Ezekiel Choke

What is the Ezekiel Choke? (Definition & Historical Origin)

The Ezekiel Choke, known in Portuguese as "Estrangulamento de Ezequiel" and in Japanese as "Sode Guruma Jime," is a submission technique widely utilized in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Judo. This choke employs the practitioner's own gi sleeve or forearm as leverage to create a scissoring pressure around the opponent's neck, compressing the carotid arteries and/or trachea. Originally developed in Judo, the technique gained prominence in BJJ through Brazilian judoka Ezequiel Paraguassú, who introduced it at the Carlson Gracie Academy in 1988. Renowned for its versatility, the Ezekiel Choke can even be effectively executed from inside an opponent's closed guard.

Biomechanics and Principles of the Ezekiel Choke

The Ezekiel Choke operates on a push-pull scissoring mechanism. One arm encircles the opponent's head, positioning the forearm blade firmly against one side of the neck. The opposite hand secures a grip on the sleeve (in gi) or forearm (in no-gi), forming a tight loop around the neck. Proper alignment of the wrist bone is essential, concentrating pressure on the carotid arteries for an effective blood choke. Practitioners maximize the choke's efficiency by incorporating body weight, hip drive, and chest pressure, rather than relying solely on arm strength.

Step-by-Step Guide: Applying the Ezekiel Choke from Mount

1. Establish a stable mount position, maintaining heavy hip pressure and isolating the opponent's head.
2. Slide one arm beneath the opponent's head, placing your forearm blade snugly against their neck.
3. With your opposite hand, secure a deep grip inside your own sleeve (gi) or firmly grasp your forearm (no-gi).
4. Eliminate any space around the opponent's neck by pulling your gripping arm inward while simultaneously extending your choking forearm.
5. Intensify the choke by driving your hips forward and pressing your chest downward, leveraging your body weight to amplify pressure and secure the submission.

Applying the Ezekiel Choke from Inside Closed Guard

Historically notable for its unconventional application, the Ezekiel Choke from inside an opponent's closed guard was popularized by Ezequiel Paraguassú in the late 1980s. To execute:

1. From inside the opponent's closed guard, carefully thread one arm behind their head, positioning your forearm against their neck.
2. Secure a tight sleeve grip (gi) or forearm grip (no-gi) with your opposite hand.
3. Swiftly apply scissoring pressure by extending your choking arm and pulling your gripping arm inward.
4. Anticipate common reactions, such as the opponent opening their guard or attempting sweeps, and maintain a stable base to minimize counter-attacks.

Common Mistakes and Execution Pitfalls

Several common errors can compromise the Ezekiel Choke's effectiveness:

• Weak Grip: A loose sleeve or forearm grip allows the opponent to resist and escape. Always ensure a deep, secure grip before applying pressure.
• Improper Arm Placement: Leaving space around the neck or placing the forearm across the jaw or chest reduces choke effectiveness. Position the forearm snugly against the neck.
• Incorrect Targeting: Focusing solely on the trachea rather than the carotid arteries limits effectiveness. Aim for a blood choke by aligning pressure on the sides of the neck.
• Lack of Body Pressure: Relying solely on arm strength without incorporating hip and chest pressure weakens the choke. Engage your hips and body weight to maximize constriction.

Defending and Escaping the Ezekiel Choke

Effective defense against the Ezekiel Choke involves early recognition and immediate action:

• Early Hand-Fighting: Prevent the attacker from establishing grips by intercepting their hands and protecting your neck.
• Bridge and Roll Escape: If mounted, explosively bridge upward to disrupt the attacker's balance, insert your arm between their choking arm and your neck, and roll them over to reverse the position.
• Blocking Second Arm & Wrist Lock Counter: Preemptively block the attacker's second arm insertion with your hand, potentially setting up a wrist lock counter-attack.
• Creating Space: Utilize hip movement, bridging, and shrimping to create space and disrupt the choke mechanics.

Gi vs. No-Gi Variations of the Ezekiel Choke

The Ezekiel Choke adapts effectively to both gi and no-gi contexts:

• Gi Variation: Utilizes a secure sleeve grip (typically four fingers inside the sleeve) to create a tight loop around the neck.
• No-Gi Variation: Employs a figure-four grip, clasping the opposite forearm, wrist, or bicep, requiring tighter arm placement and increased squeezing pressure due to the absence of fabric.

Practitioners must adjust grip methods and squeeze mechanics accordingly, maintaining tight positioning to ensure effectiveness in both grappling contexts.

Tactical Applications and Optimal Positions for the Ezekiel Choke

The Ezekiel Choke's versatility allows application from various positions:

• Top Mount: Primary high-percentage position, leveraging gravity and positional dominance.
• Inside Closed Guard: Offers tactical surprise, historically proven effective by Ezequiel Paraguassú.
• Half Guard Top: Opportunistic submission when stalled in half guard, especially with effective cross-face control.
• Turtle Position: Can be applied dynamically by threading an arm beneath the opponent's armpit and around the neck.
• Side Control and Back Control: Less common but viable setups exist, demonstrating the choke's adaptability.

Notable Competitive Examples of the Ezekiel Choke

Several high-level competitors have successfully employed the Ezekiel Choke:

• Roger Gracie and André Galvão have effectively utilized the Ezekiel Choke in elite BJJ competitions, highlighting its viability at the highest levels.
• MMA fighter Alexey Oleynik famously secured multiple Ezekiel Choke victories in the UFC, notably from bottom mount position, showcasing its effectiveness in no-gi and MMA contexts.
• The technique's original application by Ezequiel Paraguassú significantly influenced its adoption in BJJ training and competition.

Tips for Mastering the Ezekiel Choke

To refine and master the Ezekiel Choke:

• Ensure a consistently tight grip, eliminating slack before applying pressure.
• Prioritize precise forearm alignment to effectively target carotid arteries.
• Integrate hip and chest pressure to significantly enhance choke power.
• Regularly practice drills and positional sparring scenarios, focusing on grip security, positional control, and timing to develop proficiency and confidence in applying the Ezekiel Choke.