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So I was rolling with a killer purple belt today and he suggested I focus on breathing through my nose as opposed through my mouth, as this would could help slow things down and help with my stamina. It did not help that I was just trying to survive, so my breathing pattern was the last thing on my mind but thought I would see if anyone had any thoughts on this.
I've been in sports a long time, hockey, baseball, judo, long distance running, military, Jiu jitsu etc... I've been told that same thing that breathing through your nose is better. But in all my years of sports (I'm 32), I've found everyone is different. I have a narrow airway in my nose and it just doesn't work for me. Nose or mouth the air is still coming from the same place. Learn to control it, but learn what works best for you. I gave it a try for about 3-4 months and it just didn't work. So my suggestion is to give it a solid shot, if you notice improvement stick with it.
I'll second the above but add that if you are breathing through you mouth, do it through you teeth with your mouth shut ir you'll get teeth knocked out eventually.Quote:
Originally Posted by ErikLavigne
Also, if your getting advise about breathing from good guys... that probably means you need to relax.
I inhale through my mouth and exhale through my nose. Works for me :)
Being able to breathe through your nose is tits. Being a big nosed white boy with bad allergies has taught me a lit about breathing. When the pollen is in then air out here in good old Belvidere IL, i mouth breath like a mo fo. My Brazilian instructor who speaks 2 licks of english loves to tell me "Nick, HELAAAXX" when in reality I have to pretend I'm breathing through a straw to relax. Just my .02
The bigger picture is finding comfort in discomfort. If you could play a poker face on the bottom, with your eyes, breathing, body movements etc., your opponent won't have a pattern to track when you'd attempt to escape. Breathing brings more oxygen, which brings clearer thinking, which mounts a more intelligent escape. It's all connected. As is all jiu jitsu. As is the world and it's energy. Mind trip ...
Part of what I am dealing with is that I am exerting a lot of energy the entire time, as the guy is super good at applying pressure. So, I am always working 100% to deal with his pressure. His knee on belly just sucks and he is like an anaconda when he gets mount.
Through your nose, through your mouth... Whatever. Both work.
The important part is to only focus on the exhale. Don't concentrate on drawing breath IN; only put your focus on expelling your air. This is what you'll hear sometimes when a grappler is on the mat and you hear them making that "choo choo choo" kinda noise.
Once you get this down, your stamina is gonna shoot through the roof.
So I should exhale hard? fast? slow? in bursts?Quote:
Originally Posted by Brandon Mccaghren
Breathing from the nose definitely helps me stay calm during rolls, if I'm mouth breathing it usually means I'm in a bunch of trouble. Also agree with what Brian said, if you ever plan on transitioning to MMA, an open mouth can get you knocked out.
Don't worry too much about specifics; just focus on building a pattern and pushing your air out. Practice when you aren't on the mats. It'll start to become really natural for you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pan
Cool, thanks.
Learn to breathe through your ears. Trust me, your girlfriend will appreciate it.
Someone pointed out breathing through your teeth, that is exactly what I do. Nothing sucks more than a sloppy choke going across an open jaw instead of around the neck.
This has got to be one of the most important topics we could talk about...
I'm a jiu jitsu newbie and I can't suggest anything for how to breathe doing it... but I've done a lot of stuff in my life where they taught me to breathe.
In through the nose out through the nose
In through the nose out through the mouth
In through the mouth out through the nose
In through the mouth out through the mouth
Despite being taught 12 different ways to breathe, they all taught me one common thing: To be mindful of my breathing. I'm sure that theory extends to jiu jitsu as well.
I personally have some really narrow nasal cavities that often prevent me from breathing through my nose. Add allergy season and I'm full-on mouth breathing just sitting quietly in a chair. (I often fantasize about having my nose dug out like Rogan did)
Focusing on your breath is probably a good way to help stay calm as well. I don't have to be a blackbelt to know that being calm is pretty important in JJ.
So be mindful of the breath, regardless of what you are doing, and regardless which holes it comes out of.
I used to have the same issue with my snoz. It was partially occluded due to a deviated septum. After I had a septoplasty I can suck marbles up my nose and cough them back out my mouth.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Craig Murray
It's better to breathe in through your nose due to the increased humidity. Whether you breathe out through your teeth or pursed lips, the back pressure causes your lungs (alveoli) to remain open, creating more surface area for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Great response!Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Carbone
And if you wear a mouth guard, your teeth will be safe :)