The Ezekiel Choke: A Complete Guide to BJJ’s Most Deceptive Submission

Today, we’re diving deep into one of the most underused, yet brilliantly effective submissions in grappling: the Ezekiel choke.

You’ve probably seen it once or twice, maybe during a UFC fight or at your local academy. Someone’s mounted, they reach into their own sleeve… and suddenly, their opponent taps like they just remembered they left the stove on.

Let me tell you, I didn’t take this choke seriously until I got put to sleep by it during a tournament warm-up. No drama. No struggle. Just lights out.

That’s when I realized: the Ezekiel isn’t flashy, but it’s dangerous. And if you don’t know how to do it or defend it, you’re leaving a gap in your game.

By the end of this guide, you’ll understand:

Where the Ezekiel choke came from
How it actually works (no jargon, I promise)
Step-by-step ways to apply it from mount and guard
How to stop it when someone tries it on you
And why even smaller grapplers can make it work

So whether you’re a white belt still learning the basics or a seasoned grinder looking to add a sneaky weapon to your arsenal, this one’s for you.

Let’s get started.

Origins & History: From Judo Roots to BJJ Legend

Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “who” and “why.”

The Ezekiel choke didn’t just appear out of thin air. It has roots in Judo, where it’s known as Sode Guruma Jime, which basically means “sleeve wheel choke.” Sounds fancy, right?

But in BJJ, we call it the Ezekiel choke, named after Ezequiel Paraguassu, a black belt from the famous Nova União team in Brazil.

Now, here’s a fun fact: his name is spelled Ezequiel, not Ezekiel. But somewhere along the way, the anglicized version stuck. Kind of like how “quesadilla” becomes “kay-suh-dil-uh” in Texas.

Back in the 1990s, Ezequiel started using this choke regularly in competition. It wasn’t common back then. Most people were obsessed with rear-naked chokes and triangles.

But he kept winning. And tapping people. So others started paying attention.

Fast forward to today, and you’ll see the Ezekiel in BJJ, MMA, and even self-defense systems.

It’s no longer a secret. But honestly? Most people still don’t train it enough.

I remember asking my coach, “Why aren’t we drilling this more?” He said, “Because it’s too simple. People think simple means weak.”

Spoiler: It’s not.

How the Ezekiel Choke Works: Anatomy of a Blood Choke

Okay, let’s break it down, no anatomy degree needed.

The Ezekiel choke is a blood choke. That means it cuts off blood flow to the brain through the carotid arteries on both sides of the neck.

Think of it like pinching a garden hose. You’re not breaking the hose, you’re just stopping the water.

When blood stops flowing to the brain, the person passes out in seconds. Safe? Yes, if done correctly and released fast.

Now, here’s what makes the Ezekiel special: it uses your opponent’s own gi sleeve as a weapon.

You slide your forearm under their neck, grab their sleeve with your other hand, and lock it down like a seatbelt.

The fabric adds pressure and helps you compress both sides of the neck at once.

And the best part? You don’t need monster arms.

This choke runs on leverage, timing, and control, not strength.

That’s why I love teaching it to smaller grapplers. I’m 5’9”, 165 lbs, I can’t muscle anyone. But I’ve tapped guys twice my size with this move.

It’s not about power. It’s about precision.

And unlike an air choke (like a guillotine), which crushes the windpipe and hurts like crazy, the Ezekiel is relatively smooth.

Your partner doesn’t feel pain, they just feel sleepy. Then tap. Then wake up confused.

Classic.

Step-by-Step Execution: Mastering the Classic Ezekiel from Mount

Let’s get into the meat of it.

If you’re on top in mount position, you’re already winning. But finishing can be tough.

Cross-face? Check. Armbar threat? Check. But sometimes, they defend everything.

That’s when you go sneaky.

The Ezekiel choke is perfect here because:

You rarely lose position trying it
It surprises people
You can do it with one arm busy (great if your arm is trapped)

Here’s how to do it step by step.

Step 1: Establish a Solid Mount Position

Don’t rush. First, make sure you’re controlling them.

Sit low and heavy. Knees tight to their hips. Chest down.

If they can bridge or shrimp, you’re too high.

I like to control one of their arms with my hand or pin it between my legs. This stops them from framing into your neck.

Once you’re stable, you’re ready.

Step 2: Secure the “Four-Finger” Sleeve Grip

Now, slide your right hand into their left sleeve.

Yes, opposite side.

Reach deep. Past their elbow. The deeper, the better.

You want four fingers inside, thumb either inside or outside the sleeve, whatever feels secure.

This grip is everything. If it slips, the choke fails.

Pro tip: Practice this grip solo. Make it second nature.

Step 3: Slide the Forearm Under the Neck (“The Blade”)

Take your left forearm and slide it across their throat, right where the carotids are.

Not on the Adam’s apple. Not under the chin. Aim for the soft sides of the neck.

Then, bring your right hand (the one in the sleeve) over the top of their head.

Palm to palm, or fist to fist, either works.

This creates a loop. Like tying a knot around their neck, with their own gi.

Step 4: Close the Loop & Apply Pressure

Now, squeeze.

But not with your arms alone.

Lean forward slightly. Use your chest. Look up toward the ceiling.

This drives your forearm deeper and uses your body weight.

Keep your elbows tight to your body, don’t flare them out.

Imagine you’re closing a car door on a rope. Smooth, steady pressure.

Most people tap in 3–5 seconds if it’s tight.

And boom, you win.

Pro Tips for Finishing Stronger

Use your head: Gently press your forehead against their temple to prevent turning.
Trap their arm: Shift your weight slightly to block their free arm.
“Bread-cutter” motion: Some roll the forearm like slicing bread, adds extra pressure.
Stay calm: Don’t panic-squeeze. Control wins fights.

I once used this in a tournament after my armbar got stuffed. I switched to Ezekiel mid-roll. Tap in two seconds.

Best feeling ever.

Executing the Ezekiel Choke from Closed Guard

Now, here’s where things get really fun.

Most people think the Ezekiel is a top-position move.

But guess what? You can hit it from closed guard, even from the bottom.

And that’s what makes it so dangerous.

Because when you’re on your back, your opponent leans forward.

They want to pass. They want control.

And that? That’s when you strike.

Step 1: Break Posture & Isolate One Arm

Use a pull, push, or underhook to collapse their posture.

Make them lean in. Head forward. Chest down.

Once they’re bent over, isolate one arm, either by controlling it or trapping it between your legs.

This opens up the neck.

Step 2: Deep Sleeve Insertion

Same as before: slide your hand deep into their opposite sleeve.

Right hand into their left sleeve. Go past the elbow.

If they’re stiff, fake a triangle setup first. When they defend, attack the sleeve.

Timing is key.

Step 3: Wrap Overhead & Lock the Choke

Bring your other arm over their head. Grab your own wrist or fist.

Now, drive your forearm across their neck.

Lift your hips slightly, just an inch, to increase leverage.

Squeeze the same way: chest down, look up, elbows in.

It feels weird doing it from the bottom. But trust me, it works.

I’ve tapped three blue belts this way in the last six months.

All of them said, “I didn’t even see it coming.”

Exactly.

Key Variations & Advanced Applications

Now that you’ve got the basics, let’s level up.

The Ezekiel isn’t just one move. It’s a family of techniques.

And once you understand the core idea, using fabric + forearm to compress the neck, you can adapt it anywhere.

Let’s go through the most useful variations.

A. Gi vs. No-Gi Ezekiel Choke

In gi BJJ, you’ve got sleeves. Easy.

But what about no-gi?

Good news: you can still do it.

Instead of grabbing their sleeve, you grab your own bicep or wrist with one hand.

Then wrap the other arm over their head and lock it down.

It’s called the “self-sleeve” or “fabricless Ezekiel.”

IBJJF bans it in gi matches (since no fabric is used), but it’s legal in no-gi and MMA.

Gordon Ryan used a version of this in ADCC.

And in the UFC? It’s fair game.

B. From Other Positions

You’re not limited to mount or guard.

Try it from:

Back control: When they turn in, thread your arm under the neck using their shirt.
Side control: After breaking posture, sneak the forearm across.
Half guard: Use the choke as a surprise switch when they stack you.

I once hit it from half guard after faking a sweep. My partner turned into it, perfect angle.

Tap. Done.

C. Hybrid & Feint Setups

The real magic? Using the Ezekiel as a setup.

Fake a triangle from guard → when they post, switch to Ezekiel.

Threaten an armbar from mount → when they protect the arm, slide into the choke.

It keeps them guessing.

And the more options you have, the more dangerous you become.

D. Advanced Variants

For the brave:

Reverse Ezekiel: Choke from the opposite side, tricky but devastating.
Flying Ezekiel: Dynamic jump into the choke, high risk, high reward.
Arm-In Ezekiel: When their arm is trapped, use it as a fulcrum for extra pressure.

These take practice. Drill them slowly.

But once they click? Game changer.

Real-World Examples: The Ezekiel Choke in Action

Let’s talk about who’s actually using this, for real.

Not just in drills. In fights. In tournaments. In the UFC.

Because seeing is believing.

A. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Marcelo Garcia, a legend, has finished multiple matches with the Ezekiel.

Leandro Lo used it in live rolls to shut down aggressive passers.

Even in kids’ divisions, you’ll see it. Why? Because it works at every level.

It’s not a “last resort.” It’s a legit finish.

B. In Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Now meet Aleksei “The Boa Constrictor” Oleinik.

This guy has nine career submissions via Ezekiel choke, most in UFC history.

And get this: he often does it from the bottom.

Opponent mounts him? Oleinik reaches into his own sleeve and, boom, nap time.

He’s proof that technique beats size, strength, and aggression.

I watched his fight against Fernando Rodrigues Jr. The ref didn’t even see it coming.

Neither did Fernando.

C. Self-Defense Scenario

Imagine this: You’re knocked to the ground. Someone’s on top of you.

No gi. No rules. Just survival.

Can you use the Ezekiel?

Yes.

Grab their collar, jacket, or shirt sleeve. Wrap your forearm across the neck. Lock it down.

Works with any long-sleeved clothing.

I teach this to students in self-defense seminars. It’s simple, effective, and hard to escape.

And it doesn’t require strength, just knowledge.

Defending Against the Ezekiel Choke

Here’s a truth I learned the hard way:
The best defense starts before the choke is locked.

Most people only react when they feel pressure. By then, it’s often too late.

So let’s break this down into two phases:
Early defense (stop it before it starts)
Late defense (escape when you’re already feeling it)

And trust me, this has saved my bacon more than once.

Early Recognition: Spotting the Setup

The Ezekiel doesn’t just appear. There’s always a tell.

Watch for:

Your opponent reaching deep into your sleeve
Their arm moving across your neck
A sudden stillness, they’re setting up, not panicking

I remember rolling with a purple belt who kept “accidentally” touching my sleeve.
Turns out, it wasn’t accidental. On the third attempt, he hit it clean.

Lesson learned: if someone’s hand is near your cuff, fight the grip.

Don’t wait.

From Mount: How to Stop It Before It Starts

You’re mounted. They’re setting up.

Here’s what to do:

Tuck your chin – This protects your neck and buys time.
Shrug your shoulder – Lift the shoulder on the side they’re attacking. Makes it harder to slide the forearm under.
Frame with your hand – Use your palm to block their bicep or forearm before it gets under your neck.
Turn slightly toward the threat – If they’re going for your left side, turn left. Relieves pressure and creates space.

Simple? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.

I use this every time I feel that familiar hand creeping up my sleeve.

From Guard: Preventing the Bottom-Up Attack

Now you’re on top, in their guard.

They’re trying to pull off the surprise Ezekiel from the bottom.

Your job: don’t lean in like a tourist taking a selfie.

Keep your head back. Stay tall. Control their arms.

If you feel them grabbing your sleeve:

Yank your arm out
Switch grips or post on their hip
Stand up briefly to reset posture

Remember: the choke needs you to be bent over.
So stay upright, and you’ll avoid 90% of these attacks.

Late-Stage Escapes: When You’re Already Feeling Pressure

Okay. You didn’t see it coming.
Their forearm is under your neck. The world is getting fuzzy.

Now what?

Don’t panic.

Try one of these:

Turn into them – Roll toward the choking arm. Reduces pressure instantly.
Bridge and shrimp – Create space, then swim your head out.
Pluck the hand – If you can reach, grab their choking hand and pull it off.
Tap early – Seriously. Better to live and roll again than risk injury.

I once held on too long during a seminar.
Woke up on the mat, coach smiling down at me like I was a puppy who chewed his shoes.

Not fun.

Tap fast. Learn faster.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Even black belts mess this up.

But most errors are fixable, with awareness.

Let’s go over the big ones.

Mistake #1: Shallow Sleeve Grip

If you only have two fingers in the sleeve, it’ll slip.

Fix: Reach past their elbow. Deep insertion = control.

Practice this solo. Make it automatic.

Mistake #2: Elbows Flaring Out

When your elbows point outward, you lose compression.

It’s like trying to close a door with a wet noodle.

Fix: Keep elbows tight to your body. Squeeze like you’re hugging a tree.

Mistake #3: Relying on Arm Strength

Nope. That’s not how this works.

The Ezekiel isn’t an armbar. You’re not curling weights.

Fix: Use your chest, posture, and head position.
Lean forward. Look up. Let your body weight do the work.

Mistake #4: Poor Control Before Setup

Trying the Ezekiel while your opponent is active and framing?

Good luck.

Fix: Establish dominant position first.
Break their posture. Control an arm. Then strike.

Timing beats speed.

Mistake #5: Telegraphing the Move

If you stare at their sleeve like it holds lottery tickets, they’ll know.

Fix: Disguise it. Fake a cross-face. Threaten another submission.
Then switch.

The best chokes are the ones they don’t see coming.

Training Tips & Drills for Mastery

You wouldn’t drive a car without practice.
So why try a submission cold?

Drill it. Own it. Make it second nature.

Here’s how.

Solo Drills

Yes, you can train this alone.

Practice the sleeve grip on a dummy or even your own gi.
Do “air chokes”: mimic the motion slowly, focusing on form.
Strengthen your grip with towel pull-ups or gi rolls.

I spend 5 minutes before every class doing this.
It keeps the muscle memory sharp.

Partner Drills

Now bring in a partner.

Start slow:

Set up the position (mount or guard).
Insert the sleeve grip.
Apply light pressure, just enough to feel it.
Tap, reset, repeat.

Add resistance:

Have them defend the grip.
Let them escape after you apply it.

This builds timing and sensitivity.

Flow Rolling & Positional Sparring

During light rolling:

Start from mount and hunt for the Ezekiel.
After a failed armbar or kimura, flow into it.
Use it as a reset tool when stuck.

I once spent a whole round only attempting Ezekiel chokes.
Didn’t finish anyone, but my setup got so much better.

Sometimes, limitation breeds creativity.

Film Study: Watch the Masters

Knowledge is power.

Watch:

Marcelo Garcia finishing with the Ezekiel
Aleksei Oleinik in the UFC
Gordon Ryan using the no-gi version

Pause. Rewind. Notice their hand placement, timing, and disguise.

I keep a playlist of Ezekiel finishes. Watch it before tournaments.

Gets me in the right mindset.

Rules, Legality & Competition Use

Want to use this in competition?
Great. But know the rules.

Because nothing sucks more than winning… then getting disqualified.

IBJJF Rules: Gi Only, Fabric Required

The Ezekiel is legal in gi divisions.
You must use the sleeve or collar fabric.
No bare-handed versions (arms only), that’s illegal.
Judges don’t award points unless it leads to a tap. So it’s a finish-only move.

Pro tip: Practice with a referee nearby. Make sure your grip is legal.

ADCC, UAEJJF, and No-Gi Rules

Allowed in most no-gi rule sets.
The “self-sleeve” grip (grabbing your own arm) is fair game.
In MMA? Fully legal, even from the bottom.

Aleksei Oleinik proved that. Again and again.

Why High-Level Grapplers Still Use It

It’s not the most common choke.
But that’s why it works.

When everyone expects a rear-naked choke or triangle, the Ezekiel sneaks in.

Low risk. High reward.
And when timed right? Unstoppable.

Use it as a surprise weapon. Not your only move, but a deadly backup.

Safety Considerations & Responsible Practice

Look, chokes are serious.

Done right, they’re safe.
Done wrong? Risk of injury, dizziness, or worse.

So let’s talk safety.

Tapping Early Saves Brains

If you feel pressure building, tap.

Don’t try to tough it out.

Passing out on the mat isn’t cool. It’s dangerous.

I’ve seen guys wake up confused, nauseous, even with headaches.

Not worth it.

Tap. Reset. Learn.

Supervision Matters

Beginners: drill this with your coach watching.

They’ll spot bad form, unsafe pressure, or illegal grips.

And please, don’t crank on someone’s jaw or trachea.

This is a blood choke, not a neck snap.

There’s a difference.

Communication Is Key

Always check in with your partner.

“Good pressure?”
“Too much?”
“You good?”

Small words. Big impact.

Respect the art. Respect your partner.

Why Lighter or Beginner Grapplers Should Learn This

If you’re smaller, weaker, or newer, listen up.

The Ezekiel choke is perfect for you.

Why?

It doesn’t rely on strength
Works from dominant positions and from the bottom
Catches stronger opponents off guard
Easy to learn, hard to defend when done right

I’m not a big guy. I can’t muscle through passes.

But I’ve tapped giants with this move.

Because technique > size.

And the Ezekiel? Pure technique.

Teach it to your white belts. Drill it early. Build confidence.

It’s not just a submission.
It’s a confidence booster.

FAQ Section: Your Ezekiel Choke Questions, Answered

Q: Is the Ezekiel choke a blood choke or an air choke?
A: It’s a blood choke. It compresses the carotid arteries to cut off oxygen to the brain. It doesn’t crush the windpipe, so it’s smoother and safer than air chokes.

Q: Can you do the Ezekiel choke without a gi?
A: Yes. In no-gi or MMA, grapplers use a gable grip on their own arm to simulate the sleeve. It’s called the “fabricless Ezekiel” and is legal in most rule sets.

Q: Who invented the Ezekiel choke?
A: It was popularized by Ezequiel Paraguassu, a BJJ black belt from Nova União. The name got anglicized to “Ezekiel,” but it’s the same person.

Q: Is the Ezekiel choke legal in IBJJF tournaments?
A: Yes, but only in gi divisions and only if you use the sleeve or collar fabric. Bare-handed versions are illegal.

Q: What’s the difference between Ezekiel choke and collar choke?
A: The Ezekiel uses the sleeve and forearm. The collar choke uses the belt or lapel wrapped around the neck. Different tools, different mechanics.

Q: Why is Aleksei Oleinik so good at the Ezekiel choke in the UFC?
A: He’s mastered the timing, disguise, and no-gi adaptation. He often hits it from the bottom, catching aggressive opponents off balance. He’s living proof of its effectiveness.

Q: Can women or lighter grapplers use the Ezekiel effectively?
A: Absolutely. It’s technique-based, not strength-dependent. Smaller grapplers can use it to neutralize larger opponents, especially from guard.

Q: How long does it take to master the Ezekiel choke?
A: With consistent drilling, most students can apply it effectively in 4–8 weeks. Mastery comes with live repetition and situational awareness.

Q: What positions work best for the Ezekiel choke?
A: Mount (highest control), closed guard (most surprising), and back control (opportunistic). Also effective from side control and half guard with proper setup.

Conclusion

Let’s wrap this up.

The Ezekiel choke isn’t flashy.
It won’t win you “Best Technique” at open mats.

But it will win you fights.

It’s simple.
It’s effective.
It’s underrated.

And now? You know:

Where it came from
How to do it from mount and guard
How to adapt it to no-gi and self-defense
How to stop it when someone tries it on you
And how to train it safely and smartly

This isn’t just a move.
It’s a mindset.

One that says: I don’t need to be the strongest. I just need to be smarter.

So go try it.

Drill it this week.
Fail. Adjust. Succeed.

Then come back and tell me how it went.