Ezekiel

The Ezekiel choke is a versatile and sneaky gi or no-gi submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It uses one arm to apply pressure on the opponent's throat or neck while the other arm provides leverage. It’s especially effective when performed from dominant positions like Mount or Side Control but can also be applied from less conventional setups. The choke is named after Ezequiel Paraguassu, a Brazilian judoka who popularized the technique in BJJ.

Mechanics of the Ezekiel Choke

Choke Type

  • The Ezekiel choke is a blood choke (or an air choke in some variations) that uses your forearm and the opponent's own gi (or your sleeve in no-gi) to create strangulation pressure.

Grip

  • One arm grips your own sleeve near the wrist, while the other arm crosses over the opponent's neck to apply pressure.

Finishing Motion

  • The choke is finished by pulling your sleeve hand and driving your other forearm or fist across their throat, creating a scissor-like pressure.

Steps to Execute the Ezekiel Choke

Establish the Sleeve Grip

  • Slide one hand into the opposite sleeve, forming a tight grip. This creates a stable base for the choke.

Position the Choking Arm

  • Use your free arm to loop over the opponent’s neck. This arm will apply the choking pressure.

Apply Pressure

  • Pull your sleeve hand toward you while driving your forearm or fist across their throat or carotid arteries.

Tighten the Choke

  • Use your entire body, not just your arms, to squeeze and maintain pressure until the opponent taps.

Common Positions for the Ezekiel Choke

Mount

  • This is one of the most common and effective positions for the Ezekiel choke.
  • While in Mount, establish the sleeve grip and loop your arm over their neck. Drop your weight for additional pressure.

Side Control

  • When the opponent turns into you or exposes their neck, use the opportunity to slide your arm into position for the choke.

Inside the Opponent’s Guard

  • The Ezekiel choke can be applied from inside the guard, especially in no-gi scenarios. While unconventional, it surprises opponents expecting guard passes or positional advancement.

From Back Defense

  • If the opponent escapes to their back but exposes their neck, the Ezekiel choke can be applied to transition back into control or submission.

Turtle Control

  • When the opponent is in Turtle Guard, you can slide your arm under their neck and apply the choke as they defend.

Key Concepts for the Ezekiel Choke

Grip Depth

  • A deep sleeve grip ensures stability and allows you to apply maximum choking pressure.

Pressure and Weight Distribution

  • Use your body weight, not just your arms, to create consistent choking pressure. This is particularly important from Mount or Side Control.

Timing and Surprise

  • The Ezekiel choke often works best when applied quickly and unexpectedly, especially from transitional positions.

Defending Against the Ezekiel Choke

Control the Choking Arm

  • Block the choking arm before it loops over your neck.

Break the Sleeve Grip

  • Prevent the opponent from securing the sleeve grip by gripping their hand or wrist.

Maintain Strong Posture

  • Avoid giving the opponent the angle or space they need to apply the choke, especially from Guard or Turtle Guard.

Create Space

  • Use Frames or Shrimp to prevent the opponent from settling into a position where they can execute the choke.

The Ezekiel choke is a fundamental and highly effective submission for both beginners and advanced practitioners. Its versatility across multiple positions and its element of surprise make it a valuable addition to any grappler's arsenal.

Positioning

The Ezekiel choke is a versatile and surprising submission that can be executed from numerous positions, particularly where you have dominant control or can capitalize on transitions.

Mount

Setup

  • While maintaining Mount, establish your sleeve grip and loop your choking arm around the opponent’s neck.

Execution

  • Drop your weight to prevent escapes and apply the choke by pulling your sleeve and driving your forearm across their neck.

Why It Works

  • The opponent is pinned, and your dominant position allows you to control their movement.

Side Control

Setup

  • When the opponent turns into you to escape, their neck and head are exposed, creating an opening for the choke.

Execution

  • Secure the sleeve grip and loop your choking arm around their neck, using your weight to apply pressure.

Why It Works

  • Their movement into you creates the space needed to thread your arm.

Turtle Control

Setup

  • If the opponent is in Turtle Guard, slide your arm under their neck while securing the sleeve grip.

Execution

  • Apply the choke by using your body weight and arm positioning while controlling their posture.

Why It Works

  • The opponent’s posture in Turtle Guard naturally exposes their neck.

FromGuard

Setup

  • While in Guard, break the opponent’s posture to create space for your arm to loop over their neck.

Execution

  • Establish the sleeve grip and apply the choke by pulling the sleeve and driving your arm across their neck.

Why It Works

  • This unexpected attack can catch an opponent focused on guard passing.

Back Defense

Setup

  • When the opponent escapes to Back Defense, use their movement to loop your arm around their neck.

Execution

  • Tighten the sleeve grip and drive your forearm into their throat, using your weight to stabilize the position.

Why It Works

  • Their exposed neck and reduced defensive options make the choke accessible.

North South

Setup

  • Transition to North South and establish your sleeve grip while pinning their upper body.

Execution

  • Use your choking arm to apply pressure across their neck, maintaining control of their body.

Why It Works

  • The position limits their ability to escape and isolates their neck.

Scrambles and Transitions

Setup

  • During positional transitions or scrambles, secure your sleeve grip and quickly loop your arm over their neck.

Execution

  • Use the dynamic movement to establish the choke before they regain posture.

Why It Works

  • The element of surprise can prevent the opponent from defending effectively.

Inside Opponent’s Guard

Setup

  • While inside the opponent’s guard, establish the sleeve grip and loop your choking arm over their neck.

Execution

  • Drive your weight forward while pulling your sleeve to finish the choke.

Why It Works

  • Although unconventional, this can catch an opponent focused on retaining guard.

Key Concepts for the Ezekiel Choke Across Positions

Grip Depth

  • A secure sleeve grip is critical to applying effective pressure.

Weight Distribution

  • Use your body weight to maintain control and amplify the choke.

Angles and Pressure

  • Adjust your angle to ensure your forearm or fist applies maximum compression to the opponent’s neck.

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