Jiu-Jitsu is all about using technique, timing, and leverage to defeat bigger, stronger opponents, and nothing showcases this better than the Ezekiel choke. This versatile submission can be executed from various positions, like top pins or even from the bottom. The basic setup involves wrapping one arm behind your opponent's head and gripping your own sleeve with the other hand to cut off blood flow to the neck. In gi BJJ, the sleeve grip acts like a rope to tighten the choke, while in no-gi, you grip the opposite forearm. Think of it like a rear naked choke but while facing your opponent—that's the no-gi Ezekiel! It's a sneaky, strength-free choke that can catch opponents off guard from multiple angles. UFC fighter Alexey Oleynik is famous for using the Ezekiel choke in high-level MMA, securing submissions from both top and bottom positions.

To master the Ezekiel choke, consistent drilling with a training partner is crucial. It's not just about crushing the neck; it's about restricting blood and airflow with proper body placement. Both gi and no-gi versions have their nuances—leverage from the sleeve in gi makes the choke easier, while in no-gi, sweat can make it slippery, so grip adjustments are necessary. Practicing the choke from different positions helps you understand how your training partners react, allowing you to refine your technique and develop effective submission chains.

Why Is It Called the Ezekiel Choke?

The Ezekiel choke is named after Brazilian judoka Ezequiel Paraguassu. While preparing for the 1988 Olympics, Ezequiel struggled with opening the closed guards of his training partners. To counter this, he started attacking their necks using a judo choke called Sode guruma jime. His success with this technique led him to teach it to others, and it soon became known as the Ezekiel choke in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu circles.

Ezequiel's innovation highlights how BJJ evolves by incorporating effective techniques from other martial arts. This cross-pollination of techniques enriches the art and provides practitioners with a broader arsenal of moves to surprise and defeat their opponents.

Notable Uses in Competition

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The Ezekiel choke has seen impressive usage in various high-level competitions.

Roger Gracie

Roger Gracie, a 14-time World Champion, is a master of fundamental techniques, including the Ezekiel choke. His prowess with gi chokes to pass the guard and secure submissions has earned him immense respect in BJJ. Gracie's ability to use the Ezekiel choke both offensively and defensively highlights its versatility in high-stakes competition. Check out Roger Gracie breaking down his championship-winning techniques.

Alexey Oleynik

Nicknamed "The Boa Constrictor," Alexey Oleynik has made the Ezekiel choke his signature move in MMA, boasting fourteen wins with it. Notably, he secured the first-ever Ezekiel choke finish in UFC history against Viktor Pešta at UFC Fight Night 103, and repeated this feat against Júnior Albini at UFC 224. These victories showcased the choke's effectiveness even at the highest levels of mixed martial arts. Watch Oleynik's choke in action.

Hidehiko Yoshida

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Hidehiko Yoshida, a 1992 Olympic gold medalist in judo, used the Sode guruma jime (the judo equivalent of the Ezekiel choke) to secure victories in MMA. Notably, he defeated Kiyoshi Tamura at Pride Total Elimination 2003 and controversially won against Royce Gracie at Pride Shockwave 2002. Yoshida's success with this choke in both judo and MMA underscores its effectiveness across different combat sports.

Alexander Volkov

UFC heavyweight Alexander Volkov added a thrilling chapter to the Ezekiel choke's legendary story by using it to finish Tai Tuivasa at UFC 293. This marked only the third time the choke had secured a victory in the UFC, solidifying its status as a sneaky, powerful tool in any fighter's arsenal.

A Technique That Transcends Generations

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is always evolving with new techniques and strategies, but classics like the Ezekiel choke remain staples in every grappler's toolkit. The neck is always a prime target, making the Ezekiel choke perpetually relevant. Legends like Marcelo Garcia have shown how effective neck attacks can be, proving that these techniques are timeless. The Ezekiel choke is not just potent; it's a gateway to other submissions. Applying pressure can force your opponent to react, opening up opportunities for transitions and different attacks. This versatility ensures the Ezekiel choke will never go out of style, no matter how the sport evolves.

Adding the Ezekiel choke to your grappling arsenal is a fantastic move. Despite its simplicity, it requires finesse and technique. It's especially great for MMA when both fighters are tired, allowing you to smother your opponent while staying safe from counters. Whether you use it as a primary submission or a tool to force transitions, the Ezekiel choke has a lot to offer. Incorporate it into your training and watch your game improve!