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Ezekiel Choke | BJJ Submission | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 202516 min read

LLM Context: Submission Data Structure

Purpose: Ezekiel Choke is a gi-based blood/air choke from mount. Terminal state causing unconsciousness in 5-10 seconds if held. CRITICAL: Gi material can cause tracheal damage if applied explosively.

Setup Requirements Checklist:

  • Starting position: Mount (S003) with secure control
  • Position control quality: Full mount with hip pressure
  • Required grips: Hand inside own gi sleeve, forearm across throat
  • Angle optimization: Forearm blade-edge perpendicular to neck
  • Opponent vulnerability: Limited escape options from mount
  • Space elimination: Chest pressure down, no space under forearm
  • Timing recognition: Opponent defending high attacks

Safety Q&A Patterns: Q: “How fast should pressure be applied?” A: “SLOW and progressive. 3-5 seconds minimum. Gi material can cause tracheal damage if explosive.”

Q: “What are the tap signals?” A: “Verbal tap, physical tap with hands or feet. Both hands should be free from mount.”

Q: “What makes this dangerous?” A: “Tracheal damage from explosive application. Use blade-edge of forearm, not flat pressure.”

Decision Tree for Execution:

IF mount_secure AND opponent_defending_high:
    → Attempt ezekiel setup (Success Rate: [skill_level]%)
ELIF forearm_positioned AND gi_tight:
    → Apply progressive pressure (3-5 seconds)
ELIF tap_signal_received:
    → RELEASE IMMEDIATELY
ELSE:
    → Maintain mount, threaten other attacks

⚠️ SAFETY NOTICE

This submission can cause TRACHEAL DAMAGE and LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS if applied improperly.

  • Injury Risks:
    • Loss of consciousness (5-10 seconds)
    • Tracheal damage from explosive application
    • Neck strain from improper angle
  • Application Speed: SLOW and progressive. 3-5 seconds minimum.
  • Tap Signals: Verbal “tap”, physical tap with hands/feet
  • Release Protocol:
    1. Release gi grip immediately
    2. Remove forearm from neck
    3. Dismount to side
    4. Monitor breathing for 10-15 seconds
  • Training Requirement: Beginner with instructor supervision
  • Never: Apply explosively - gi material can crush trachea

Remember: Gi material concentrates pressure. Use blade-edge of forearm, not flat pressure. Monitor partner’s breathing carefully.

Overview

The Ezekiel Choke is a gi-based submission from mount using one’s own gi sleeve and forearm to create pressure on the opponent’s neck. This hybrid choke combines blood choke (carotid compression) and air choke (tracheal pressure), making it highly effective from a dominant position where the opponent has limited defensive options.

From Mount (S003), the Ezekiel is often set up when the opponent defends higher attacks like armbars. The practitioner uses their own gi material, meaning the setup is always available. The technique exemplifies using position dominance to create submission opportunities while maintaining control.

Submission Properties

From Mount (S003):

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 35%
  • Intermediate: 55%
  • Advanced: 75%

Technical Characteristics:

  • Setup Complexity: Low - simple setup from dominant position
  • Execution Speed: Medium - 3-5 seconds in training
  • Escape Difficulty: Medium - defendable with early recognition
  • Damage Potential: Medium - unconsciousness, tracheal damage possible
  • Target Area: Carotid arteries and trachea

Visual Finishing Sequence

With your right hand threaded through your left gi sleeve and left forearm positioned across the opponent’s throat, you apply downward and inward pressure. Your chest weight drives down while your right hand pulls the gi material tight and your left forearm creates the choke.

Your opponent experiences pressure on both sides of their neck and difficulty breathing. Their face may change color. Recognizing the submission is secure, they tap repeatedly on your body. You immediately release the gi grip, remove your forearm, and dismount while monitoring their breathing recovery.

Body Positioning:

  • Your position: Mounted on top, chest pressure down, right hand in own gi sleeve, left forearm across throat
  • Opponent’s position: On back under mount, limited mobility, hands potentially defending
  • Key pressure points: Bilateral carotid compression, tracheal pressure from forearm
  • Leverage creation: Body weight + arm strength + gi material create combined pressure

Setup Requirements

Conditions that must be satisfied before attempting:

  1. Position Establishment: Mount (S003) established with secure control

  2. Control Points:

    • Full mount with knees tight to sides
    • Chest pressure driving shoulders to mat
    • Hip weight preventing bridge escapes
    • Balance maintained throughout setup

  3. Angle Creation:

    • Ability to lean forward without losing balance
    • Forearm able to position perpendicular across throat
    • Head able to drive down for pressure

  4. Grip Acquisition:

    • Right hand threads through left gi sleeve
    • Left forearm positioned blade-edge across throat
    • Gi material gathered in grip
    • Ability to pull gi tight while pressing forearm

  5. Space Elimination:

    • No space between forearm and throat
    • Gi material tight and pulled inward
    • Chest weight eliminating escape space

  6. Timing Recognition:

    • Opponent defending high attacks
    • Opponent’s hands occupied defending body
    • Opening exists for sleeve threading

  7. Safety Verification:

    • Partner aware of tap signals
    • Both hands free to tap
    • Clear communication established

Position Quality Required: Mount must be secure with opponent unable to easily escape.

Execution Steps

SAFETY REMINDER: Apply pressure SLOWLY over 3-5 seconds. Never jerk or spike pressure. Watch for tap signals continuously.

Step-by-Step Execution

  1. Initial Grip (Setup Phase)

    • From secure mount, thread right hand through left gi sleeve at forearm
    • Grip palm-up, creating blade-edge with forearm
    • Position left forearm across opponent’s throat perpendicular
    • Safety check: Ensure partner’s hands are free to tap

  2. Position Adjustment (Alignment Phase)

    • Walk right hand deeper through gi sleeve toward elbow
    • Ensure forearm blade-edge (radius bone) is on throat
    • Left hand can post or control opponent’s head
    • Partner check: Confirm correct forearm positioning

  3. Pressure Initiation (Entry Phase)

    • Begin to drive chest weight forward and down
    • Start pulling right hand toward own chest
    • Left forearm begins pressing into throat with blade-edge
    • Speed: SLOW progressive tightening
    • Watch for: Partner’s breathing, color, tap signals

  4. Progressive Tightening (Execution Phase)

    • Increase chest pressure downward over 3-5 seconds
    • Pull gi material tighter incrementally
    • Drive left forearm deeper across throat progressively
    • Monitor: Partner’s face color, breathing sounds, tap signals

  5. Final Adjustment (Completion Phase)

    • Micro-adjust forearm angle for maximum effectiveness
    • Ensure gi material is tight
    • Drive chest down while pulling gi material in
    • Critical: WATCH FOR TAP continuously

  6. Submission Recognition & Release (Finish/Safety Phase)

    • FEEL FOR TAP: Hands tapping body/arms/mat, verbal “tap”
    • RELEASE IMMEDIATELY:
      • Release gi grip instantly
      • Remove forearm from throat
      • Shift weight back
      • Dismount to side
    • Post-submission: Monitor breathing and color recovery, ask “you good?”

Total Execution Time in Training: Minimum 3-5 seconds from pressure initiation to tap.

Anatomical Targeting & Injury Awareness

Primary Target

  • Anatomical Structure: Bilateral carotid arteries and trachea (hybrid choke)
  • Pressure Direction: Inward and downward compression
  • Physiological Response: Reduced blood flow + restricted airflow → unconsciousness (5-10 seconds)

Secondary Effects

  • Tracheal Compression: Significant air choke element
  • Cervical Spine Pressure: Some pressure on neck vertebrae
  • Jaw Pressure: Potential TMJ stress if angle too high

INJURY RISKS & PREVENTION

Potential Injuries:

  • Loss of Consciousness: If held 5-10 seconds after full pressure. RELEASE IMMEDIATELY upon tap.
  • Tracheal Damage: Explosive application can damage windpipe. SERIOUS injury. Use blade-edge, not flat pressure.
  • Neck Strain: Twisting or improper angle can strain cervical muscles (days to weeks recovery).

Prevention Measures:

  • Apply pressure SLOWLY (3-5 seconds minimum)
  • Never “spike” the choke explosively
  • Use blade-edge (radius bone) of forearm, not flat back
  • Watch partner’s face/color continuously
  • Stop at ANY sign of serious distress
  • Release immediately upon ANY tap signal
  • Monitor partner’s breathing after release

Warning Signs to Stop IMMEDIATELY:

  • Partner’s face color changes dramatically
  • Partner’s body goes limp
  • Partner makes severe choking sounds
  • Partner’s breathing sounds abnormal
  • ANY uncertainty about partner’s airway

Opponent Defense Patterns

Common Escape Attempts

Early Defense (Submission <70% complete)

  • Defense mechanism: Prevent hand from threading through sleeve, maintain frames, threaten bridge
  • Success Rate: 55%, Window: 3-4 seconds
  • Safety note: Best time to defend - choke not yet established

Hand Fighting (Hand in sleeve, forearm not positioned)

  • Defense mechanism: Strip grip from sleeve, fight forearm position, explosive bridge
  • Success Rate: 40%, Window: 2-3 seconds
  • Safety note: Window still exists for safe escape

Technical Escape (Forearm positioned but not tight)

  • Defense mechanism: Explosive bridge to disrupt, trap arm and roll, turn head
  • Success Rate: 30%, Window: 1-2 seconds
  • Safety critical: Last moment to escape

Inevitable Submission (Choke tight, pressure increasing)

  • Defender must: TAP IMMEDIATELY - multiple taps or verbal “tap”
  • Attacker must: RELEASE IMMEDIATELY
  • Success Rate: 0% escape
  • Safety principle: NO SHAME IN TAPPING

Training Progressions & Safety Protocols

Phase 1: Technical Understanding (Week 1-2)

  • Study mechanics without partner
  • Watch instructional videos showing proper forearm angle
  • Understand tracheal damage risks
  • Study tap signals
  • No live application yet

Phase 2: Slow Practice (Week 3-4)

  • Partner provides ZERO resistance
  • Speed: EXTRA SLOW (10+ seconds)
  • Partner taps at 20-30% pressure
  • Instructor supervision required
  • Goal: Build positioning muscle memory

Phase 3: Progressive Resistance (Week 5-8)

  • Partner provides mild resistance
  • Speed: SLOW (7-10 seconds)
  • Partner taps at 40-50% pressure
  • Emphasize control over completion

Phase 4: Timing Development (Week 9-12)

  • Partner provides realistic resistance
  • Speed: MODERATE (5-7 seconds)
  • Partner taps at 60-70% pressure
  • Learn to transition to other attacks

Phase 5: Safety Integration (Week 13-16)

  • Light rolling integration
  • Speed: Controlled in training (3-5 seconds)
  • Immediate release is automatic reflex

Phase 6: Live Application (Ongoing - 3+ months)

  • Full sparring integration
  • Apply at appropriate speed for context
  • Mentor newer students on safety

CRITICAL: Progress through phases only when previous phase is mastered.

Expert Insights

John Danaher Perspective

“The Ezekiel Choke is deceptively simple but remarkably effective with proper understanding. The key is forearm angle - you must use the blade-edge of your radius bone, not the flat back of your forearm. This creates focal pressure on carotid arteries rather than diffuse pressure on trachea. From mount, your body weight does most of the work. In training, recognize this is a hybrid choke - both blood and air restriction. Apply slowly and release immediately upon tap.”

Key Technical Detail: Blade-edge positioning transforms technique from tracheal crush to efficient carotid compression

Safety Emphasis: Use body weight and position over explosive arm pressure

Gordon Ryan Perspective

“I finish more Ezekiel chokes in training than competition, but when it’s there, it’s high-percentage from mount. It’s available even when your opponent defends everything else. In training, I apply it slow - give them time to tap. The gi material makes this dangerous if you jerk it - you can seriously hurt someone’s trachea. Thread the sleeve, position the forearm, apply progressive pressure. No need to rush.”

Competition Application: Recognizing opportunistic moments when opponent defends other threats

Training Modification: Progressive application prevents tracheal injuries

Eddie Bravo Perspective

“In the gi, the Ezekiel is money. Get to mount, threaten high attacks, then slide in the Ezekiel when they’re thinking about everything else. The beauty is it’s your own gi - always available. But be careful with this one. The gi material against the throat can cause real damage if you’re reckless. Thread it, position it, squeeze it slowly. Your partner taps, you let go immediately. We’re innovative with positions, traditional with safety.”

Innovation Focus: Using Ezekiel as chain attack in submission sequences

Safety Non-Negotiable: Gi chokes require extra caution due to material-based pressure

Common Errors

Technical Errors

Error 1: Flat Forearm Instead of Blade-Edge

  • Mistake: Using back of forearm instead of blade-edge
  • Why it fails: Diffuse pressure on trachea, not effective carotid compression
  • Correction: Rotate forearm so radius bone is the pressure point
  • Safety impact: Flat forearm increases tracheal damage risk

Error 2: Insufficient Gi Threading

  • Mistake: Hand barely through gi sleeve
  • Why it fails: Can’t pull gi tight enough
  • Correction: Thread hand as deep as possible toward elbow
  • Safety impact: Shallow threading leads to excessive arm pressure

Error 3: Poor Mount Control

  • Mistake: Attempting from unstable mount
  • Why it fails: Opponent can escape during setup
  • Correction: Secure mount completely first
  • Safety impact: Losing position creates dangerous neck angles

Error 4: Wrong Hand Configuration

  • Mistake: Threading wrong hand through wrong sleeve
  • Why it fails: Forearm can’t position properly
  • Correction: Right hand through left sleeve creating perpendicular angle
  • Safety impact: Wrong configuration requires excessive force

Error 5: Pulling Instead of Driving

  • Mistake: Relying on arm pull instead of body weight
  • Why it fails: Arms fatigue quickly, becomes muscular
  • Correction: Use chest weight to drive down
  • Safety impact: Arm-strength-based application is less controlled

SAFETY ERRORS (CRITICAL)

DANGER: Explosive Application

  • Mistake: Jerking or spiking pressure immediately
  • Why dangerous: No time to tap, gi can crush trachea
  • Injury risk: TRACHEAL DAMAGE (serious medical injury)
  • Correction: Progressive pressure over 3-5 seconds
  • This can cause serious tracheal injury requiring medical treatment

DANGER: Ignoring Tap Signals

  • Mistake: Continuing after tap
  • Why dangerous: Combines blood and air restriction
  • Injury risk: Unconsciousness, tracheal damage, BREACH OF TRUST
  • Correction: RELEASE IMMEDIATELY upon ANY tap
  • Most serious error in BJJ

DANGER: Excessive Tracheal Pressure

  • Mistake: Driving forearm directly into trachea with full weight
  • Why dangerous: Trachea is cartilage that can be crushed
  • Injury risk: Crushed trachea (emergency medical condition)
  • Correction: Use blade-edge angle targeting carotids
  • Tracheal damage can be permanent

DANGER: Competition Speed in Drilling

  • Mistake: Applying at competition speed during drilling
  • Why dangerous: Partner not defending at full intensity
  • Injury risk: Tracheal damage, unconsciousness
  • Correction: Match speed to context
  • Gi material makes this especially dangerous at high speed

DANGER: Not Monitoring Breathing

  • Mistake: Not paying attention to breathing sounds
  • Why dangerous: Severe coughing indicates tracheal stress
  • Injury risk: Tracheal damage, panic response
  • Correction: Listen for breathing changes, adjust if coughing
  • Abnormal breathing means adjust or release immediately

Variations & Setups

Primary Setup (Most Common)

From Mount:

  • Secure full mount with good weight distribution
  • Thread right hand through left gi sleeve (palm up)
  • Position left forearm blade-edge across throat
  • Drive chest weight down while pulling gi tight
  • Success rate: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 75%
  • Setup time: 2-3 seconds for setup, 3-5 seconds for finish

Alternative Setup 1: From High Mount

From High Mount Top:

  • Establish high mount (knees near armpits)
  • Thread hand through sleeve while very close to head
  • Angle is more acute, increasing pressure
  • Safety notes: More weight on neck - extra caution

Alternative Setup 2: From Side Control

From Half Guard Bottom:

  • Thread hand through sleeve before mounting
  • Complete mount transition with grip established
  • Safety notes: Ensure mount is secure before full pressure

Chain Combinations

After defended Armbar from Mount:

  • Opponent defends armbar by pulling arm back
  • As they defend high, thread hand through gi sleeve
  • Apply Ezekiel while they’re relieved
  • Safety: Reset mount control if position compromised

Mechanical Principles

Leverage Systems

  • Fulcrum: Opponent’s neck/throat where forearm and gi meet
  • Effort Arm: Body weight + gi pull + forearm drive
  • Mechanical Advantage: Body weight (150-250 lbs) concentrated on ~2 square inches
  • Efficiency: Using own gi means setup always available

Pressure Distribution

  • Primary Pressure Point: Bilateral carotid arteries + trachea
  • Force Vector: Downward and inward from forearm blade-edge
  • Pressure Type: Simultaneous blood and air restriction
  • Progressive Loading: Contact → 30% discomfort → 60% choking → 100% tap

Structural Weakness

  • Why It Works: Combines vulnerable carotids with trachea compression
  • Body’s Response: Carotid compression + tracheal pressure → rapid unconsciousness
  • Damage Mechanism: Trachea is cartilage - can be crushed with excessive force
  • Protection Limits: Limited defense from mount position

Knowledge Assessment

Question 1: Setup Recognition (Safety Critical)

Q: What position and controls must be established before attempting this submission safely?

A: Starting position must be Mount (S003) with secure control. Required controls: (1) Full mount with hip pressure, (2) Balance to lean forward, (3) Right hand threading through left gi sleeve, (4) Left forearm able to position blade-edge across throat, (5) Chest weight able to drive down, (6) Partner’s hands free to tap. Safety verification includes proper forearm angle (blade-edge not flat) to avoid tracheal damage.

Why It Matters: Attempting without secure mount leads to loss of position. Incorrect forearm angle can cause serious tracheal injury.

Question 2: Technical Execution (Mechanics)

Q: What creates the pressure in this technique, and what is the primary target?

A: Pressure is created by: (1) Body weight driving chest down, (2) Forearm blade-edge pressing into throat, (3) Gi material pulled tight creating constriction, (4) Combined downward and inward force. Primary targets are bilateral carotid arteries (blood choke) and trachea (air choke) - hybrid choke. Works by compressing both blood vessels and airway simultaneously.

Why It Matters: Understanding hybrid nature helps recognize this requires extra caution. Blade-edge positioning prevents tracheal damage.

Question 3: Safety Understanding (CRITICAL)

Q: How fast should pressure be applied in training, what are the proper tap signals, and what specific injury risk exists?

A:

Application Speed:

  • Drilling: 7-10 seconds, stop at 40-50% pressure
  • Light rolling: 5-7 seconds, stop at 60-70% pressure
  • Hard rolling: 3-5 seconds, stop at 70-90% pressure

Tap Signals:

  • Physical tap with hands on opponent’s body/mat
  • Physical tap with feet
  • Verbal “tap”

SPECIFIC INJURY RISK:

  • TRACHEAL DAMAGE: Explosive application can CRUSH the windpipe
  • Serious medical injury requiring immediate attention
  • Trachea is cartilage - can be permanently damaged
  • Prevention: Use blade-edge angle, progressive pressure, never explosive

Release Protocol:

  1. Release gi grip immediately
  2. Remove forearm from neck
  3. Dismount and shift weight off
  4. Monitor breathing for 10-15 seconds

Why It Matters: Tracheal damage is most serious risk. Unlike pure blood chokes, this can cause structural damage to airway.

Question 4: Defense Awareness (Tactical)

Q: What is the best defense against this submission, and when must it be executed?

A: Best defense is early prevention - prevent hand from threading through gi sleeve. Use strong frames, maintain hand fighting, threaten bridge. Success rate: 55% if executed before sleeve is threaded. Once forearm is positioned and gi is tight, escape success drops to 30%. Once pressure is applied, escape rate is near 0% - tap immediately.

Why It Matters: Hybrid chokes work faster than pure blood chokes because they restrict both blood flow and breathing.

Question 5: Anatomical Knowledge (Technical)

Q: What specific anatomical structure is targeted, and what makes this technique particularly dangerous if applied incorrectly?

A:

Primary Targets: Bilateral carotid arteries and trachea

DANGER - Tracheal Injury:

  • Trachea is cartilage structure (C-shaped rings)
  • Can be CRUSHED if excessive direct pressure applied
  • Cartilage doesn’t heal like bone - damage can be permanent
  • Requires emergency medical attention

Why Blade-Edge Matters:

  • Blade-edge creates focal pressure on carotids
  • Flat forearm creates diffuse pressure on trachea (dangerous)
  • Proper angle = effective blood choke with minimal tracheal stress

Why It Matters: Understanding tracheal vulnerability creates appropriate respect. This is why explosive application is never acceptable with Ezekiel.

Question 6: Release Protocol (Safety Critical)

Q: What is the immediate action required when partner taps, and how do you safely release this submission?

A:

Immediate Action: STOP ALL PRESSURE IMMEDIATELY upon feeling or hearing any tap.

Release Steps:

  1. Release gi grip instantly (0.5 seconds)
  2. Remove forearm from throat (0.5 seconds)
  3. Shift weight back (0.5 seconds)
  4. Dismount to side (1-2 seconds)
  5. Monitor breathing for 10-15 seconds
  6. Ask “You good?” “Breathing okay?”
  7. Watch for normal breathing, no coughing blood

What to Watch For:

  • Breathing returning to normal
  • Any severe coughing or wheezing (indicates tracheal stress)
  • Normal color
  • If abnormal signs: GET HELP IMMEDIATELY

Why It Matters: Monitoring breathing after release is critical because tracheal damage symptoms may not be immediately obvious.

Remember: The Ezekiel Choke is simple but serious. Your partner’s trachea is vulnerable. Apply slowly, watch carefully, release immediately.

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