me stem from good intentions and love for me but in order to find balance, protect myself, and reach my goals, I had to take the difficult decision to live alone.
Through all of this, the most important thing to me is that I’ve found my support system. My coach is not just someone who guides me in the octagon, but someone who’s there for me in every battle life throws my way. Identifying the right coach is paramount; their guidance fuels your journey. Equally vital is your circle, my partner, my teammates, and my friends. They’re my pillars, lifting me up when things get tough. I also don’t forget the fans, those cheers mean the world to me. Surround yourself with uplifting individuals and be prepared to detach from negativity, even if it’s family. I personally chose independence over incessant doubt.
However, it’s not all about winning belts and trophies. It’s about fighting for something bigger. I want to change my family’s life and my country’s perception. Lebanon has its challenges, but I want to show that we can rise above, no matter where we come from. So, my dream isn’t just about being a world champion; it’s about being a beacon of hope for dreamers in my homeland.
So, here I am, still chasing my dream of becoming a UFC world champion. It’s not about the belts, the fame, or the glory – it’s about showing the world that even a girl from Lebanon can rise above the noise and make a mark. Every bruise, every sacrifice, it’s all worth it. It’s a journey of passion, determination, and overcoming barriers. The octagon is where I feel at home, where I feel strong, where I shine away all doubts.
At 24, I’ve journeyed from the confines of a basement to the electrifying octagon of MMA arenas, carving a path that led me to becoming the reigning MMA Asia and world champion. It’s been a wild ride that has taught me invaluable lessons in fortitude, strength, resilience, and the power of chasing your dreams.
Immersed in the realm of MMA since the age of 10, my journey commenced with a simple desire to be strong for the sake of my family, particularly following my father’s untimely departure when I was merely three years old. Among the weight of societal assumptions, I (@sandrasuccar_) resolved not to surrender to constraints imposed by prejudiced perspectives. With unwavering determination, I transformed my basement into a sanctuary of training, a testament to my refusal to be bound by limitations.
By the time I was 16, I knew I needed more than my basement. I saved up, joined a gym, and started working with a local coach. It wasn’t long before I was attending seminars and exploring every avenue to improve my skills. When I was 18, destiny knocked, an academy reached out, saying they’d sponsor me if I was ready to commit. That was my green light, my chance to prove to myself and the world what I was made of.
However, delving into the realm of challenges, injuries have been a part of this journey like unwanted guests. Broken nose, swollen eyes, nearly broken hips I’ve had my fair share. But every setback was just another reason to come back stronger. There were moments of doubt, especially after a major injury, when I questioned if this was all worth it. I had to ask myself, do I want this bad enough to overcome the pain and uncertainty?
Hence, I’ve had to learn about balance. My full-time job as a 2D animator sometimes feels like another fight altogether. However, this skill provides a safety net; similarly, singing infuses me with a profound sense of grounding and tranquility. When I reflect on it, a sense of ease washes over me. Singing is an avenue I cherish deeply, providing relaxation and contentment. In addition, I train for hours, work for hours – it’s a whirlwind.
Another new step in my adulthood that taught me a whole lot of other things is the tough decision I had to take to step away and live alone. Unfortunately, my family wasn’t always in tune with my passion, affecting my mental health and becoming a hindrance in my progress and results. I always acknowledge that the projections of their fears and worries on me stem from good intentions and love for me but in order to find balance, protect myself, and reach my goals, I had to take the difficult decision to live alone.
Through all of this, the most important thing to me is that I’ve found my support system. My coach is not just someone who guides me in the octagon, but someone who’s there for me in every battle life throws my way. Identifying the right coach is paramount; their guidance fuels your journey. Equally vital is your circle, my partner, my teammates, and my friends. They’re my pillars, lifting me up when things get tough. I also don’t forget the fans, those cheers mean the world to me. Surround yourself with uplifting individuals and be prepared to detach from negativity, even if it’s family. I personally chose independence over incessant doubt.
However, it’s not all about winning belts and trophies. It’s about fighting for something bigger. I want to change my family’s life and my country’s perception. Lebanon has its challenges, but I want to show that we can rise above, no matter where we come from. So, my dream isn’t just about being a world champion; it’s about being a beacon of hope for dreamers in my homeland.
So, here I am, still chasing my dream of becoming a UFC world champion. It’s not about the belts, the fame, or the glory – it’s about showing the world that even a girl from Lebanon can rise above the noise and make a mark. Every bruise, every sacrifice, it’s all worth it. It’s a journey of passion, determination, and overcoming barriers. The octagon is where I feel at home, where I feel strong, where I shine away all doubts.
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Karen Kawkab
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Karen Kawkab
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Karen Kawkab
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Karen Kawkab
