The Ezekiel choke is one of the most compelling submissions in jiu-jitsu gi/no-gi, self-defense, and mixed martial arts. There are numerous Ezekiel choke variations that you should become familiar with and master if you want to become a savage fighter. Indeed, you can perform this choke technique from various positions, including the guard, mount, and so forth.
Chokes are frequently mentioned as one of the most compelling submissions against an opponent in a fight. Indeed, chokes demand a deep understanding of the fundamentals to use them correctly and manage your energy.
In this article, you’ll learn how to do the Ezekiel choke properly from several BJJ positions, including the mount, side control, and guard, among other things. Stay tuned!
How to Do an Ezekiel Choke from Top Mount?
The full mount is undoubtedly one of the most dominant positions in the sport of BJJ martial arts. It provides the top player with many choke submissions, including the Ezekiel choke. But how do you do it?
Here are some fantastic tips for accessing the top mount Ezekiel choke.
- First and foremost, you must obtain the mount position, which can be accomplished by transitioning from the side control, for example. Then, secure the position using the proper grips and weight distribution to keep your opponent under control.
- Pull the opponent’s hands back with your upper body or another movement to gain control of the situation. This is because, while you’re in the mount position, your opponent will almost certainly use his hands to protect his neck or to block your movement.
- Then, drive your right hand around your opponent’s neck. And, make sure your right shoulder is a little bit implanted into the opponent’s jaw. This is extremely important to protect yourself because once your right hand has been slid, you are vulnerable to being rolled.
- After that, place your fingers inside the gi’s sleeve of your other hand and grip it tightly. Afterward, place your hand across the opponent’s neck.
- Then, you can finish the choke by driving your bodyweight close to your opponent’s neck. And, to do so, you must move your belly button close to the BJJ Ezekiel Choke grip.
The following video will give you helpful details about performing the jiu-jitsu Ezekiel choke from the top mount position if you need further assistance. Have fun!
How to Do the Ezekiel Choke from Bottom Mount?
At first glance, the bottom mount appears to be a poor choice with no viable alternatives. However, if you manage your grips and frames properly, you can make the most of this bottom position.
For example, you can access the Ezekiel choke from the bottom mount position, which is very effective. But how, exactly?
The following video will teach you how to do the MMA Ezekiel choke in BJJ Gi No-Gi and MMA from the bottom mount position. Indeed, you’ll get an explanation of the first UFC Ezekiel submission from the bottom that Aleksei Oleinik performed.
Related: Discover the most economical and low-cost Jiu-Jitsu gis for budget-conscious practitioners. Whether you’re just starting out or have been training for a while, this article will help you pick a comfortable, durable, and superb cheap gi.
How to Perform the Ezekiel Choke from Top Side Control?
The top side control is, without a doubt, one of the most dominant positions in the sport of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It provides a plethora of BJJ chokes submissions, including the Ezekiel Choke. But how do you go about it?
The following steps will guide you through setting up an Ezekiel Choke from the top side control position.
- Begin by achieving the top side control position, which can be done by passing your opponent’s guard. Then, it would be best if you secured your position with the proper weight distribution and grips.
- Neutralize the opponent’s hands to prevent him from installing frames that will aid him in setting up an escape and cause you some difficulties while processing the choke.
- You’ll need to set up the Ezekiel Choke Grip at this point. First, drive one hand under your opponent’s neck while applying a little pressure with your shoulder into your opponent’s jaw to secure your position. Secondly, move your other hand near the first one, and your fingers go inside the gi’s sleeve to set up the grip.
- Put your hand across your opponent’s neck and finish the choke by squeezing your hands together and driving your bodyweight close to your adversary’s neck.
Need more details!
The video below will walk you through setting up an Ezekiel choke starting from the top side control position.
Related: This comprehensive article will teach you everything you need to know about the BJJ side control position. It explains the position basics and offers effective submissions to improve your game.
How to Do an Ezekiel Choke from Top Half Guard?
The top half guard is another fantastic Brazilian jiu-jitsu position to execute the Ezekiel choke, but how?
The following steps will walk you through establishing an Ezekiel Choke from the top half guard position on the ground.
- The first thing to consider is controlling the opponent’s head while at the top half guard. To demonstrate this, you can use the cross face grip, in which one of your hands is positioned beneath the opponent’s head.
- Attempt to get into the mount position to force your opponent to use his hand to block your trapped knee from passing. As a result, the opponent’s neck becomes more vulnerable to attacks.
- Keep your head close to your opponent’s head and begin preparing for the BJJ Ezekiel choke grip.
- Finish the Ezekiel choke by squeezing your hands and driving your weight down.
Need more details!
In the video below, Roger Gracie walks you through setting up an Ezekiel choke from the top half-guard position in jiu-jitsu.
How to Do an Ezekiel Choke from Bottom Closed Guard?
The closed guard is one of the most fundamental positions in BJJ grappling. This fantastic guard type provides the bottom player with many submissions and transitions, including the Ezekiel choke.
So, what is the best way to perform this choke variation from the full guard?
- As a starting point, prevent your opponent from controlling your hips or upper body by putting them in closed guard. Then, by breaking his posture and closing the distance between you and your opponent, use your legs and hands to disrupt his weight base.
- After that, use one of your hands to grab the opponent’s head when the opportunity presents itself. Then, locate your way to set up the Ezekiel grip and insert your free hand across the opponent’s neck to complete the tactics.
- Finally, finish the choke by squeezing your hands together so that enough pressure is applied to the opponent’s neck to cause him to give up.
Need more instructional tips?
The video below walks you through setting up an Ezekiel choke from the bottom closed guard position.
How to Perform the Lapel Ezekiel Choke?
The lapel Ezekiel choke is a modified version of the classic Ezekiel choke, where the attacker uses the opponent’s lapel to finish the choke submission.
In the video below, Andrew Wiltse demonstrates the proper method of implementing the lapel Ezekiel choke from the side control.
Discover more interesting facts about the Ezekiel choke in the following sections, which will help you to understand it better.
What Is the Ezekiel Choke and How Does It Work?
The Ezekiel choke is an airflow choke, and it can be a blood choke in some cases. Otherwise, It is one of the most compelling submissions in combat sports, including jiu-jitsu Gi and No-Gi, mixed martial arts, Judo, and others.
Additionally, the Ezekiel choke can be performed from various positions, including the mount, guard, side control, and so on.
To set up an Ezekiel Choke, the attacker uses his gi sleeve to attack his opponent’s neck (with one hand around the opponent’s neck and the other across the neck) to choke him.
What Are The Best Ezekiel Choke Positions?
The Ezekiel choke is one of those incredible submissions that can be performed from almost everywhere. As a result, you can attack your opponent from the full mount, closed guard, back mount, side control, or half guard while employing the Ezekiel choke.
However, not all of these positions are effective for performing this choke variation correctly. When done from inside, the closed guard is easily countered.
At the same time, the side control is typically used to transition into mount. Otherwise, the half-guard is far less effective when finishing the Ezekiel choke.
Related: Whether a novice or a seasoned practitioner, learning several types of guards is essential for pushing your BJJ game to the next level. I wrote an article offering a comprehensive list of jiu-jitsu guards that any practitioner should know. Click here to read more!
What Is the Origin of Ezekiel Choke?
In 1988, Ezequiel Paraguassu, a well-known Judo Newaza fighter, began training in the art of jiu-jitsu at Carlson Gracie Academy.
And it only took him a short period to begin submitting his opponents and classmates with a choke variation that was unknown at that time.
Because of its effectiveness, BJJ practitioners have begun to employ this choke technique, which has been given the name ‘Ezekiel Choke.’ Later on, Ezekiel Choke made his debut in the world of mixed martial arts.
Is Ezekiel Choke a Legal Submission?
Blood and airflow Chokes are legal in the majority of competitions. So, the Ezekiel Choke is a legal submission in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts competitions.
How to Defend the Ezekiel Choke?
The video below demonstrates step-by-step how to defend against or escape an Ezekiel choke while in the mount position.
Final Thoughts
The Ezekiel choke is one of the most enthralling submissions in jiu-jitsu gi or no-gi, self-defense, and mixed martial arts. To become a vicious fighter, you must become acquainted with, and proficient in various Ezekiel choke variants.
Indeed, this choke technique is performed from multiple jiu jitsu positions, just like the baseball bat choke, cross choke, etc. Otherwise, these chokes are a powerful weapon that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has elevated to a new degree of sophistication.
Finally, I hope this BJJ instructional has helped you execute the Ezekiel choke from any position properly. Because of this, you will be able to develop a dangerous offensive game while still having a good time practicing BJJ.
Let us know what you think: Is the Ezekiel choke one of your favorite jiu-jitsu submissions, and if so, what makes it so?
Related Article: Mastering chokes should be at the top of your to-do list if you want to enhance your jiu-jitsu game and raise your chances of submitting your opponent. Chokes are one of the most effective BJJ submissions and may be utilized effectively in Gi and No-Gi competitions. Click here to learn more!
