How exactly do I relax in a spar in BJJ? My sensei tells me to relax in a spar because I get out of breath.

Question

I spar with this guy in my BJJ class and even if he's under me, he doesn't seem to get out of breath. He's still a white belt, but advanced, 6 months. Anyways, they say that I should learn how to control my breathing and "relax" in a spar. But, how am I supposed to do that when I'm trying to get out of an attempt of getting me into an armbar? I moe around a lot and figet like a fish out of water so that my spar mate won't be able to armbar me or some other move, for that matter. So, how do I "relax"? I noticed that fidgeting around a lot gets you out of breath and very exhasuted in just one randori.

P.S.

I only spar with whitebelts because I won't last a mintue sparring with higher belts.

Answer 1

If he were teaching you breathing, focus, and energy control like a sensei should be, you wouldn't have to ask this question. You should be finding your center and learning how to control yourself - both internally and externally - at a white belt level - not sparring when you clearly aren't at that point yet.

Answer 2

With experience you will learn to do techniques without tensing your whole body and to deal with stressful situations (getting out of an armbar) without tensing up....its a process of self discovery that you have to learn it can't be taught....you'll get better in a month or two

Answer 3

When I first started training I did exactly the same thing that your talking about.  My opponent would get me into a bad position and instead of being patient Id go into survival mode trying frantically to escape.  This often led to exhaustion which left me vulnerable.  In BJJ theres a counter for every move but you need to wait untill the opportunity presents itself.  What helped me to relax more than anything was smoking some pot before training..It made me a little less aggressive and a lot more relaxed

Answer 4

I would just try to slow down the pace and just try to think about the correct techniques and do them slowly. I know a few people that tend to go too fast and don't think enough about technique. Just go slower and think about the exact perfect technique and timing to use that technique.

Answer 5

control your breathing!

Answer 6

watch video of bj penn.

Answer 7

You need to relax all the muscles in the body. Breath normally. Get rid of everything in your mind. Be mindless and relaxed. Only exert the muscles you need to block your opponets attempt or to strike your opponet.

You should not be rigid, tense or thinking of how you are going to counter your opponets move. Let your body react in a natural way. You'll find that you will automatically block and strike your opponet with out even trying.

Answer 8

Aside from breathing deeply and calmly, you also:

First learn to control your opponent without using strength, use weight distributed in the proper positions. This way you can conserve your energy and strength while looking for an opening. Don't flounder around like a fish out of water trying to force your way into moves, dont make uneccessary adjustments.

Secondly, stay calm. Every movement MUST have a specific purpose and destination - be efficient in your use of energy and breath. Know where you are going and what you are doing.

Lastly, take your time. Don't rush through your rolls trying to kick your partners a$$. Use your opponent as a learning tool, take the time to learn their movements, their behaviors and patterns.  

Answer 9

I haven't seen you spar so I'm not sure I can help, but I'll try. Yes, fidgiting is going to wear you out and it doesn't help. If you are fidgeting you are probably thinking "I can't let him get me". Instead try to think of how to get him. Move only with intention. I mean, if you move you should have a reason such as you need to get a better angle or close the distance. Don't just move to throw your opponent off. Although a fake or faint is good, too much is counter productive - as you have noticed. Also if you are constintly moving you are probably think more about moving than thinking about your opponent. Watch your opponent. What do they do? Sometimes you can see them "telegraphing" a move. That's when they make a small move or adjustment just before they shoot or make their move and it gives their move away. Concentrate on them, not on jumping around. Good Luck!

Answer 10

you have to think "take your time no rush " as it is more mental relaxation  and a cool head that controls the body.dont waste energy with a lot of movements that are taking you no where use precise movements .I think in your desire to win or fear of losing you are forgetting to breath and you need to concentrate on it more .

never think "I have to win "instead think "I dont have to lose"no matter the situation.

work counter moves anyone can learn how to do an arm bar or any lock in one or two lessons and think they are doing well until they meet the guy who is very good at counter moves.by working counter moves and practicing them over and over your mind starts to think more analytically and you relax mentally which in turn relaxs you physically.