1. Objective and Purpose

The Ezequiel Choke (also known as the “Ezekiel Choke”) is a strangle submission used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and MMA that targets the neck and carotid arteries. It is a powerful choke performed with the use of a sleeve grip or one hand against the opponent’s neck, typically executed from a top position like side control or mount. When performed correctly, it cuts off the blood flow, leading to a tap-out or unconsciousness if the opponent does not submit in time.

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2. Steps for Execution of the Ezequiel Choke

1. Positioning:
   • Start from side control or mount with one arm already under your opponent’s neck. It’s most commonly set up from side control, but it can also be executed from top positions where you have control over your opponent’s upper body.
2. Secure the Sleeve Grip:
   • The key to this submission is securing a grip on your opponent’s sleeve (in gi) or a hand on their neck if you are in no-gi. In the gi, you can use the sleeve of your opponent’s gi, but in no-gi, you would use your hand to grasp their neck.
3. Position Your Forearm:
   • Use the forearm of your free hand (the one not grabbing the sleeve) to apply pressure against your opponent’s neck. The goal is to place your forearm directly across the windpipe or carotid arteries to start the choking action.
4. Pulling the Sleeve (in Gi) or Adjusting the Grip (in No-Gi):
   • With your hand (or sleeve grip) still in place, you begin to pull the sleeve (if in gi) or adjust your hand’s grip (in no-gi) while using your forearm as leverage. This movement increases the pressure on their neck.
5. Tightening the Choke:
   • To tighten the choke, you slide your head and body closer towards your opponent’s head while tightening the grip and maintaining pressure with your forearm. The combination of your pulling motion with your grip and the pressure on the neck should start cutting off the blood flow.
6. Finish the Submission:
   • Continue to apply pressure by pulling on the sleeve or maintaining a firm grip on the neck, while keeping the forearm across the throat. The choke should compress the carotid arteries, which will either force your opponent to tap or render them unconscious if the choke is held long enough.

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3. Defensive Techniques Against the Ezequiel Choke

1. Posture and Pressure Relief:
   • The first defense against an Ezequiel Choke is to relieve pressure on your neck. This can be achieved by posturing up, creating space between your neck and your opponent’s arm, or using your hands to fight off their arm that’s controlling the choke.
2. Control the Opponent’s Arm:
   • Prevent your opponent from getting their arm across your neck. If their arm is already under your neck, control their wrist and elbow to prevent them from finishing the choke by pulling their arm deeper across your throat.
3. Turn Your Head and Frame:
   • If caught in the choke, turn your head slightly to create a gap and relieve some of the pressure. Use your other arm to frame against your opponent’s body or head, which can make it more difficult for them to tighten the choke effectively.
4. Base and Posture:
   • Ensure your base is strong to avoid being controlled in the position. Strong posture and avoiding being flat or too relaxed will allow you to create space and start working to escape the submission.

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4. Counter-Defense for the Ezequiel Choke

1. Escape the Position:
   • The best counter to the Ezequiel Choke is to escape the side control or mount position. By shrimping out or using a quick roll, you can escape the dominant position and remove your neck from danger.
2. Grab the Opponent’s Wrist or Sleeve (in Gi):
   • If caught in the choke, grabbing your opponent’s wrist or sleeve (if in gi) can prevent them from pulling the choke tighter. By controlling their wrist, you can neutralize the submission attempt and create a window for escaping or transitioning.
3. Posture and Protect the Neck:
   • Always focus on posturing up and protecting your neck. Maintaining good posture can make it difficult for your opponent to fully lock in the choke and can give you opportunities to escape.

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5. Keys to Success in the Ezequiel Choke

• Timing and Setup: The Ezequiel Choke is not a submission that can be rushed. It requires timing to catch your opponent in a vulnerable position when they are not actively defending their neck.
• Leverage and Grip: The key to this submission is creating leverage with your forearm against their neck while maintaining a strong grip (or sleeve pull in gi). If your grip is weak, your opponent can escape easily.
• Control of the Opponent’s Upper Body: Keeping control of your opponent’s upper body is essential to maintaining the position and ensuring the choke is effective. Prevent them from moving or scrambling out of position.

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6. Common Mistakes

• Weak Grip: A weak grip on the sleeve (in gi) or the opponent’s neck (in no-gi) will not create enough pressure to choke effectively, allowing them to escape easily.
• Lack of Positioning: Trying to apply the Ezequiel Choke without proper positioning can leave you open to sweeps or submissions from your opponent.
• Not Using the Forearm for Leverage: Without proper use of the forearm across the neck, the choke will not be tight enough to cut off the blood flow and render your opponent unconscious.

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Conclusion

The Ezequiel Choke is an effective submission, often used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, that targets the neck and carotid arteries. It is most commonly performed from side control or mount and can be applied using either the sleeve grip (in gi) or a hand-on-neck grip (in no-gi). To successfully execute the choke, positioning, leverage, and timing are essential. Proper defenses and counters involve creating space, controlling the opponent’s arms, and escaping the dominant position. The Ezequiel Choke is a versatile submission that can surprise your opponent when executed with precision.