There is much to be said about how one defines success, and for the multi-faceted success story of Assad Al Hanini, there is much to learn. His story is one that has to be seen to be believed, juggling a professional fighting career while getting his master’s in business and project management, while also working on an engineering degree and learning the craft of music production – it is safe to say that ambition and passion come naturally.
His projects have seen him move around the world and inspire others to pursue their passions. But who exactly is Assad Al Hanini? What drives his pursuits, what has he learned?
He took the time to answer a few of these questions and offer his own advice to young minds and passionate souls who are looking to emulate and pursue the same.
Hello Assad, thanks for taking the time to have a chat with us. Let’s start with you telling us a little about yourself, who is Assad Al Hanini?
Well, I’m originally from Palestine, was born in Jordan, since I was 20 I’ve been traveling and living in a bunch of different countries. As a kid I used to play football professionally in Jordan, then got settled into MMA and Boxing at the age of 17, and have been doing that professionally since, at the same time was focusing on getting my engineering degree, my master’s in business and project management, started a couple of businesses.
One of them which took off and is a success and now has a partnership with Venum, that business is all about the fight game, it’s called Kings Club MMA.
Been also working on music at the same time, I was able to share some of my music this year successfully, also been working on projects related to luxury watches and watchmaking while being on track with my engineering career.
People tend to have trouble perfecting one discipline let alone multiple so successfully – what drives you to push so many envelopes?
Actually, since I was a kid, I was always motivated by the fear of being average, up to this day I still feel the same, whatever I do or achieve, I would always want to do more, to do better, be better
and of course, my family’s support has been undeniable
Is there a particular discipline that you have found to be the most challenging?
Professional fighting is one of the most challenging things that any person could ever do, both mentally and physically, that’s why any person that dares to fight whether it’s in the octagon or a ring, would have my absolute respect, it’s not an easy thing to do, at all.
What has been your all-time proudest moment in any pursuit you have made?
Many proud moments, but probably the most so far, would be when I got my bachelor’s degree in engineering, because my family was able to travel and be there, and to see them and how proud they were, both my father and mother. That for me is one of the most beautiful feelings in the world to share your success with your family and the ones you love.
What would be your best piece of advice for young entrepreneurial types who are looking at pursuing their own passion?
Stop procrastinating and just go for it, start, sure whatever the step is it’s gonna need some proper thinking and planning before you begin, and that was always the case for me. After a lot of experiences and mostly failed ones, sometimes your plans don’t work and you have to adjust and keep going. I’m a firm believer that it is all in god’s hands and if it doesn’t work it’s because god has something better for you, or that maybe it’s not the time for it yet.
How do you define success?
Well, success is typically defined as reaching a goal or accomplishing something you’ve set out to achieve. And it is that, but more to be able to keep striving for more goals and keep moving forward, don’t stop, don’t let anything put you down, and don’t look back, as I always say onwards and upwards
In terms of your music, have you found it difficult to navigate the often-convoluted red tape of the music industry?
Yes of course, especially in the middle east region, and producing and putting out instrumentals not spoken word, which can be more challenging and difficult.
Finally, what is next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon?
Actually working on putting out new music at the moment, also Kings Club MMA is going to be busier next year and involved with Sports/Fight Events, also working on producing and manufacturing my own wristwatch project, which is still in the works as well as the name, cause I’ve been a watch enthusiast since I was a kid, took that trait from my father and just ran with it, been involved with a number of people in the watch world for quite some time.
I think it’s about time to be fully involved in that industry that I am absolutely in love with as well as being intrigued by it for a long time for the way the watch movements work, are designed, and put out. It is an incredible process, so that would be my next big move, to be involved in that also.
Thank you Assad for your time!
You can follow up with Assad Al Hanini at www.assadalhanini.com
