Say hello to Albuquerque’s newest addition to the grappling community: Clube de Jiu-Jitsu Pitbull, otherwise known as Albuquerque Pitbull BJJ, located at 5643 Paradise Blvd NW. 

Clube Pitbull is new to Albuquerque but has been a part of the BJJ game in Brazil, then the States, for nearly two decades.  An organization founded by Adilson “Bitta” Lima, Pitbull BJJ is a branch off Gracie-Barra, with strong ties to Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu. 

Since its inception, Pitbull has produced several Black Belt Champions.  The Albuquerque branch was set up by Professor Kale Lopez, Black Belt under Professor João Cunha (directly under Lima).  Lopez brought the team to Albuquerque after his brother Kalo; also a Jiu-jitsu player, visited the Land of Enchantment, and recommended it as a good home for a branch of Pitbull BJJ. 

The Lopez brothers were natural athletes growing up in Hawaii where they surfed, swam and snorkeled as youngsters.  In high school they played most organized team sports.  Kale was a three year varsity letterman in Football, Basketball and Baseball.  After school the Lopez family moved to San Diego where Kale immersed himself in BJJ training under Cuhna.  Since then he has competed often and has some notable wins including Gold at the Pan Ams.

Both brothers are partners in the academy and exude enthusiasm for the burgeoning Jiu-Jitsu scene in New Mexico.  “We hope to foster more participation in Pure BJJ in New Mexico” Kalo says. “We offer Women's self defense and BJJ classes for all ages and skill levels, while also committed to developing our competition team.”  In fact, Pitbull's comptition team just returned from a successful tournament trip to San Diego earlier in December and head to Los Angeles in January for the 2012 North American Championship.  Professor Lopez still keeps an active competition schedule doing the IBBJF Worlds and Pan Ams yearly in addition to several other tournaments.  He recently won a superfight November 19th in San Fransisco.  "I love to compete, and I enjoy training and coaching my students to achieve their goals as well."

Anyone interested in checking out the gym can call 505-898-2426, email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or just stop by the gym.