Feelings of claustrophobia are a natural part of learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Having someone squeeze your head or smother you or crush you is not pleasant, and your body will naturally rebel against it as part of your ingrained desire to survive. If you need to tap out in these situations, it is okay if you do. The longer you train, the better your sense of what constitutes actually danger will improve. Little by little, you will feel more comfortable in the positions that once induced panic.
This process will be longer for some and shorter than others. If you can survive a few extra seconds than you did before, that is admirable progress. As always though, tap out if you feel pain or you feel like you are going to pass out. Safety first!
If your claustrophobia is more serious, talking to a medical professional is advisable.
Feelings of claustrophobia are a natural part of learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Having someone squeeze your head or smother you or crush you is not pleasant, and your body will naturally rebel against it as part of your ingrained desire to survive. If you need to tap out in these situations, it is okay if you do. The longer you train, the better your sense of what constitutes actually danger will improve. Little by little, you will feel more comfortable in the positions that once induced panic.
This process will be longer for some and shorter than others. If you can survive a few extra seconds than you did before, that is admirable progress. As always though, tap out if you feel pain or you feel like you are going to pass out. Safety first!
If your claustrophobia is more serious, talking to a medical professional is advisable.
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