Does any of this sound like you?
Let's dive deeper into a couple of these for instructive purposes.
First off, probably the most destructive issue on this list is going into a panic when you get smashed.
Not going into panic mode is a critical first step to learning to survive and escape in BJJ.
Just compare a high-level practitioner vs a newcomer when it comes to escapes.
Newcomers get stuck underneath someone and start flailing around recklessly. Their breathing is sporadic, they push with all their muscle and after a minute or two they’re cooked and ready to be submitted.
On the flipside, watch a skilled practitioner.
They’re calm. They work to bring their arms together, protect their neck and get their breathing under control. Then they position their body and wait till they feel the right opportunity to escape and expend very little energy until they need to.
You following me?
If you’re stuck in bottom side control and in the back of your Jiu-jitsu lovin’ noggin’ you know it’s only a matter of time before you get submitted, then the whole situation turns into straight panic.
It would be like a panicking person caught by a water current flailing around until they’re exhausted and drown, when the best 1st step would be to relax and maintain control of their breath.
So if you panic and lose control of your breathing in bottom of side control then 1 of the most critical skills you must develop is the ability to relax and become comfortable with the uncomfortable situation.
Sounds easy in theory, but in practice we all know it’s not. But there are some simple training and breathing techniques to get this dialed. And when I mean simple, I mean simple. They're things I have my brand-new White Belts do and can easily break them of the side control panic and I'll be teaching them in my upcoming series.
Don't worry, even if you're not a coach, you can implement the strategies into your next open rolling session.
Alright, let's chew on 1 more issue.