Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked - The Podcast!
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.”
Always in your corner,
Chuck
EPISODE MINUTE BY MINUTE
- 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
Connect with Julio Rivera
Website: Internal Jiu Jitsu
Instagram: @InternalJiuJitsu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/internaljiujitsu/
Medium: @julioangelrivera1
YouTube: Internal Jiu Jitsu
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.
Links to Chuck
Website: www.thecompassionateconnection.com
Contact: My Community Contact
Email: chuck@warriorsunmasked.com
Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966
YouTube: Subscribe to Compassionate Connection YouTube Channel
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