Today we’d like to introduce you to Sebastian Yancy.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sebastian. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born in Gary, IN and my mom moved us to IL cause she said she wanted me to do something with my life. So, I got into wrestling & pole vaulted on the track team in high school. After I graduated in 2008, I moved to Champagne, IL only to get denied by financial aid & directed to push for my dream to be a Professional MMA Fighter. Over the years of 2009 to 2010, I trained and did a ton of amateur fights until I finally was given the opportunity to go pro in El Paso, TX in 2011. From there, as a professional fighter, I traveled in the US for a training in different fights and even would walk two hours to get to training while listening to French lessons I downloaded on my phone. My phone died a lot. And I was obsessed with how the human body moved. Endlessly studying after losses and wins all to better my physical abilities while competing. Until eventually, I was going to move to Canada. Then, my dad, I hadn’t had a relationship with reached out and said come to visit Dallas for a month so we can catch up then go about your way.
So, in 2013, I came to Dallas where I found a gym to train and place to work (Abercrombie, ha). I would catch the trains or ride a bike from South Dallas to Coppell, TX. Along one of my late rides home, I came across a fellow biker who happens to be a cycling coach who introduced me to his coach and team growing my love for cycling all while still fighting. I quit Abercrombie saying to them “It doesn’t support my goals. But you all are still awesome.” Then, through Craigslist, I found a studio looking for a spin instructor. So, I went to Crowbar Cardio and after training, I became the instructor. It was at that very studio where I trained my first clients in kickboxing, Strength training & MMA functional training.
By 2014, I started growing a love for helping others more than myself and was afraid of how it threatened me as a fighter. After talking to my Coach Sayif Saud explained where my time was going, he wanted me to still compete but was more proud that I have found a way to give myself to others for a greater good. Service. And over the years as I became more credible as a trainer in Dallas, he opened his very own gym & made me a head trainer of Fortis MMA. My dad and I have a great relationship, I found my wife Carley Yancy & since I’ve been so blessed to do what I love for others, we started a non profit fitness organization called Sweat 4 Service where we partner up with different shelters, find out what their residents need, them, I or other trainers I recruited run a fitness class for free where people may attend as long as they bring any of the requested items on our list. In 2017, we had 60 people at Burn Dallas and generated 90 coats for the homeless of Dallas Life. Having been homeless before, I gladly give my time to others. I wake up as early as 3:30 am to swim or train excited to give myself to others. I’m so grateful to be doing what I love to help this world.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As a former Professional Fighter, money was great but came very seldom as I didn’t fight every day. So there was a nice amount of time where Roman noodles and I were best friends. Also trying to find a balance between going for dreams & being around limited minded people. I didn’t go the traditional route. But every bit of training, studying, competing & overall experience as a professional and in fitness, I grew in my faith, knowledge & view on possibilities.
Please tell us about DaddyStrongLegsFIT.
I am an MMA Strength Trainer, I specialize in overall physical well being. My approach is of that of a fighter putting people through rounds of work specialized to their bodies allowing them stronger, leaner, faster & most of all, be able to play with your kids when you take to the beach & feel good about yourself. Fitness shouldn’t be stressful. It should be a joyous part of your day that gives you confidence and leaves you trusting your body with whatever the day brings. I’m most proud of the consistency in others. The faith that they grow within themselves when they see me and the trust and relationship that we gained even after they’ve reached their goals. I also take the time to message my clients, give them extra smaller goals, and occasionally give them more time than they paid for because I just get lost in my work. They can’t leave when times up. They can leave when we’re finished our program.
Some of my methods are a bit unorthodox but it keeps my clients guessing and gets the job done so there’s never a dull session!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I could start over, I would have met my wife sooner. When I was an athlete, I did NOT know how to be as responsible and mature as I have until I met her, ha. She has been a hero in my life. And I wouldn’t have said yes to some of the previous bouts I took in the past. To all future competitors, only go with your team & if a coach says yes. No need to rush you guys your careers.
Contact Info:
- Address: Fortis MMA
Deep Ellum 301 Texas Ave - Instagram: sweat4service.org
- Website: Sweat4service.org
- Phone: 214-600-6027
- Email: dsyancy@gmail.com
Image Credit:
mmawin.com, mmarecap
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