Help Fund MOVE Martial Arts & Fitness in Philly

"I didn’t just survive — I transformed. Now I’m building a space where others can reclaim their strength too." -Jamie

Hi! My name is Jamie Colleen Miller.

You may know me from my time as a professional MMA fighter — or through my advocacy work in Philadelphia.

But what I’m building now is the most important fight of my life — and I need your help to win it.

⸻

From Shelter to Champion

Eleven years ago, I escaped an abusive relationship that left me homeless as a single mother.

I found refuge at an emergency domestic violence shelter operate by Women Against Abuse- Philadelphia's leading domestic violence agency.

Walking into that shelter felt like rock bottom — but in that moment, I felt peace. We were safe. It was my second chance.

We lived at the shelter for four months. During that time, I began training again — reconnecting with my love for MMA. Martial arts rebuilt me from the inside out, giving me the strength I needed to endure what I was still facing off the mats.

They say healing is the journey back to yourself — and I believe that with my whole heart.

One year after leaving the shelter, I stepped back into the cage and knocked out the #1 contender in California, winning a championship title!

That moment became my testimony:

I refused to be defined by my circumstances.

From Fighter to Advocate

On year later, I returned to Women Against Abuse with an idea — to teach self-defense to other survivors at the same shelter I had once called home.

They said yes. From that moment on, my advocacy was born.

I began sharing my story across public platforms — from Seventeen Magazine to the State Capitol — to raise awareness, help pass legislation and build relationships with city leaders and legislators.

Today, I’m proud to serve as:

• The first former client appointed to the Board of Directors for Women Against Abuse

• A member of the Survivor Advisory Board for the Office of Domestic Violence Strategies

• A committee member for the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Engagement

When I retired from professional fighting due to injury, I knew my next fight was off the mats — merging martial arts with advocacy to empower others.

In 2024, I launched Veracity Self-Defense, a trauma-informed program that equips women and teens with real-world tools for education, confidence, and protection.

Since then, I’ve partnered with nonprofits, schools, and law enforcement — most recently joining a city-led public safety initiative to reduce violence in Philly’s most impacted communities.

Now, I’m Building MOVE Martial Arts & Fitness

MOVE is more than a gym — it’s a movement.

It’s a space for healing, growth, and strength — where people train, recover, and rebuild their lives.

MOVE will offer:

• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Striking for all skill levels

• Youth Programs for ages 6–12 using structured games and drills

• Women & Girls-Only classes, led by female instructors

• Self-defense & violence prevention workshops for teens and women

• HIIT and fitness classes that boost overall fitness for all levels.

• Law-enforcement combatives, focusing on de-escalation and trauma-informed practices

At the heart of MOVE is Veracity Self-Defense, which will transition into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

This allows us to expand access by offering free programming, scholarships, and community outreach — especially in underserved neighborhoods.

Why I Need Your Help

Your support helps fund:

• Renovating a 3,000 sq. ft. training facility

• Equipment: mats, heavy bags, gloves, weights

• Initial operating costs: rent, insurance, licenses

• Launching Veracity as a nonprofit

• Marketing, events, and digital outreach

What Your Gift Makes Possible:

$25 – Training gloves for one student

$50 – One hour of trauma-informed instruction

$100 – 7 sq. ft. of mat space (out of 1,000 sq. ft. total)

$250 – One heavy bag for striking

$500 – One month of utilities and cleaning

$1,000 – One week of women-only or youth-only classes

$2,500 – One month of law-enforcement training

$5,000 – Scholarships for 10 survivors or teens

Timeline to Launch:

• Summer 2025 – Secure and prepare gym location

• Fall 2025 – Begin renovations + equipment install

• Winter 2025- 2026 – Grand Opening

What Happens If We Raise More?

If we exceed our fundraising goal, it will give us the flexibility to cover essential operational costs—allowing us to focus fully on delivering a high-quality experience without the added pressure of meeting basic overhead while we grow. It also opens the door for expansion, including:

Every dollar will be used with intention, accountability, and impact at the forefront.

Words from the Community

“Coach Jamie taught me how to protect myself and learn boundaries. I am more confident in myself now!”

— Teen participant, Veracity Self-Defense

“She turned pain into purpose and brought real solutions to our community.”

— Community partner, Philadelphia PD

Be Part of Something Bigger

MOVE is the gym I needed when I had nothing.

Now, I’m building it — for every person who needs a safe place to grow stronger.

This is more than a gym — it’s a second chance.

Please consider donating, sharing, and spreading the word.

Whether you give $5 or $5,000, you’re helping us create something life-changing.

Thank you for believing in this dream.

Let’s MOVE!

Connect with us on social media!

Veracity Self-Defense

Jamie's Instagram