What do the BJJ student, the singer and the deep-sea diver have in common? All three will struggle to excel if they do not understand their own breathing processes.
As Rickson notes, “I was fortunate to learn from a master of this subject, yoga teacher Orlando Cani. Gaining mastery of my breathing felt just as important as learning jiu-jitsu techniques.” Rickson attributes much of his confidence to controlling his breathing.
Mastering proper inhalation and exhalation techniques is a crucial step for those seeking to advance in their training. Practitioners report feeling their body operate with efficiency during activity, while also cultivating mental clarity and composure outside of training to address other challenges.
For those feeling fatigued during training or experiencing undue anxiety, examining one’s breathing may provide insight. Habits like excessive panting, shallow breaths or labored exhalation could indicate issues with oxygenation.
Before and after training, students would be well-served studying breathing exercises. This work could make routines more sustainable and enjoyable – whether one aspires to be a famous performer or explorer or simply seeks improvement.
