How exactly do I relax in a spar in BJJ? My - Baseball, Basketball, Hockey, Football, Rugby, Cricket, Tennis, Formula One, WWE, IRL, NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA, PGA, NASCAR

Lyonn · #1 (**permalink**) 08-03-2008, 11:15 AM

sensei tells me to relax in a spar because I get out of breath. 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.

millskarate · #2 (**permalink**) 08-03-2008, 03:15 PM

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.