202. Turning Pain into Power with Julio Rivera of Internal Jiu Jitsu
Release Date: 10/14/2025
216: Never Out of the Fight — Healing Trauma, Identity, and Addiction After Military Service with Anthony Dyer
Warriors Unmasked
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215: Healing Unresolved Trauma and Learning to Accept Yourself with Dr. Brian Alman
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214: Surviving the Holocaust, Finding Purpose — The Extraordinary Life of Charles Van Kessler
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213: Healing Head Trauma, Finding Hope — The Journey of Team USA Bobsledder William Person
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212: Finding Freedom After Addiction — The Inspiring Journey of Mary Beth O’Connor
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210: Unbroken: Adrienne Caldwell on Surviving Trauma, Finding Peace, and Rewriting Her Story
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209: Overcoming Adversity: The Inspiring Journey of Navy Seal David Brown
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208: Courage, Perseverance, and Mental Health: A Veteran’s Tale of Resilience
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207: Basking in Grace: Marcia Earhart's Journey Through Grief, Healing, and Divine Strength
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info_outlineThis 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:
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How a childhood trauma shaped Julio’s mental health journey
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The healing power of movement, writing, and community
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Why facing pain requires faith, and why asking for help is the first step to strength
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The connection between martial arts and mindfulness and how stillness can quiet a racing mind
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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.