Ezekiel Choke

The Ezekiel, or sleeve choke as it’s also known, is a ruthlessly efficient BJJ choke that targets the esophagus. Because of this it’s illegal in some competitions, so check the rules before you bust it out in a comp.

While it’s best known as a Gi move because it uses the sleeve, there is also no Gi version of the choke that replaces the sleeve grip with a forearm grip. It’s definitely harder to pull off without the Gi but in can be done even in MMA.

The Ezekiel Choke is a little different to most in that not only is it a go to move from Full Guard and Mount. It’s also possible to apply the choke from inside your opponents guard. And even from under mount.

The Ezekiel Choke is essentially one arm behind your opponents neck, bicep against the side of his neck, hand gripping the sleeve of your other arm. The second arm positioned with the gripped sleeve at the side of their neck, comes back the other way with your wrist across their throat. The sleeve grip acts as a pivot point as you straighten your elbows your wrists crush the front and back of the neck and your Gi sleeve puts pressure on the side of the neck. It’s very easy to finish from mount or guard. But is also totally achievable from inside your opponents guard, or under mount.