This week on Warriors Unmasked, Julio Angel Rivera, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo and Japanese Jiu Jitsu black belt, World Master Champion, author, and founder of Internal Jiu Jitsu, shares his incredible journey from witnessing trauma as a child to building a life of healing, mindfulness, and purpose.

At eight years old, Julio witnessed a murder that changed his life forever. What followed were decades of suppressed pain, anger, and depression, until he found his path through therapy, writing, bodybuilding, and the discipline of martial arts. Through his philosophy of Internal Jiu Jitsu, Julio shows how we can channel resistance into growth and find peace in the midst of chaos.

You’ll hear about:

• How a childhood trauma shaped Julio’s mental health journey

• The healing power of movement, writing, and community

• Why facing pain requires faith, and why asking for help is the first step to strength

• The connection between martial arts and mindfulness and how stillness can quiet a racing mind

• Julio’s two books (Broke Down Sensei and Internal Jiu Jitsu) and his mission to empower others through mental health awareness

Whether you’re fighting battles on the mat or in your mind, Julio’s story is a powerful reminder that healing takes courage, community, and the willingness to “just give it another day.”

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: From Trauma to Triumph

02:15 – Growing Up in the Bronx: The Early Years

05:45 – Addiction, Incarceration & Military Life

09:30 – Finding Recovery Through Peer Support

13:10 – The Power of Storytelling in Mental Health

16:20 – Building Mental Health First Aid USA

20:00 – National Advocacy and White House Influence

23:30 – Challenges of Behavioral Health Policy

27:15 – Leading with Lived Experience

30:00 – Faith, Leadership, and Family

34:15 – Julio's Advice to Aspiring Changemakers

37:20 – Chuck’s Challenge: Reclaiming Your Power Through Service

 

Chuck’s Challenge:

When life feels too heavy, pause and breathe. Tell yourself to just give it one more day and take one step forward. Sometimes that’s the bravest move you can make.

Connect with Julio Rivera:

Website: Internal Jiu Jitsu

Instagram: @InternalJiuJitsu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/internaljiujitsu/

Medium: @‌julioangelrivera1

YouTube: Internal Jiu Jitsu

 

Connect with Chuck:
Check out the website: https://www.thecompassionateconnection.com/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-thuss-a9aa044/

Follow on Instagram: @warriorsunmasked

Join the Warriors Unmasked community by subscribing to the show. Together, we’re breaking stigmas and shining a light on mental health, one story at a time.