# Francisco Iturralde ("Sinistro")

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## Overview

**Name:** Francisco Iturralde

**Nickname:** Sinistro

**Date of Birth:** May 17, 1992 (age 34)


## Bio

Francisco Iturralde, known as “Sinistro,” emerged from Guayaquil, Ecuador as a junior world champion and one of the sport’s most visible advocates for a vegan lifestyle. Awarded his black belt on June 17, 2013 by Fernando “Soluço” Di Piero, who had promoted him through every belt, Iturralde developed a scrambly, submission-driven game that made him a fan favorite. He moved to Florida to train at Alliance HQ, later spending time with Fabio Clemente and Babs Olusanmokun, then training under Rubens “Cobrinha” in Los Angeles. After settling in San Diego as head instructor at Club Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu, a 2018 sparring accident with a white belt led to a $46 million lawsuit judgment against the gym.

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**Last Updated:** September 24, 2026

**Data Source:** bjj.space (https://bjj.space/people/francisco-iturralde)