Hi,
I am a 39yo purple belt. I am having a lot of issues breathing and maintaining my composure during bottom side control and bottom mount. I often get tired and start to panic when I'm getting smashed underneath great pressure. It is to the point that I am now starting to tap to pressure because I can't breathe, which is VERY discouraging. Are there techniques or any tips that would help me deal with this? Thank You!
PS
My wife and I will be at the BJJ Fanatics camp later this year!
Hey Sergio, how are you?
Do you have anxiety before classes or training? How longa re you training? How many day a week do you train?
Please let me know first before I answer your questions :)
I have been training for about 8 years. I train about 8 times a week. My schedule usually looks like this...
Monday & Wednesday - Intermediate Gi BJJ (1hr), Striking (1hr)
Tuesday & Thursday - Intermediate No Gi (1hr), then MMA Drills (1hr)
I do not have anxiety before classes. The anxiety starts to come when I am being pinned on the ground. The anxiety starts to build when I feel like I cannot breathe underneath someone.
Part of me thinks that this is all in my head, but I suspect that I'm not protecting myself from pressure very good either.
Thanks for letting us know about it.
You have a good training schedule.
How's your mobility? Are you flexible?
If you work on your mobility you will spent less energy while playing guard. If you are not flexible you have to find ways to play guard more connected with your opponent such as, half guard, lock down, one leg x, x guard, lasso guard (for this one you'll need great grips).
Think about your mobility. From 1 to 10, how flexible are you? I'm imagining here that you probably don't have enough flexibility/mobility and that can be your main issue while playing guard.
Let me know about how flexible you are and I can help you better here :)
Thank you,
Prof Galvao
My flexibility is pretty good. I would say a 8 out of 10.
I do not have an issue playing guard. Rather, my issue is trying to survive when someone is mounted on top of me.....or is in top side control. I get smashed pretty good and end up tapping to pressure. I'm wondering if there are specific grips or frames that I can use.....or better body positioning to try to minimize top pressure.
Okay great you're flexible :) Watch this class right here and I'm pretty sure it will help you: https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/how-to-frame-to-prevent-guard-pass
You have to understand these concepts about building great framing before your opponent passes your guard!
I hope that helps you!