BJJ TV

Category: Ezekiel Choke

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.

  • How to Do an Ezekiel Choke

    How to Do an Ezekiel Choke

    The Ezekiel (Sleeve) Choke is an Excellent First Attack From Mount.

    Time needed: 1 minute

    How to do an Ezekiel Choke.

    1. When to try it.

      From mount position, when an opponent is blocking your hips and has their hands low.

    2. Secure the head.

      Drive forward with your body and secure their head with one arm under their neck.

    3. Block the arm.

      With your other arm drop the elbow to the mat tight against their shoulder. This blocks their arm, preventing them defending the choke.

    4. Grab your Sleeve.

      With your bottom arm take a 4 finger grip on the sleeve of your other arm. Make sure to keep blocking their arm with your elbow while you do this.

    5. The Can Opener

      Work your top hand in under their chin, across the throat. Using the thumb side of your hand as a can opener wedging it in then twisting to lift the chin. Repeat until your wrist is under their chin.

    6. Slide the choke into place.

      Next slide both arms to the side, so that the sleeve you are gripping is hard against the side of their neck. Ready to choke.

    7. Position your body

      Keeping your knee tight against their body on your low arm side, flare your ankle and shift your weight to this side. Getting your spine out of parallel.

    8. Tighten the Ezekiel Choke

      Posture up with your weight over your butt. Straightening and extending your arms, until your opponent taps out.

    How does an Ezekiel Choke work?

    The motion is like a pair of scissors. Your sleeve grip is the bolt holding the blades together. As you posture up and straighten your elbows your wrists come together the the blades of a pair of scissors, choking your opponent.

  • No Gi Ezekiel Choke Breakdown

    No Gi Ezekiel Choke Breakdown

    Yes it is possible to do a Ezekiel Choke no gi. Rener, Ryron & Vince Vaughn Celebrate the UFC’s first Ezekiel Choke with a Gracie Breakdown.

    After Aleksei Oleinik epic Ezekiel Choke from UNDER mount, the boys celebrate with an Ezekiel Choke breakdown. Teaching you how to do it with and without the use of a sleeve. From mount, from inside the guard, and from bottom position. The Ezekiel Choke is one of the only chokes effective from inside the guard.

    There is an excellent explanation of why Aleksei chose to allow himself to be mounted to help sink the choke in place. It’s not practical to Ezekiel choke someone from under side control. Allowing them to move to mount brings your spines parallel which opens up the neck so you can get your fist in.

    The boys also discuss and demonstrate two escapes if someone has an Ezekiel Choke locked in on you while you are in mount. If you’re on the bottom then good luck.