Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Lika Herrlein

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lika Herrlein. Check out our conversation below.

Lika, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
Many people think Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is only about fighting, self-defense, or fitness. But what I’ve learned is that people come looking for much more, they are searching for connection, confidence, and a place where they feel they belong. Our academy has become that community, and that is what truly makes the difference in people’s lives and explains our steady growth.

My Psychology background allows me to deeply understand people and what they need. I use that every day in how I run the business, not just building systems for growth, but also creating a culture of care and belonging. I believe that combination, empathy with strategy, is what makes our academy successful and what makes me proud as both an entrepreneur and a leader.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?

My name is Liane, but everyone knows me as Lika. I am the co-owner and manager of Soca Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu here in San Diego.

I’m originally from Brazil, where I worked for over 10 years as a clinical psychologist before moving to the United States in 2016. When I came here, I didn’t leave my career behind—I continued working with patients online, long before telehealth became something common during the pandemic. At that time, it was unusual, but it allowed me to stay connected to my profession while adapting to a new country, raising my children, and starting a new life without the daily support of extended family.

Being a mom in this journey has been one of my greatest challenges, but also one of my greatest sources of strength. My psychology background gave me tools to deeply understand people, their struggles, their growth, and their need for connection. And that’s exactly what I bring into our academy.

At Soca BJJ SD, our vision has always been bigger than martial arts. We are creating a safe and welcoming community where people of all ages can find belonging, build confidence, and develop resilience. I’ve seen children grow more disciplined, parents gain peace of mind, and adults discover a second family on the mats.

I also couldn’t do any of this without my husband, Professor Bruno Albuquerque, who is not only my partner in life but also in business. He is a 4th degree black belt with over 30 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and his dedication on the mats inspires me every single day. Without his passion and commitment, our academy wouldn’t be what it is today. Together, we balance each other—his mastery in Jiu-Jitsu and my background in psychology—creating a unique environment where technique, discipline, and emotional growth come hand in hand.

To me, this is more than a business. It’s a mission. Being an immigrant, a mother, and an entrepreneur has taught me the value of resilience, courage, and community. And that’s what I want every student to feel when they walk into Soca BJJ: that they are not just joining an academy, but becoming part of a family where they will always be supported and inspired.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?

As a child, I believed that I wasn’t strong enough to face life’s challenges and that success was mostly about luck. Over time, I realized that true resilience is built through experience, from the smallest struggles to the hardest obstacles and that luck itself is not random, but something we create through effort, perseverance, and courage.

Every challenge I faced, whether big or small, taught me that I am capable of more than I ever imagined, and that the life we want is shaped by the choices we make and the strength we develop along the way.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the defining wounds of my life was losing my mother to cancer. Losing someone so close was traumatic and deeply painful, and at first, it felt overwhelming. But I learned to ask for help when I needed it, and over time, I was able to grieve, process, and find meaning in the loss. This experience taught me resilience, the importance of seeking support, and how to transform deep personal pain into strength, shaping the way I live my life, care for others, and approach challenges today.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe that the energy we put out into the world has the power to shape our experiences, even if I can’t scientifically prove it. When we focus our thoughts, intentions, and actions on positive outcomes, and surround ourselves with people and environments that uplift us, opportunities and results tend to manifest. It’s not magic or religion, it’s about consciously directing our energy, staying intentional, and taking action toward the life we want.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am fully present with my daughter, Giovanna. Those quiet moments, whether we’re playing, talking, or simply sharing a smile, allow me to let go of worries and distractions. In her presence, the world slows down, and I feel a deep sense of connection, love, and calm that nothing else can replicate.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://socabjjsandiego.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socabjjsandiego/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socabjjsandiego
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@socabrazilianjiujitsusandiego

Image Credits
Photo: Michael Carr