Martial arts / athletic breathing and bandage

In My Humble Opinion
1

I’ve been taking Brazilian jiu jitsu for about a week and a half. Previously been not too active. Two questions:

  1. How long does it typically take once on a new exercise routine to get to the point where you don’t get out of breath so easily?

  2. I keep skinning my elbows. Regular band aids just come right off both from friction and sweat, and medical tape sticks but doesn’t seem to like to stay on the constantly pointy and flexing elbow area. What can I put on my elbows so the scabs don’t come off while I’m wrestling? Or is it better just to let nature take its course?

2
  1. A few days if you’re young, in reasonable shape, and you go to sleep before 9. At my age (50), more than a week of taking in things gradually.
  2. Elbow pads. The thin, flexible ones made from garter and bandage cloth.