THE SOCA BJJ SAN DIEGO
Alexandre Soca
11x World Champion
Our Story
Serving Rancho Bernardo since 2018
Soca Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu San Diego was founded in 2018 by Professor Bruno Albuquerque and his wife, Lika Herrlein, with a shared dream: to create more than just a martial arts academy. They envisioned a place where children, adults, and families could experience the life-changing benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a welcoming, supportive, and family-oriented environment.
Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Professor Bruno has dedicated more than 30 years to the practice of Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While pursuing his lifelong passion for martial arts, he also earned his law degree and built a successful legal career before relocating to San Diego. Lika, a psychologist by profession, brought her expertise in child development, communication, and human behavior, along with a passion for building meaningful relationships and strong communities.
After moving to San Diego, Bruno and Lika combined their professional backgrounds, shared values, and lifelong commitment to helping others to establish Soca Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu San Diego. Their goal was never simply to teach techniques or prepare students for competition. They wanted to create a place where people of all ages could build confidence, resilience, discipline, and character while becoming part of a community that truly feels like family.
Since opening its doors, the academy has grown into a thriving community serving families throughout Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Del Sur, Poway, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Escondido, and the surrounding areas. While the academy has grown, its purpose has remained the same: to provide world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction in an environment where every student feels welcomed, supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Today, that same vision continues to guide everything we do. Whether someone joins us to learn self-defense, improve their fitness, compete, or simply become part of a positive community, our commitment remains the same—to help every student become stronger, more confident, and better prepared for life, both on and off the mats.
Meet the Family Behind Soca
Behind every great academy is a family committed to its students.
Since opening Soca Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu San Diego in 2018, Professor Bruno Albuquerque and Lika Herrlein have worked side by side to build more than a martial arts academy—they have created a welcoming community where children, adults, and families can learn, grow, and thrive together.
Combining Professor Bruno’s lifelong dedication to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Lika’s background in Psychology, they share a common belief that martial arts can positively transform lives by building confidence, resilience, discipline, and meaningful relationships both on and off the mats.
Today, they remain personally involved in every aspect of the academy, ensuring that every student who walks through the doors is welcomed, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Bruno Rodrigues Albuquerque
Co-Owner & Head Coach
Professor Bruno Albuquerque is a 4th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Master Alexandre “Soca” Freitas with more than 30 years of experience in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A multiple IBJJF International Open Champion, he is passionate about preserving the traditions of authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while helping students of every age build confidence, discipline, resilience, and character.
Professor Bruno is known for his detailed, technical, and patient approach to teaching. He believes that strong fundamentals are the foundation of great Jiu-Jitsu and takes pride in helping each student progress at their own pace, from someone stepping onto the mats for the first time to experienced practitioners looking to refine their skills and take their training to the next level.
As Head Coach, Professor Bruno is dedicated to creating an environment where every student feels challenged, respected, and inspired to become the best version of themselves.
