United We Rise

From Struggle to Strength Through the Power of Rising Together

De: Angela Pucci, Bruno Pucci

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

In United We Rise, world champions — and husband-and-wife duo — Angela and Bruno Pucci share their remarkable journey from opposite sides of the world to building a life, a family, and a mission rooted in love, resilience, and purpose.

From childhood adversity and world titles to mental health battles and heartbreaking loss, their story reveals a truth far deeper than victory: that real strength isn’t about never falling — it’s about finding the courage to rise, again and again — together.

Through triumphs, trauma, and transformation, Angela and Bruno open their hearts to show that the greatest fight isn’t the one inside the cage — it’s the one within.

A story of perseverance, healing, and hope, United We Rise reminds us that we are more than what we’ve endured — and that none of us are meant to fight alone.

Life is constant, evolution is mandatory for growth.

You never know what battle someone is fighting. That truth sits at the heart of this book.

The evolution of a person is often judged by climactic moments of failure and success, but this story reminds us that growth is far more subtle. It is built through daily choices—consistency, discipline, and a determined spirit carried through the inevitable highs and lows of life.

This book is exceptionally well written. It offers an intimate look into the lives of both Bruno and Angela, following their individual journeys—each marked by struggle, sacrifice, and perseverance—until their paths ultimately become one. It is powerful in its vulnerability, addressing loss, love, mental health, and the sensitive subject of suicide. The reader is guided through emotional, physical, and spiritual pressures, as well as the weight of expectations and commitment, all while life continues to test them.

Bruno opens up about his early life, the silent battles he faced, and how mental decisions, medical challenges, and losses in martial arts shaped who he is today. From early competition losses to becoming a world champion, he reveals how his mindset had to change.

“Every loss hurt, but it also taught me. Every submission was feedback. Every bad position became an opportunity to fight out of it and grow. Slowly, I realized losing wasn’t the opposite of winning—it was the path to it.” — Bruno Pucci

As a reader, you are left with the understanding that losing does not define you, that one win does not have to be your greatest achievement, and that true growth often comes from how you respond when your mind and body tell you to quit.

Angela’s story is equally raw and impactful. She walks the reader through victories and defeats, brutal weight cuts for title fights, and the crushing pressure of expectations. In her most vulnerable moments, she shares personal tragedy, the loss of a loved one, and her journey of rediscovering herself through every phase of life—as a fighter, a mother, a survivor, and a woman.

“When you build your entire identity around being unbeatable, what happens when you inevitably face defeat? … I learned success and peace are not the same thing. I learned the loudest battles happen in silence—between the voice of fear and the whispers of faith.” — Angela Lee Pucci

As a student at Angela and Bruno’s United BJJ Hawai‘i gym, I can say with confidence that what you feel in this book is real. The moment I stepped into their gym, I knew it was more than just a place to train—it was a community. The humility, authenticity, and genuine care they carry are reflected clearly throughout these pages.

This book leaves a lasting impression: it is never too late to ask for help; it is okay to pause and evaluate your mental health even when your body feels strong; and everyone around us is fighting a silent battle we may never see.

Be kind. Listen. Their story is only beginning—and as readers, so is ours.

11/10- Must read.

— James V The Poet

Author | United BJJ Hawai’i Student | Friend