From Brain Injury to Breathwork: How David ‘JACKO’ Jackson Turned Trauma Into Purpose

Summary In this episode of the Lessons from the Game podcast, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna interview Jaco Dave Jackson, a former professional rugby player turned breath coach. Jaco shares his journey from a successful rugby career to overcoming a traumatic brain injury that forced him to retire. He discusses the importance of breath in performance, stress management, and recovery, and offers practical techniques for athletes to optimize their breathing. The conversation also touches on resilience, vulnerability, and the lessons learned from both rugby and life experiences, culminating in Jaco's inspiring ultra marathon journey. Takeaways Fear of failure can be crippling, but it's part of the learning process. Breathwork is essential for regulating the nervous system and improving performance. A traumatic brain injury can lead to valuable life lessons and new paths. It's important to have a support system when facing challenges. Vulnerability is not a weakness; it's a strength that can lead to growth. Breathing techniques can enhance recovery and performance in sports. The journey of recovery can be long and challenging, but it's worth it. Setting realistic goals and preparing adequately is crucial for success. Learning from failures can lead to better outcomes in future endeavors. Teamwork is essential in both sports and life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jaco's Journey 05:33 Overcoming Fear of Failure 07:05 The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury 18:08 Navigating Life After Rugby 23:11 The Journey of Recovery and Awareness 26:17 Life After Injury: A New Normal 27:54 The Power of Breathwork in Performance 34:17 Breathing Techniques for Athletes 41:32 Optimizing Breathing for Forwards in Rugby 45:28 Understanding Breathing Mechanics 46:58 Practical Breathing Techniques for Athletes 48:59 The Importance of CO2 Tolerance 50:26 Lessons from Ultra Marathon Experiences 52:40 The Journey of Resilience and Vulnerability 01:02:18 Teamwork and Support in Endurance Sports If you're a rugby player, coach, or front-rower looking to improve your game and gain insights from one of the best, this episode is a must-watch! 🎙️🔥 🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more rugby insights from top players & coaches! 📲 Follow us for more rugby content: 📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://thescrumdominatormindset.mykajabi.com/offers/JNLUYzpi Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcast Follow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp Follow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna