Ultimate Guide to Set Up the Ezekiel Choke

Over the past few years, No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu tournaments have gained popularity. The fighters of the jiu-jitsu do the experimentations on the joint locks and the chokes to submit the opponent in a better way. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is the grappling art that is based on the submission and choking method, leg locks, and front headlock chokes are a big part of the sport.

No-Gi tournaments are the more appealing alternative. The application of the techniques and the methods in GI Jiu-Jitsu is slightly different from the No-Gi competitions. The rolling with the Gi, and using the No-Gi grips makes the fighter more competent.

The application of these methods makes it considerably tougher, but at the same time makes an an athlete more competent. The fighters are always searching for submissions that function well in both contexts, i.e. in GI and No-GI competitions. 

In the sport of BJJ Ezekiel Choke is considered to be the easiest choke of all. In addition, it is the effective strike methods or strangles that can be performed without risk. These tactics of the submission methods are uncommon in BJJ maneuvers.

Ezekiel choke is an extremely powerful weapon that is used in BJJ. This choking method has taken the sport to a new level. It is also part of the other MMA sports based on gi, this submission method has roots that are embedded deep down. , although this choking method is not the part of jiu-jitsu. After the evolution, this choking method has become the most popular submission technique,

The execution of the choke in the Gi tournament is incredibly effective and can be initiated from almost any BJJ position. The fighter can hit the opponent from the front side, the simple execution can bring about reliable results. The strike from the front side is the most straightforward manner.

It is the most effective tool in the BJJ arsenal, but unfortunately, it is an underrated submission method. It is the choking method that particularly works really well. The execution of this submission method is very easy and it has the highest percentage.

It is the submission method that is adopted from the martial arts of Judo. The martial arts of BJJ is the diverse sports that can absorb the submission methods that originated in the different martial arts.

It is a typical submission is known as the Sode Guruma Jime. it works on the fundamental concept of choking an opponent. It is a component of the GI tournaments, the fighter creates leverage by gripping the sleeve of the opponent.

In 1990, Ezekiel choke was widely used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This choke illustrates the long-standing historical relationship between BJJ and Judo. Ezequiel Paraguassú, a player of judoka began athletic training of BJJ to improve his performance. Later, this submission method was refined at a Brazilian jiu-jitsu school. With the evolution of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the fighters have come up with variations in the methods in the joint looks and the submission tactics.

The most widely used chokehold of the Ezekiel method in contemporary BJJ has the submission method of arm in Ezekiel, which is an incredibly powerful tool. Moreover, it is not limited to the Gi tournaments, it is really effective and has become an important variant in the No-Gi tournaments that involves the usage of the wrists as leverage. 

Ezekiel is the submission method that is the choking method used in the judoka. It was known as the Sode guruma jime, later it became part of mixed martial arts. It is a method that can be applied from various sides in jiu-jitsu.

Sode guruma jime is the choking technique that is translated as the sleeve wheel constriction. This chokehold is used in the martial arts of Judo. this method is applied over the trachea or the upper part of the opponent, it compresses the carotid arteries and restricts the blood flow.

Later it was named the Ezekiel after the fighter named Ezequiel Paraguassu who was the juduka player. Paraguassu was associated with Carlson Gracie’s academy, he found difficulty in the execution of the jiu-jitsu techniques, so he used the method of Sode guruma jime to pass the guard in BJJ. When rolling or getting out of the guard, Paraguassú absolutely annihilated everyone with his choke techniques. As a result, he claimed that the choke was named after him.

it has become the fundamental technique in the martial arts of BJJ. At first, it was used in the GI tournaments and after that, it also became part of No-Gi competitions. 

It was considered that Ezekiel choke is the submission method that can be applied in the Gi tournaments. The choking method involved the grip of the lapel and a sleeve, but later it became a deadly weapon that offered multiple variations to trap the opponent.

The efforts have been made with the UFC fighter, Aleksei Oleinik a Russian mixed martial artist who had shown his unique weapon on the podium. Oleinik has modified the method of Ezekiel's choke and makes a record of submitting the opponents with this choke twice.

He has marked his identity with the use of an Ezekiel choke with a unique variation. Oleinik has set the record for winning MMA tournaments with the submission of Ezekiel choke. The secret of its high percentage was revealed, instead of holding the lapel of the opponent the fighter needs to make a hook of its arm, and the grip is made by holding the wrist. 

The fighter can use any of the variations for the execution of the method. Take the position where you can underhook your partner's head and use one arm for it. Basically, it is the ideal position for managing the position of the guard.

Control of the opponent's biceps can be achieved by placing pressure on it, after employing the hook by placing it under the neck. Slide the hand in this manner which is located beneath the neck. To finish this method of Ezekiel choke, you need to do the next step of opening up to the neck.

It involves the method of driving up to the top of your opponent’s shoulder and holding the part against their chin.

Note that there is a difference in the execution of this choking method in the No Gi competitions, as the fighter uses the collar of the fighter to grip the opponent, after that they target the neck with the help of holding the sleeve. The difference if the kimura creates a significant difference but it will be replaced by the method of locking the wrist instead of the sleeve.

The Ezekeil method is widely used in wrestling where the fighters are not wearing Gi. These modifications are driven by the various martial arts and became the submission method of the Brazilian jiu-jitsu. 

The fighter is required to get the control over the opponent by taking the dominant position that includes:

• Side control
• Half guard
• Mount
• Back Control

Put the pressure on the torso of the opponent, this step will restrict the movement of the fighter and will help you for the execution of the further steps.

It is a bit difficult to maintain the grips in the no-gi tournaments, this also changes the techniques of the application of various methods. As in the gi tournaments, the fighter used to hold the collar of the opponent, but in this case, the fighter can use the variation of targeting the neck of the opponent.

This step is done by placing the arm under the neck of the opponent, making a joint lock by holding the wrist or keeping your hands together. 

In the grappling art of jiu-jitsu, the placement of the grips and the execution of the pressure is the crucial component. Every submission method is dependent on the same methodology.

At this stage, the fighter is required to put pressure on the shoulder or the arm of the opponent, so that they will become unable to move or escape. The fellow fighter can not move to one side but what about the other? Let us find out in the next step.

Once the fighter has achieved the position of applying the Exekeil choke, by using any position that includes the full mount, half mount, and through the side control. The fighters need to focus on the motion of the opponent's head.

The head is the most significant part, which allows one to look at the different angles by moving it around. If the motion of the head is restricted, then there are fewer chances for escape, as the fighter will become unable to look around he cannot see what is the next step.

As the fighter has acquired the dominant position, he needs to put his head along with the head of his fellow fighter. This will help to stop the motion of not only the head but also the entire movement to some extent. 

As one arm of the fighter is under the neck of the fighter the other arm is kept on the floor above the shoulder, and the fighter holds the wrist of the other arm. This increases the pressure and then the fighter is required to place the hand in front of the neck. Slide the hand or the forearm under the chin against the throat of the opponent. 

Once the fighter has acquired the above-mentioned method, he needs to put pressure on the other arm.

One arm of the fighter is under the head and the other arm is in front of the neck. Now there is a need to put pressure on the neck for the execution of this submission method. The fighter is required to put the underneath arm on the wrist of the other arm, this will increase the pressure on the neck and restrict the blood flow. 

For the perfect finish of the choke, the fighter needs to have a sound grip over the body of the opponent so that there will be fewer chances for escape.

As the fighter is restricting the movement of the head by keeping it with the head of the opponent, he needs to put pressure on the accurate placement of the lower body.

The fighter needs to move the hips ahead while moving the head in a downward direction. This position will create leverage and restrict the movement of fellow fighters. In addition, this step will put extreme pressure on the torso and the opponent will have difficulty in breathing. 

In order to submit your opponent the fighter needs to secure the grip control and maintain the pressure over the head, shoulders, neck, and torso. This ensures that the opponent has relatively fewer chances of escape. The blade of the arm will restrict the blood by the pressure over the arteries,

Maintain the pressure and keep the same placement until the opponent submits a tap. 

As it became part of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the fighters executed this chokehold in the Gi tournaments. The fighters grip the sleeve of the Gi, to apply the choke. It is applied while gripping the sleeve to increase the pressure on the opponent. It is the chokehold that restricts the flow of the blood, but its application is relatively simple and provides the highest percentage.

With the evolution of jiu-jitsu sports, the techniques are also modernized, and now Ezekiel choke has become part of the No-Gi competitions. Now it can be used in the Gi and No-Gi tournaments, by gripping the wrist and a sleeve.

The mechanism of the Ezekiel choke works like a scissor that can block the motion of the arm. The fighter chokes the neck area after applying pressure on the torso. This blood choke can be applied in any condition.

The Ezekiel choke is the most dynamic submission method that can be applied from any position including the mount, Americana grip, and the side control. The fighter can also execute it from the top half guard which is the most terrific method, for the applications.

You must thread the arm that is on your biceps on top of your opponent's neck once their neck has been revealed. The fighter needs to use the arm beneath their head, it will create the leverage as it will be placed around their neck.

This step is accomplished as the fighter inserts four fingers in the sleeve in GI competitions and by holding his wrist in the No-Gi tournaments. The pressure on the torso the hook under the neck and the placement of the arm at the front portion make the blade help to choke the arteries and in this way, this blood choke has the highest percentage. 

The martial art of jiu-jitsu is now taken as a sport, because of its multiple variations in the method and techniques of submission that allow you to submit the opponent with effective methods.

Jiu-jitsu provides multiple opportunities to take control over the opponent. Ezekiel choke is the simplest method because it can be applied from different sides, which makes it a highly effective method.

This chokehold is dynamic and is perfect for application from the top, side, and even from the bottom position. If the fighter can execute the Ezekeil choke in the no-gi competition then he can use the multiple variations of the Ezekeil choke. This is the beauty of the Brazilian jiu-jitsu that makes it a dynamic art.

Let us find out the advanced techniques or unique variations of Ezekiel Choke:

After taking the guard position, they need to follow the same steps except for a few. After taking control over the upper part of the fellow fighter, he needs to place his arm instead of the hand in the front part of the neck. In the previous variation, the fighter has placed a hand on the neck.

Target the neck area by gripping it with one hand, making sure your arm is facing the upward direction. Finish the submission method by following the same steps as described above. 

In another variant of the Ezekiel choke, the fighter can apply the choke from the back side of the opponent or from the guard position. The first step is to secure the grip of the opponent around the neck area with the arm.

In Gi competitions, the grappler can hold the collar of the opponent. Meanwhile, you have to use the other arm to grab the wrist or sleeve, this will help to pull down the opponent after that maintain the grip on the wrist by securing the grip of the wrist or sleeve after pulling down the opponent. The move of holding the opposite sleeve or wrist can create a pressure or choking effect on the neck area. 

Multiple variations of the Ezekiel choke make it versatile, as it offers a lot more opportunities for the execution of the choke.

The fighter can reach the opponent from the side to target the neck, with one hand grab the collar or neck with the arm or hand. Put pressure on the torso of the opponent; this will help in the execution of the next steps. Now with the other hand, pull the opponent down and create the choking effect, by placing the arm around the neck and securing it tight. 

Ezekiel choke can be applied from the top position when the fighter is sitting in the dominant position, sitting on the legs can provide control over the opponent. This position allows for restriction of the movement of the legs, so there are fewer chances for escape.

The fighter can get control by placing the legs or knees on both sides, with the straddling legs targeting the head and placing one arm around the neck. Slide one arm and keep the hand against the neck. Move yourself in the forward direction, it will create maximum pressure and allow the fighter to finish the Ezekiel choke.

Note that, in order to be successful in the execution of the Ezekiel choke, the fighter needs to work on it with the drilling method. The no-Gi Ezekiel method is the most powerful weapon that provides multiple opportunities for execution.

Consistency can make the fighter more effective and proficient on the mat, moreover, it will be the most essential tool in the BJJ arsenal. 

The Ezekiel choke is a sneaky choke that can target the opponent from multiple sides. The opponent can reach from the various positions that include the mount, guard, and side control.

The fighter needs to stay aware, and not allow the opponent to target the neck area. 

If the opponent is in the mount position and has taken control over you don't lift your head, this is the biggest mistake that will allow the opponent to reach the underneath part of the neck.

As the opponent reaches behind the head with an arm, be concise about not allowing them to proceed to the next step, which might include the move of grabbing the wrist or lapel with the other arm to ensure a firm grip. 

If the opponent has done this step, you can still escape from it by restricting the movement of the hand that is going to take control of the front neck, to choke the windpipe.

If the opponent has reached the last step and is about to do the finishing act of Ezekiel choke by applying pressure either to the carotid arteries or the trachea. For the defense at the last stage, the fighter is required to move in an upward direction by lifting the bumps.

The second step is to take out the hand from the joint lock that is placed under the chin. Move to one side, this will allow you to take your arm out of the hook lock.

Keep one hand that you have taken out at the back, the other on their armpit, or at the side of the back. It will help trap the arm of the opponent.

The next crazy move is to trap the leg, by making a hook around it. Keep the hands at the place that is described above. Then move to one side; this will bring you to the top of the opponent, and now you are in the dominant position. 

The martial art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu offers dynamic movements, it is the grappling sport that provides multiple opportunities for the strangle. The Ezekiel choke is a unique submission method that has a lot of variations.

Ezekiel choke is part of the Gi tournaments and with the modern BJJ, it has become the part of the no-gi tournaments. The change is adopted with the use of the wrist instead of a sleeve. The best part is that the Ezekiel choke provides maximum opportunities for its implications, which include the position of the full mount, side control, bottom mount, and open guard. This allows the BJJ grappler to submit the opponent from multiple positions.

This submission method has the advantage of versatility that can be used in two modes: defensive and offensive.

Photo Credit: @william