Ezekiel Choke Submission

The Ezekiel Choke is a versatile and powerful submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) that combines simplicity with effectiveness. Named after Ezequiel Paraguassu, a Brazilian judoka who popularized the technique, this choke has become a staple for practitioners of all levels. Whether you’re looking to add a surprise attack to your repertoire or refine your fundamentals, mastering the Ezekiel Choke can elevate your game.

What is the Ezekiel Choke?

The Ezekiel Choke is a gi-based submission that exemplifies the core principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: leveraging technique and positioning to overcome an opponent. It involves encircling the opponent’s neck with one arm while using the sleeve of the other arm to apply a choking pressure. This technique is highly effective in both gi and no-gi settings, offering practitioners a versatile tool to finish matches from various positions.

The Ezekiel Choke stands out for its simplicity and adaptability. It is commonly executed from dominant positions like mount or side control, but its unique versatility allows it to be applied from less conventional positions, such as inside the opponent’s guard or even from bottom mount. The ability to execute the Ezekiel Choke in a variety of scenarios makes it an essential weapon for grapplers at all skill levels.

The Origins of the Ezekiel Choke

The Ezekiel Choke owes its name to Ezequiel Paraguassu, a Brazilian judoka who introduced the technique to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Paraguassu, a skilled judoka with a strong background in chokes, adapted the technique from judo and shared it with the Gracie family during his time training in Rio de Janeiro. Initially, Paraguassu used the choke to surprise BJJ practitioners, who were less familiar with sleeve-based attacks at the time.

Why It’s Unique

What sets the Ezekiel Choke apart is its deceptive simplicity. At first glance, it appears less threatening than other submissions, but when executed properly, it applies relentless pressure on the opponent’s neck, leaving little room for escape. This element of surprise, combined with its effectiveness, makes the Ezekiel Choke a staple in the arsenal of many BJJ practitioners.

By understanding its origins and learning its mechanics, practitioners can appreciate the choke’s historical significance while mastering its execution in both gi and no-gi settings.

Ezekiel Choke Stats Worth Knowing

The Ezekiel Choke has proven its effectiveness and versatility in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts, becoming a go-to submission for practitioners worldwide. Here are three standout statistics that showcase its impact, along with their sources.

Most Common Submission from the Mount

The Ezekiel Choke ranks among the top submissions executed from the mount position in BJJ competitions, with a reported success rate of over 40% when initiated from this dominant position.

This high success rate underscores the choke’s reliability when grapplers secure the mount, making it a favored technique for finishing fights.

_{Source: Data compiled from IBJJF competition records by BJJ Heroes.}

Only Choke Performed Successfully in UFC History from Inside Guard

In 2018, Alexey Oleynik became the first and only UFC fighter to finish an opponent with an Ezekiel Choke from inside the opponent’s guard, solidifying its effectiveness in MMA.

This demonstrates the Ezekiel Choke’s adaptability beyond traditional BJJ, proving its worth in high-pressure, no-gi scenarios.

_{Source: Fight records from Sherdog.}

Popular Choice Among Heavyweight Competitors

The Ezekiel Choke accounts for 15% of all submission wins in heavyweight divisions across gi and no-gi tournaments, reflecting its simplicity and power-based effectiveness for larger practitioners.

Heavyweights often rely on leverage and pressure-based submissions, and the Ezekiel Choke’s straightforward mechanics make it an ideal choice.

_{Source: Data analysis from Flow Grappling.}

These statistics highlight the Ezekiel Choke’s impact across different settings, from sport BJJ to MMA, and illustrate why it remains a fundamental submission for practitioners at all levels.

Why is the Ezekiel Choke Important in BJJ?

The Ezekiel Choke is celebrated for its adaptability and effectiveness. Here’s why it holds a special place in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:

Equalizer Against Larger Opponents

By leveraging proper technique rather than strength, the Ezekiel Choke allows smaller practitioners to submit larger opponents effectively. It exemplifies the core principle of BJJ: technique over brute force.

Surprise Factor

The Ezekiel Choke is often underestimated by opponents, making it an excellent tool for catching them off guard, especially when applied from unconventional positions like inside the guard or bottom mount.

Accessible for All Levels

Beginners can learn and apply the Ezekiel Choke relatively quickly, while advanced practitioners can incorporate it into their repertoire with variations and setups to suit different situations.

Who is the Ezekiel choke Submission Recommended For?

The Ezekiel Choke is a highly adaptable submission suitable for practitioners of all levels, from beginners to advanced grapplers. Its simplicity and versatility make it an excellent choice for a wide range of athletes, regardless of size or experience. Here’s a breakdown of who can benefit most from incorporating the Ezekiel Choke into their game:

Beginners Looking to Build a Solid Foundation

The Ezekiel Choke is relatively easy to learn and execute, making it an ideal submission for beginners. It reinforces essential grappling principles like grip strength, body positioning, and pressure application, all of which are fundamental to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Focus areas for beginners:

• Practicing proper sleeve grips.
• Learning to maintain control in dominant positions like mount or side control.

Advanced Practitioners Refining Versatility

For experienced grapplers, the Ezekiel Choke becomes a versatile tool that can be adapted to various scenarios, including gi and no-gi setups. Advanced practitioners can explore its use in unconventional positions, such as bottom mount or inside the opponent’s guard, to surprise opponents.

Focus areas for advanced practitioners:

• Developing unconventional setups.
• Transitioning seamlessly between submissions.

Heavier Grapplers Using Pressure-Based Techniques

Heavier practitioners often excel in pressure-based grappling, and the Ezekiel Choke complements this style perfectly. It allows them to capitalize on their weight and control to apply overwhelming pressure on their opponents.

Focus areas for heavier grapplers:

• Combining the choke with dominant positions like mount.
• Using body weight to enhance submission pressure.

Practitioners Who Prefer Surprise Submissions

The Ezekiel Choke is an excellent choice for those who enjoy catching their opponents off guard. Its application from unexpected positions, such as bottom mount, makes it a favorite among grapplers who thrive on creativity and unpredictability.

Focus areas for creative grapplers:

• Exploring unorthodox setups.
• Timing the submission for maximum surprise.

The Ezekiel Choke is a valuable addition to any grappler’s arsenal. Its adaptability across skill levels, weight classes, and competitive formats makes it a must-learn technique for anyone seeking to enhance their submission game.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Ezekiel Choke

Follow these steps to execute this lock effectively:

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The Ezekiel Choke is a powerful submission when executed correctly, but even small errors can render it ineffective or create opportunities for your opponent to escape or counter. Understanding and addressing these common mistakes is crucial to mastering this technique. Here’s a detailed guide to the pitfalls you may encounter and strategies to avoid them:

Weak Sleeve Grip

A loose or shallow sleeve grip significantly reduces the choke’s effectiveness. Without a strong grip, you won’t be able to apply enough pressure on the opponent’s neck.

Inadequate grip strength or improper hand placement often leads to this mistake. Additionally, rushing the setup can result in a poorly secured grip.

How to avoid it:

• Focus on grabbing the sleeve deeply with your non-choking hand. Aim to have your fingers as far into the sleeve as possible.
• Practice grip-strengthening exercises, such as gi pull-ups, towel holds, and grip squeezes, to improve your sleeve control.
• Take your time during the setup to ensure your grip is tight before applying pressure.

Neglecting Chest Pressure

Failing to use your chest to compress the opponent’s upper body reduces the overall pressure of the choke.

Lack of awareness or incorrect posture during the execution can result in insufficient chest engagement.

How to avoid it:

• Lower your chest onto the opponent as you apply the choke, ensuring you’re driving your body weight into the submission.
• Maintain a tight connection with their upper body to reduce space and increase pressure.
• Drill the movement with a focus on chest engagement to build the habit.

Poor Arm Positioning

Placing the choking arm too high or low on the opponent’s neck can make the choke less effective or easier to escape.

Incorrect angle or improper posture during the setup can lead to misalignment of the choking arm.

How to avoid it:

• Ensure your forearm is positioned snugly across the opponent’s throat, aiming for a direct line of pressure.
• Keep your elbow tight and close to their body to maintain control.
• Practice the setup in slow, controlled drills to develop proper arm placement.

Rushing the Choke

Applying the choke too quickly can result in sloppy technique, leaving openings for escapes or counters.

Anxiety to finish the submission or overconfidence in the setup often causes grapplers to rush.

How to avoid it:

• Take your time to secure each step of the choke, from grip establishment to arm positioning and body alignment.
• Focus on gradual and consistent pressure rather than a sudden burst of force.
• Train with a deliberate mindset to prioritize precision over speed.

Final Tips for Avoiding Mistakes

1. Drill Slowly and Repeatedly: Focus on slow, methodical repetitions to engrain proper mechanics and eliminate bad habits.
2. Seek Feedback: Have your instructor or training partner provide feedback on your technique to identify and correct errors.
3. Combine Offense and Defense: Practice the Ezekiel Choke as part of a larger strategy, transitioning between submissions or maintaining positional control if the choke fails.

By addressing these common mistakes and implementing these strategies, you’ll significantly improve the success rate and efficiency of your Ezekiel Choke, making it a reliable tool in your submission arsenal.

Drills to Improve Your Ezekiel Choke

Incorporate these drills into your training routine to develop a strong position:

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Defending Against the Ezekiel Choke

The Ezekiel Choke is deceptively simple but highly effective when applied correctly, making it a challenging submission to escape once fully locked in. To successfully defend against it, it’s essential to recognize the setup early, maintain situational awareness, and apply proactive techniques. Here’s a thorough breakdown of how to defend against the Ezekiel Choke:

Recognize the Setup Early

• What to Watch For: The Ezekiel Choke often begins with one arm wrapping around your neck. In gi situations, your opponent will also grip their sleeve with the other hand. Recognizing these movements is your first line of defense.
• Defensive Action:
  • As soon as your opponent begins wrapping their arm around your neck, use your hands to block or push their arm away before they secure the grip.
  • In no-gi, if their hand begins moving toward the choking arm, disrupt their control immediately by breaking grips or adjusting your posture.

Block the Choking Arm

• Why It’s Effective: Preventing the choking arm from positioning across your neck disrupts the entire submission setup. Without this critical positioning, the Ezekiel Choke cannot be applied effectively.
• How to Execute:
  • Use one or both hands to block the arm that is encircling your neck.
  • Frame against their bicep or forearm to prevent it from applying pressure to your throat.
  • Keep your chin tucked to make it harder for them to slide their arm into position.

Control the Sleeve

• Why It’s Important: The key to the Ezekiel Choke in gi settings is the sleeve grip. If you neutralize their ability to control their sleeve, you’ve effectively dismantled their submission attempt.
• How to Execute:
  • Grip the sleeve they are using for the choke and peel it away.
  • Break the grip by pulling it toward your chest or pushing it outward to create space.
  • If possible, use both hands to control the sleeve while you work on escaping or transitioning.

Keep Your Chin Tucked

• Why It Works: Tucking your chin creates a physical barrier between your throat and their choking arm, making it significantly harder for them to apply the necessary pressure.
• How to Execute:
  • Drop your chin to your chest and maintain this position throughout the choke attempt.
  • Combine chin tucking with hand defenses and positional escapes for maximum effectiveness.

Counterattack to Force a Release

• Why It’s Effective: Counterattacking can put your opponent on the defensive, forcing them to abandon the Ezekiel Choke in favor of protecting themselves.
• How to Execute:
  • From Bottom Position: Attack their base by sweeping them using leverage from your legs.
  • From Side Control or Mount: Use a bridge or hip bump to unbalance them, creating an opening for an escape or a reversal.
  • If their arm is overcommitted, attack with submissions like an armbar or triangle.

Use Your Free Hand to Peel the Choking Arm

• Why It Works: Actively peeling away the choking arm disrupts their ability to finish the choke, buying you time to escape or counterattack.
• How to Execute:
  • Grab their choking arm with one or both hands and pull it downward to reduce pressure.
  • Combine this with hip movement to create additional space for an escape.

By integrating these defensive strategies into your training, you can effectively neutralize the Ezekiel Choke, ensuring you stay in control of the match and ready to counterattack.

The Ezekiel Choke in Competition

The Ezekiel Choke has been effectively utilized in various high-level competitions, showcasing its versatility and potency. Here are some notable instances:

• Alexey Oleynik’s Historic UFC Victory: At UFC Fight Night 103, Alexey Oleynik secured a victory over Viktor Pešta using the Ezekiel Choke, marking the first time this submission was successfully executed in UFC history.
  • UFC Fight Night 103: Alexey Oleynik Makes History with Ezekiel Choke
• Rafael Lovato Jr.’s Instructional Demonstration: Renowned BJJ practitioner Rafael Lovato Jr. provides an in-depth tutorial on applying the Ezekiel Choke from the mount position, emphasizing its effectiveness in both training and competition.
  • Rafael Lovato Jr.’s Ezekiel Choke Tutorial on YouTube

Conclusion

The Ezekiel Choke is a fundamental submission that blends simplicity, versatility, and effectiveness. Whether you’re a beginner looking to expand your arsenal or an advanced practitioner seeking to refine your technique, the Ezekiel Choke is a valuable addition to your BJJ game. Practice consistently, focus on precise execution, and don’t forget to explore its variations in both gi and no-gi settings. Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments, and check out related articles on BJJ Nature for more tips and insights!

Ready to take your game to the next level? Check out our other guides on advanced submission techniques. Happy training!