Breathe or TAP. Jiu Jitsu After 40: Why Fitness Isn't Your Problem and What to Do About It

If you're training BJJ after 40 and gassing in sparring, There's a good possibility it's not a fitness problem at all, It's a CO2 Alarm... And You can train for that. This video explains that in jiu-jitsu, especially for those over 40, fatigue often stems from mental panic rather than just physical conditioning. I'll share how understanding and using proper breathing techniques like diaphragmatic breathing can help regulate your nervous system and reduce the likelihood of CO2 Intolerance disrupting your training. Learn techniques used by Navy Seals, Free divers, and high stress performers from various walks of life. Utilize the exercises for your physiological conditioning that translates directly to better jiu jitsu performance, recovery, and health off the mats. Three Things You Can Start This Week Here’s what I want every BJJ over 40 athlete watching this to walk away with. Three things. This week. One: your next rolling session, commit to nasal only for at least one full round. Not every round. One round. Lips closed, no matter what. Tap and reset if you need to. Do not break the seal. That single round will show you the gap — and knowing the gap is where the work starts. Two: add exhale holds to your warmup. Three sets, 8 to 10 seconds, active movement on an empty exhale. Do it before you even step on the mat. It primes your CO₂ tolerance before the round starts and you will feel the difference in how the first exchange feels. Three: end every training session with box breathing. 60 seconds. Non-negotiable. Four counts in, four hold, four out, four hold. Do it sitting on the mat after your last roll. Watch your recovery between training days change over the next 30 days. I’m not guessing on this — I’ve lived it. You’re already doing the hard part. You’re on the mats after 40 when most people aren’t. Now breathe like you mean to stay there. www.HardtoKillinMidlife.com Follow for more BJJ Midlife content and the tools that keep midlife combat athletes in the fight. We're on Instagram @ThatJiujiteiro as well. Please Like/Subscribe to help us grow our channel and community. Stay on the mats. Stay Dangerous. Hard to Kill in Midlife.