Ezekiel Variations

⚠️ SAFETY: Ezekiel Variations targets the Carotid arteries and trachea. Risk: Carotid artery compression leading to unconsciousness. Release immediately upon tap.

The Ezekiel Choke is a highly versatile gi-based blood choke that can be applied from multiple dominant positions, making it one of the most adaptable submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Named after Brazilian judoka Ezequiel Paraguassu who popularized it in BJJ, this technique uses the practitioner’s own sleeve as a choking mechanism combined with the forearm to compress the carotid arteries. What makes the Ezekiel Choke particularly dangerous is its ability to be executed from positions where opponents typically feel safe, including mount, side control, closed guard top, and even unconventional positions like inside the opponent’s closed guard. The fundamental mechanism involves threading one hand inside the opponent’s collar or using your own gi sleeve, while the other arm wraps around the neck to create a scissoring pressure that cuts off blood flow to the brain.

The variations of the Ezekiel Choke demonstrate the technique’s tactical flexibility across different scenarios and positions. From mount, it serves as a high-percentage finishing option when opponents defend their neck tightly. From side control, it provides an alternative attack when the opponent frames effectively against traditional north-south chokes. The most audacious variation involves executing the choke from within the opponent’s closed guard, turning a defensive position into an offensive submission opportunity. Each variation requires specific grip configurations, angle adjustments, and pressure applications, but all share the fundamental principle of using the gi and forearm to create bilateral compression of the neck. Understanding these variations allows practitioners to maintain submission threats regardless of positional changes, creating a seamless offensive system that keeps opponents constantly defending.

Category: Choke Type: Blood Choke Target Area: Carotid arteries and trachea Starting Position: Mount Success Rates: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 65%

Safety Guide

Injury Risks:

Injury	Severity	Recovery Time
Carotid artery compression leading to unconsciousness	High	Immediate if released promptly; brain damage possible if held after unconsciousness
Trachea damage from excessive crushing pressure	CRITICAL	Weeks to months; medical attention required for severe damage
Neck strain from violent resistance	Medium	3-7 days with rest
Cervical spine stress from improper application	High	1-3 weeks; potential for serious injury with poor technique

Application Speed: SLOW and progressive - 3-5 seconds minimum to allow partner to recognize threat and tap

Tap Signals:

• Verbal tap (saying ‘tap’ or any verbal signal)
• Physical hand tap on partner or mat (minimum 2 taps)
• Physical foot tap on mat or partner
• Any distress signal including unusual sounds or going limp

Release Protocol:

1. Immediately release choking arm and remove forearm from neck
2. Remove hand from inside collar/sleeve
3. Roll partner to recovery position if they lost consciousness
4. Monitor partner’s breathing and consciousness
5. Never shake or move an unconscious partner’s neck
6. Seek immediate medical attention if partner doesn’t regain consciousness within 10-15 seconds

Training Restrictions:

• Never apply full pressure in drilling - use 20-30% pressure maximum
• Never hold the choke after partner taps
• Never use explosive or jerking motions when applying pressure
• Always ensure training partner has clear tap access with hands or feet
• Beginners should only drill setup and positioning without applying pressure
• Competition-level pressure only allowed in supervised sparring with experienced partners

Key Principles

• Use your own gi sleeve as the primary choking mechanism - the fabric becomes an extension of your arm creating consistent pressure
• Create bilateral compression by coordinating forearm pressure with the sleeve-wrapped hand to attack both sides of the neck simultaneously
• Maintain heavy chest pressure to prevent opponent from creating space - weight distribution is critical for all variations
• Thread the choking hand deep enough that your thumb reaches past the centerline of the opponent’s neck for maximum effectiveness
• Keep your elbows tight to your body to maximize mechanical advantage and prevent the opponent from stripping your grips
• Angle your body to create leverage - slight adjustments in hip position dramatically increase choking pressure
• Use your head position to control the opponent’s head and prevent defensive turning

Prerequisites

• Secure a dominant position with strong base - mount, side control, or secured top position in closed guard
• Establish heavy chest-to-chest pressure to limit opponent’s breathing and movement options
• Control opponent’s head positioning using your own head pressure against their face or temple
• Grip your own gi sleeve with the choking hand, ensuring the fabric is properly positioned across the palm
• Create an angle that allows your choking arm to thread across the opponent’s neck without telegraphing intention
• Maintain hip pressure or mount control to prevent the opponent from escaping the position before submission is secured
• Ensure the opponent’s hands are occupied defending other threats or controlling your weight rather than defending the neck

Execution Steps

1. Establish dominant position and control: From mount, side control, or closed guard top, establish heavy chest pressure and control the opponent’s head using your own head position. Your weight should make the opponent uncomfortable and focused on breathing rather than hand fighting. Ensure your base is solid - in mount, your knees should be tight to their sides; in side control, your hips should be low; in closed guard top, your posture should be controlled but not broken. (Timing: 2-3 seconds to settle weight) [Pressure: Firm]
2. Grip your own sleeve: With your choking hand (typically the hand closer to the opponent’s head), reach across and grip your opposite sleeve at the wrist or forearm. This grip should be deep - your thumb should be inside the sleeve creating a pocket for the opponent’s neck. The fabric of your gi becomes the primary choking surface. This grip must be secure before proceeding as it’s the foundation of the submission. (Timing: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
3. Thread the choking hand across the neck: Slide your sleeve-gripped hand blade-side first across the opponent’s neck, threading it deep until your thumb passes the centerline of their throat. The movement should be smooth and deliberate - imagine sliding your hand between their neck and the mat. Your knuckles should be against one side of their neck while the gi fabric wrapped around your palm contacts the other side. Maintain downward pressure with your chest throughout this movement to prevent them from creating space. (Timing: 2-3 seconds) [Pressure: Light]
4. Position the assisting arm: Your non-choking arm (the free arm) now becomes the pressure arm. Place your forearm blade across the opposite side of the opponent’s neck, creating a scissoring effect with your sleeve-wrapped hand. The bony part of your forearm should contact the side of the neck, while your bicep may rest against their face. This arm should be positioned perpendicular to your choking hand, creating a cross formation. (Timing: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Light]
5. Secure your hand position behind the head: Clasp your hands together behind the opponent’s head, or secure your choking hand’s grip on your sleeve with your free hand. Some variations involve the free hand grabbing the mat, your own collar, or creating a frame. The key is that both arms now work together - one hand pulls while the other pushes, creating bilateral compression. Your elbows should be tight to your sides for maximum leverage. (Timing: 1 second) [Pressure: Moderate]
6. Apply the choke with coordinated pressure: Squeeze your elbows together while expanding your chest forward, creating a scissoring compression on both carotid arteries. The pressure comes from bringing your forearms together like closing a book, not from pulling or pushing in one direction. Your chest should remain heavy on the opponent, preventing them from turning into you or creating space. The choke should tighten progressively - in training, apply pressure slowly over 3-5 seconds to allow your partner time to recognize the threat and tap. The finish is achieved through coordinated bilateral compression, not through crushing the trachea with downward force. (Timing: 3-5 seconds in training; 1-2 seconds in competition) [Pressure: Maximum]

Opponent Defenses

• Tucking chin to chest to prevent hand from threading across neck (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Use your head to apply pressure to their face, forcing their chin up. Alternatively, switch to attacking the exposed neck from a different angle or transition to a different submission like an armbar.
• Grabbing your choking arm wrist and pulling it away from the neck (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Increase chest pressure to make breathing difficult, forcing them to use their hands for framing instead of grip fighting. You can also switch your angle or use your free arm to strip their defensive grip.
• Bridging or shrimping to create space and escape the position (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Widen your base in mount or drop your hips lower in side control to absorb the bridge. If you’ve already established the choke setup, maintain your grips and follow their movement, finishing the choke as they expose their neck during the escape attempt.
• Turning into you to alleviate pressure on the choking side (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Use their turning motion to your advantage by allowing them to turn slightly, which can actually help thread your hand deeper. Maintain heavy shoulder pressure to prevent them from turning all the way to their side and escaping.
• Pushing your head away to break your posture and control (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: Keep your head heavy on their face or temple - their arms will fatigue quickly. If they successfully create space with your head, immediately transition your weight to your chest and hips to maintain dominant position.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Trying to finish with downward crushing pressure instead of bilateral compression [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: This crushes the trachea causing pain but doesn’t effectively compress the carotid arteries, resulting in a painful but ineffective choke that damages the throat
  • Correction: Focus on squeezing your elbows together horizontally rather than pushing down. The choke works through bilateral compression of the arteries on both sides of the neck, not through crushing the windpipe.
• Mistake: Failing to thread the hand deep enough across the neck
  • Consequence: The choke lacks depth and only creates superficial pressure that the opponent can defend by tucking their chin or turning their head
  • Correction: Ensure your thumb passes the centerline of the opponent’s throat before applying pressure. Your hand should be deep enough that the opponent cannot create space by turning their head.
• Mistake: Lifting your chest off the opponent while applying the choke
  • Consequence: The opponent gains space to turn, bridge, or escape the position entirely, nullifying the submission attempt
  • Correction: Keep your chest heavy on the opponent throughout the entire sequence. Your weight should remain constant even as your arms work to finish the choke.
• Mistake: Telegraphing the choke by obviously reaching for your sleeve before establishing control
  • Consequence: Opponent recognizes the threat early and defends their neck preemptively, tucking their chin and framing to prevent the setup
  • Correction: Establish dominant pressure first, then grip your sleeve in one smooth motion while maintaining chest pressure. Use feints or secondary threats to occupy the opponent’s defensive attention.
• Mistake: Keeping elbows flared away from your body during the finish [Medium DANGER]
  • Consequence: Loss of mechanical advantage and leverage, resulting in weak pressure that the opponent can endure or escape
  • Correction: Actively squeeze your elbows to your ribcage throughout the finish. Your arms should feel like they’re hugging your own body while the opponent’s neck is caught between your forearms.
• Mistake: Continuing to apply pressure after partner taps or goes unconscious [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Potential brain damage, trachea injury, or death if choke is held after unconsciousness
  • Correction: Release immediately upon tap. Watch for signs of unconsciousness (body going limp, unusual breathing sounds) and release instantly. Never hold blood chokes after tap under any circumstances.

Variations

Ezekiel from Mount: The classic and highest percentage variation executed from full mount. Thread your hand across the neck while maintaining heavy chest-to-chest pressure. This variation allows maximum control and weight distribution, making it difficult for the opponent to escape while you establish the choke. (When to use: Use when in secure mount position and opponent is defending with arms crossed over chest or attempting to trap an arm for an escape. This is the primary variation taught to beginners.)

Ezekiel from Side Control: Applied from side control by threading your bottom arm (the arm closer to the opponent’s legs) across their neck while your top arm provides the compression. Your chest pressure becomes critical in this variation to prevent the opponent from turning away. The angle is slightly different, requiring you to position your hips lower and your head higher on their chest. (When to use: Effective when opponent is framing well against your chest in side control, preventing traditional north-south transitions. Also excellent when opponent is defending a kimura or americana, as their arms are occupied.)

Ezekiel from Closed Guard Top: The audacious variation where you execute the choke from within the opponent’s closed guard. Maintain strong posture, grip your sleeve, and thread your hand across their neck while they have their legs wrapped around you. Your free arm posts on the mat for base while the choking mechanism remains the same. This requires excellent posture control and base. (When to use: Use when opponent has a very tight closed guard and is preventing you from standing or passing. This catches many opponents off guard as they don’t expect to be submitted from their own guard. Only attempt if you have strong posture and base.)

Ezekiel from North-South: A transitional variation applied when moving from side control to north-south or when securing north-south position. Your arms thread around the opponent’s neck from the top of their head, with one hand gripping your sleeve and the other providing compression. Your chest pressure is applied to their face and chest. (When to use: Excellent when transitioning between positions and the opponent is defending their arms tightly to their body. Also effective when opponent is anticipating a north-south choke and defending the traditional grip patterns.)

Ezekiel from Knee on Belly: Applied by threading your hand across the neck while maintaining knee on belly position. This variation requires excellent balance as you execute the choke while keeping your knee pressuring their stomach. Your non-choking leg extends for base while your arms work the submission. (When to use: Use when opponent is preventing you from advancing to mount but you have secured knee on belly. Often catches opponents off guard as they’re focused on dealing with the knee pressure rather than defending their neck.)

Reverse Ezekiel (Back Hand Grip): A variation where you grip your sleeve with your opposite hand (the hand further from the opponent’s head) and thread that arm across the neck. This creates a different angle of attack and can be surprising to opponents familiar with the standard grip. The mechanical finish is similar but the setup is reversed. (When to use: Effective when the standard Ezekiel is well-defended or when the opponent is specifically defending one side of their neck. The reverse grip can bypass chin tucking defenses that work against the standard version.)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What is the primary mechanism that makes the Ezekiel Choke effective as a submission? A: The Ezekiel Choke works primarily through bilateral compression of the carotid arteries on both sides of the neck. The gi sleeve wrapped around your palm creates pressure on one side while your opposite forearm creates pressure on the other side. This scissoring action restricts blood flow to the brain, causing unconsciousness if not released. The effectiveness comes from coordinated pressure from both sides rather than crushing the trachea, which is a common mistake.

Q2: Why is it CRITICAL to never apply downward crushing pressure when executing the Ezekiel Choke, and what is the correct pressure direction? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Applying downward crushing pressure is dangerous because it primarily compresses the trachea (windpipe) rather than the carotid arteries, causing severe pain and potential trachea damage without effectively achieving the blood choke. This can result in serious throat injuries including collapsed trachea, which requires medical intervention. The correct pressure direction is horizontal and bilateral - squeezing your elbows together to compress both sides of the neck simultaneously. This safely restricts blood flow to the brain rather than damaging the throat structure. Always focus on the scissoring compression between your forearms, not downward crushing force.

Q3: What is the most important defensive detail that prevents the Ezekiel Choke from being properly set up? A: The most important defensive detail is preventing the opponent’s hand from threading deep enough across your neck, typically by tucking your chin tightly to your chest and creating a barrier with your jaw. If the choking hand cannot pass the centerline of your throat, the bilateral compression cannot be established effectively. Additionally, controlling the opponent’s wrist before they can grip their sleeve and using your hands to frame against their chest prevents them from establishing the heavy pressure needed for the setup. Early recognition and hand fighting are key to defending this submission.

Q4: How should you adjust your technique when executing the Ezekiel from inside the opponent’s closed guard versus from mount? A: When executing from inside closed guard, you must maintain significantly stronger posture and base since you’re working from a less dominant position. Your non-choking arm must post wide on the mat for balance, and you need to keep your hips back and spine straight to prevent being swept while applying the choke. Your chest pressure is limited by the need to maintain posture. From mount, you have more freedom to lower your chest directly onto the opponent, use your head for control, and bring your knees tight to their sides for superior control. Mount allows heavier pressure and more committed finishing mechanics, while the closed guard version requires more caution and balance awareness.

Q5: What are the key differences in setup requirements between the standard Ezekiel from mount and the variation from side control? A: From mount, you thread your hand across the neck while positioned directly on top of the opponent with your weight distributed through your chest and knees. Your base is wide and you can use your head to control their face. From side control, you must thread your bottom arm (arm closer to their legs) across the neck, which requires different body mechanics and hip positioning. Your hips need to be lower to the mat in side control, and your head position is higher on their chest rather than near their face. Side control also requires you to prevent them from turning away by maintaining heavy shoulder pressure, while mount allows for more vertical pressure distribution. The angle of your choking arm is also steeper from side control compared to the flatter angle from mount.

Q6: If your training partner goes limp while you’re applying an Ezekiel Choke, what is the immediate release protocol you must follow? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: IMMEDIATELY release both arms and remove all pressure from the neck as soon as you feel your partner go limp or notice any signs of unconsciousness. Roll your partner to a recovery position (on their side) to ensure their airway remains open. Monitor their breathing and consciousness closely. Never shake or move their neck, as this could cause injury if there’s any cervical strain. Do not attempt to wake them by slapping or shaking. Most people regain consciousness within 10-15 seconds after a blood choke is released. If they don’t regain consciousness within 15 seconds, call for medical assistance immediately. Never continue applying any pressure after someone goes unconscious - this can cause brain damage or death. In training, this situation should never occur if you’re applying pressure slowly and releasing immediately when your partner taps.

Q7: What is the mechanical principle behind why keeping your elbows tight to your body increases the effectiveness of the Ezekiel Choke? A: Keeping your elbows tight to your body creates superior leverage through mechanical advantage. When your elbows are tucked close to your ribs, you can engage your back muscles, lat muscles, and core to generate the squeezing pressure, which is much stronger than relying on your arm muscles alone. Flared elbows rely primarily on shoulder and bicep strength, which is significantly weaker and easier for the opponent to endure. The tight elbow position also creates a more acute angle of compression on the neck, focusing the pressure more directly on the carotid arteries. Additionally, tight elbows make it harder for the opponent to strip your grips or create space because your arms are protected by your torso rather than exposed in space where they can be controlled.

Training Progressions

Technical Understanding (Weeks 1-2) (First 2 weeks of learning)

• Focus: Learn the grip mechanics, hand threading, and arm positioning without applying any choking pressure. Practice the sleeve grip and understand the bilateral compression concept through demonstration and slow motion drilling.
• Resistance: Zero resistance
• Safety: Partner remains completely relaxed. Focus is entirely on grip mechanics and body positioning. No pressure is applied to the neck - simply achieve the position and release. Instructor supervision required for all drilling.

Slow Application Practice (Weeks 3-4) (Weeks 3-4)

• Focus: Begin applying light pressure (10-20% maximum) while partner provides feedback on pressure direction and location. Partner should communicate when they feel any pressure on their carotid arteries versus their trachea. Learn to differentiate between safe compression and dangerous crushing.
• Resistance: Zero resistance
• Safety: Constant communication between partners. Use verbal feedback: ‘I feel pressure on the right side’ or ‘That’s on my throat, not the arteries.’ Apply pressure very slowly over 5-7 seconds minimum. Partner should tap early and often to establish safety habits.

Position-Specific Drilling (Weeks 5-8) (Weeks 5-8)

• Focus: Practice each variation (mount, side control, closed guard top) separately with gradual pressure increase to 30-40% maximum. Learn the specific angle adjustments and base requirements for each position. Begin to recognize the different feel of each variation.
• Resistance: Mild resistance
• Safety: Partner can use basic defensive movements like tucking chin or turning head, but should not attempt to escape the position. Continue slow application over 4-5 seconds. Emphasize immediate release upon tap. Practice the full release protocol including checking partner’s consciousness.

Defensive Integration (Weeks 9-12) (Weeks 9-12)

• Focus: Partner begins applying common defenses (chin tuck, wrist control, bridging) while you learn to maintain position and adjust your technique. Practice recognizing when to abandon the attempt versus when to persist. Learn to flow between variations when one is defended.
• Resistance: Realistic resistance
• Safety: Both partners take equal responsibility for safety. Defender should tap as soon as they feel significant carotid compression, not testing their limits. Attacker must recognize that higher resistance requires more careful pressure application. Maximum 50-60% pressure even against full resistance. Both partners should communicate after each repetition about pressure levels.

Live Sparring Integration (Weeks 13+) (Week 13 onwards)

• Focus: Attempt the Ezekiel variations during normal positional sparring and eventually during full sparring rounds. Learn to recognize opportunities and set up the choke within the flow of live rolling. Develop the ability to transition between Ezekiel variations and other submissions.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: In live sparring, apply the choke at 70-80% maximum speed and pressure. Save competition-level application for competition or supervised advanced sparring. Always release immediately upon tap. Be especially cautious with training partners who are new or significantly less experienced. Never ‘test’ how long someone can last in a choke. Monitor your partner’s breathing and awareness throughout.

Advanced Application and Teaching (Ongoing) (Ongoing after blue belt level)

• Focus: Refine the subtle details of each variation, develop your own timing and setups, and begin teaching the technique to others. Work on chaining the Ezekiel with other submissions and positions. Develop situational awareness for when each variation is most effective versus other submission options.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: As a more advanced practitioner, you have increased responsibility for your training partners’ safety. When working with less experienced partners, apply even lighter pressure and release earlier. When teaching, emphasize safety protocols before technique. Always demonstrate proper release protocol. Develop the wisdom to know when to finish a submission versus when to let it go in training to preserve your partner’s health and trust.

From Which Positions?

• Mount
• High Mount
• Modified Mount
• S Mount
• Side Control
• Scarf Hold Position
• Modified Scarf Hold
• Kesa Gatame
• Kuzure Kesa-Gatame
• North-South

Related Submissions

• Ezekiel Choke
• Ezekiel from Mount
• Arm Triangle
• North-South Choke
• Cross Collar Choke
• Loop Choke
• Loop Choke from Mount
• Baseball Bat Choke
• Guillotine Choke
• Anaconda Choke
• Darce Choke
• Breadcutter Choke
• Clock Choke
• Bow and Arrow Choke
• Paper Cutter Choke

Additional Related Content

• Ezekiel Choke - Parent technique - fundamental version from mount
• Ezekiel from Mount - Primary variation - most commonly taught version
• Mount - Primary starting position for classic variation
• Side Control - Alternative starting position for side control variation
• Closed Guard - Unconventional starting position for audacious variation
• Arm Triangle - Alternative gi choke with similar pressure mechanics
• Loop Choke - Related gi choke using sleeve control
• Guillotine Choke - Alternative choke that can be set up from similar positions
• Baseball Bat Choke - Related gi choke using similar cross-collar mechanics
• Positional Hierarchy - Concept explaining why mount and side control variations are higher percentage
• North-South Choke - Related choke from north-south position
• Knee on Belly - Starting position for knee on belly variation

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The Ezekiel Choke represents an elegant demonstration of how the gi becomes a weapon multiplier in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. What makes this submission particularly valuable from a systematic perspective is its applicability across multiple positions within the positional hierarchy. From a mechanical standpoint, the Ezekiel operates on the principle of bilateral compression - you are creating pressure on both carotid arteries simultaneously using your sleeve-wrapped hand on one side and your forearm on the other. The efficiency of the technique comes from the fact that you are using your own gi to extend the reach and surface area of your choking mechanism. When teaching this technique, I emphasize that the critical detail is not strength but rather depth of hand position and coordinated compression. Your hand must thread deep enough across the neck that your thumb passes the centerline - this is the non-negotiable geometric requirement. From there, the finish is purely mechanical: squeeze your elbows together while maintaining chest pressure. The beauty of having multiple variations from different positions is that it allows you to maintain submission threats throughout positional transitions, forcing your opponent to defend both position and submission simultaneously, which creates the decision-making paralysis that we seek to induce in our opponents. Safety-wise, students must understand the distinction between crushing the trachea and compressing the arteries - one is dangerous and ineffective, the other is safe and effective when applied correctly.
• Gordon Ryan: The Ezekiel is one of those submissions that shows up way more in the gi game than people give it credit for, especially at the highest levels. What I love about having the Ezekiel in my arsenal is that it keeps opponents honest even in positions where they think they’re safe. The mount variation is probably my highest percentage version because I can make people so uncomfortable with my pressure that they’re not thinking about defending their neck - they’re just trying to breathe. The key to finishing it in competition is not telegraphing your intentions. I’ll work the position, threaten other submissions like americanas or armbars, and then when they’re occupied defending those, I’ll slide the Ezekiel in. The variation from inside closed guard is actually super effective against guys who play a very tight guard and won’t let you stand up - I’ve caught multiple black belts with this because they simply don’t expect it. In competition, timing is everything - you want to establish the choke when they’re already exhausted from defending your position. I’ll often spend two or three minutes just crushing from mount, making them carry my weight, and then when their defensive reactions slow down, that’s when the Ezekiel becomes available. In training versus competition, there’s a huge difference in application speed. In training, I’m applying this over 3-5 seconds minimum and releasing immediately when they tap. In competition, once I have the grip configuration set, I’m finishing in 1-2 seconds maximum because at that level, everyone knows the escape sequences and your window is very small. The detail that made my Ezekiel way more successful was keeping my elbows absolutely glued to my ribs during the finish - that’s where the real power comes from, not from arm strength.
• Eddie Bravo: Dude, the Ezekiel from inside someone’s closed guard is straight up savage, and it’s become one of the trademark moves in the 10th Planet system even though it’s a gi technique. What we’ve done is take the fundamental mechanics of the Ezekiel and applied them in creative ways, including some no-gi adaptations using the forearm without the sleeve grip. The psychological warfare aspect of the Ezekiel is underrated - when you hit someone with an Ezekiel from inside their own guard, it messes with their head because they’re supposed to be in control in that position. We drill variations where you’re threatening the Ezekiel while simultaneously setting up other attacks, creating multi-layered offensive systems. One of my favorite setups is using the threat of the Ezekiel to get opponents to expose their arms for rubber guard entries or omoplata attacks. In the 10th Planet curriculum, we emphasize the importance of maintaining your safety culture even when you’re working on aggressive submissions like this. The Ezekiel is one of those techniques where ego can get people hurt - both the person applying it and the person being choked. You’ve got to check your ego at the door and tap early in training. We teach students to apply the choke slowly in practice and to be extra cautious because this submission can come on fast once the mechanics are right. The innovation side of the Ezekiel is exploring different grip variations and body angles - we’ve developed versions that work with different collar grips and even some no-gi adaptations using the palm-to-palm or gable grip. The key innovation is understanding that the fundamental principle is bilateral compression, and once you understand that principle, you can create your own variations based on what’s available in the position you’re in.