Suzette Howe - Broken Before Battle: Raising Champions for Tomorrow

What others are saying about Broken Before Battle: Raising Champions for Tomorrow

When Suzette Howes Broken Before Battle trilogy is completed, this second book may hold up as the most important work of the three. In Broken Before Battle: Raising Champions for Tomorrow, Howe again employs her vast resources to talk to some truly world-class athletes about their formative years. She also effectively takes an even deeper dive with those who are parents to talk about their philosophies on raising children and how it may or may not dovetail with the way they were brought up. Many of the subjects have been hardened yet forged by some challenging life experiences.

As the mother of former two-time UFC bantamweight titleholder, Dominick Cruz, Howe has had a front seat to witness her sons evolution from curious child to bona fide world champion. And although she deflects credit, she clearly created a championship-level foundation upon which her children have thrived.

I also found it powerful that Howe seamlessly incorporated some of her own childhood experiences, which helped to give the book important meat and context. Clearly, the author is much more than just a writer. She has left no stone unturned in her efforts to get high-profile subjects to speak on critically important matters in a way that is relatable and empowering. As a parent, I have found a lot of inspiration in the Broken Before Battle series and I look forward to the completion of the trilogy.

Jon Anik
Lead play-by-play commentator, Ultimate Fighting Championship

This book is an amazing journey of the ups and downs of not just the world of professional sports, or even mixed martial arts, but life in general, and its shown to us from the lenses of those who literally fought their way through it all. The story of Michael Chandler was probably the one that really brought it all together for me. He was a good (not great) athlete, competitive but not immensely strong or tall, just a no-name kid who liked to compete but probably wouldnt amount to much in sports. To read how he kept pushing as a kid, through high school and into a top college wrestling program at Missouri was inspirational enough, but then to eventually become a champion in such a highly competitive sport like MMA was something else.

Then, to read the story of the woman fighter, Joanna, and how she overcame being marginalized was eye opening. Reading Broken Before Battle: Raising Champions for Tomorrow also showed me how much like an everyday person many of these fighters are. This was so refreshing. Most of them have so many other interests and passions. It seems impossible that they would have enough time in a day to do everything, but thats what made them champions. The resolve to maximize every second, every moment, and every opportunity to leave nothing to chance was inspiring. I cannot express enough how everyone should take the opportunity to read this book.

Nagham Wehbe
Storyteller, Coach, Media Insights Researcher and Strategist,
and Creators Connect Founder

Broken Before Battle: Raising Champions for Tomorrow is chock-full of engaging tales that reveal the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of some of the most well-known MMA fighters out there today.

Each chapter runs the gamut from funny, nightmarish, heartbreaking, and inspiring, but each has the common thread of how martial arts shaped them into the incredible people they are now. The narration and journey Suzette takes us on is charming, engaged, thoughtful, and demonstrative of her love and respect for these athletes who dare greatly.

For me, the most impactful chapters were Suzettes and Orlandos. My own childhood and eventual salvation through martial arts made me really connect with their stories. There is a watershed moment she had with her son that broke my heart, but the steps she took next were really inspiring. My favorite chapter was Anikas, as it was illuminating to see the tender sides of both the Cruz brothers. From a personal standpoint, I really felt for her in regards to being bullied by her peers for reasons beyond her control. Her ability to transform that pain into energy to pursue her calling was powerful, and I know it will motivate others.

It is my personal opinion that martial arts, competition, and being guided through adversity are crucial rites of passage for children. This book contains gems on how to best do that for children, which are our future. I highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in MMA, martial arts in general, and in becoming who we truly are.

Tanya Lam
Visual Artist, Martial Artist, and Photographer

This book is for anyone who is, was, or wants to be a fighter, either on the mat or in real life. In her second book of the series, Suzette Howe vulnerably opens up to share her own personal life, and the struggles shes overcome, as she also highlights the lives of five other champion fighters in the sport of MMA.

As a woman, I respect the chutzpah and determination of Joanna and how she fought to find her place in a mans world. And of course, I love the husband/dad stories from the men who work hard to lead and support their families. Howe captures their inspiration, perspiration, and dedication with love for the sport and their communities.

Linda Goode
Independent Contractor, Connector, Educator,
Development Consultant and Community Volunteer

An absolute must-read for any MMA fan!

Because I know Suzette and the fighters so well, its almost impossible for me to pick a favorite chapter. This book has taught me something new about each fighter, which was not an easy task considering I cover the sport for a living.

Most of all, I really respect Suzettes choice to go as deeply into her own story as she has asked these great athletes to do with theirs. I believe her writing is so unique and enjoyable because she is demanding and thorough, yet also kind and compassionate.

Suzette, like most of us in this incredible sport, has had to fight for everything in life. Shes gone through poverty, substance abuse, divorce, single parenthood, and through it all shes had to fight for herself. Her personal journey in our sport as mom to an all-time great champion, dedicated student who has trained for years, and lifelong fan who regularly travels to attend events gives her a refreshingly unique ability to connect with these great athletes and get them to tell stories and reveal parts of themselves in a way they had never done before.

Im proud to call Suzette a friend and colleague. She is committed to making this world a better place through her work. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn or teach what it truly means to be a fighter, whether we fight in a cage or not.

Most of all, this is a book about the indomitable human spirit, which can never really be denied.

Jim Gries Grieshaber
Host/Interviewer, MMA Weekly and Creator of Cage Side Seat

I dont know too much about the MMA world, but reading the stories of these incredible fighters was such a unique experience of different journeys. I can relate to them in so many ways especially as a parent. Suzette finds a way to let us into their lives so that we feel like we have connected with them even though we havent met them in person.

This book reminds me that growing up poor, or coming from a broken home or having self-doubt, doesnt have to determine the outcome of your life. Its what youre willing to fight for that determines what you want to be. What an inspiring book for anyone about what having faith and perseverance with hard work is all about.