Glad that you're taking up BJJ and enjoying it! Re the cardio, just keep training and you'll start learning to move more efficiently, and also learn when explosive strength is needed (very seldom) and when it's not (most of the time). Rolling is the best way to get better BJJ cardio (and interval training 200m and 400m speed runs doesn't hurt).
You commented about being in survival mode....totally normal when starting out...and even something that continues well into the BJJ journey. Just train hard, tap early and tap often, and ask your instructors and upper belts for feedback after class especially if you're getting subbed with the same thing over and over.
You commented about being in survival mode....totally normal when starting out...and even something that continues well into the BJJ journey. Just train hard, tap early and tap often, and ask your instructors and upper belts for feedback after class especially if you're getting subbed with the same thing over and over.