Why This Book?

Transforming Trauma with Jiu-Jitsu explores a powerful and often unexpected truth: that the body, when safely and intentionally engaged, can become a key site of trauma healing. In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Jamie Marich — a trauma therapist and survivor — shares how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) became a deeply transformative practice in her recovery. Blending personal narrative, psychological insight, and practical guidance, this book speaks to survivors and practitioners alike who are curious about the intersection of movement, empowerment, and trauma recovery.

Who It’s For

• Survivors exploring physical or somatic paths to healing
• Therapists working with trauma who are open to body-based modalities
• Jiu-Jitsu practitioners seeking to make their space more trauma-informed

Big Takeaways

• Trauma often disrupts a sense of safety in the body — reclaiming that safety can be a deeply healing act.
• With the right environment and intention, physical practices like Jiu-Jitsu can restore agency, trust, and resilience.
• Empowerment isn’t just a feeling — it’s something the body can learn through repetition, breath, and presence.

How It Can Help

This book offers a compassionate bridge between talk-based trauma healing and somatic transformation. Dr. Marich affirms that while not every survivor will choose martial arts, the core principle — that healing happens when the body is safely engaged — holds wide relevance. For those who feel disconnected from their body or who crave structured, physical healing practices, this book may open unexpected doors.

Additional Notes or Warnings

• Includes discussions of trauma, dissociation, and personal experiences of physical recovery.
• While centered on Jiu-Jitsu, the principles apply broadly to other body-based disciplines like yoga, martial arts, or dance.
• Survivors considering a martial arts practice are encouraged to seek trauma-informed instructors and environments.