Ezekiel from Mount

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

The Ezekiel Choke from Mount is one of the most fundamental and high-percentage submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, particularly effective in gi training. This technique combines positional dominance with a devastating choke that can be applied even when the opponent defends well against other mount attacks. The Ezekiel works by using your own gi sleeve as a fulcrum to compress the carotid arteries and windpipe simultaneously, creating both a blood and air choke that produces rapid submission.

What makes the Ezekiel from Mount particularly effective is its ability to circumvent common defensive frames. While opponents often successfully defend armbars and americanas by keeping their elbows tight, the Ezekiel can be applied directly through their defensive posture. The technique requires precise hand positioning and understanding of leverage mechanics, using the blade of your forearm against one side of the neck while the gi-gripped hand pulls from the opposite side.

Historically attributed to judoka Ezequiel Paraguassu who successfully used it in BJJ competition, this choke has become a staple of top game attacks. It works equally well from high mount, low mount, and even modified mount positions, making it an essential tool for maintaining offensive pressure while in dominant positions. The submission can be set up as a primary attack or used as part of a chain when opponents defend other mount submissions.

Category: Choke Type: Blood Choke Target Area: Carotid arteries and windpipe Starting Position: Mount Success Rates: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70%

Safety Guide

Injury Risks:

Injury	Severity	Recovery Time
Carotid artery compression leading to unconsciousness	High	Immediate recovery if released promptly; potential complications if held too long
Trachea damage from excessive pressure	Medium	1-2 weeks for minor bruising; 4-6 weeks for severe damage
Neck strain or cervical spine stress	Low	3-7 days for minor strain
Jaw or facial bone stress from improper positioning	Low	1-2 weeks

Application Speed: SLOW and progressive - 3-5 seconds minimum from initial contact to full pressure. In training, apply at 50% speed and pressure.

Tap Signals:

• Verbal tap (saying ‘tap’ or ‘stop’)
• Physical hand tap on partner or mat
• Physical foot tap on mat
• Any unusual sound or distress signal
• Loss of resistance or going limp (IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

Release Protocol:

1. Immediately release the choking hand grip on the sleeve
2. Remove pressure from the blade-side arm across the neck
3. Maintain mount position but elevate posture to ensure airway is clear
4. Monitor partner’s breathing and consciousness
5. If partner was unconscious, elevate legs and ensure medical attention if needed
6. Never resume training immediately after a choke that caused unconsciousness

Training Restrictions:

• Never apply this choke at competition speed during training
• Never use jerking or explosive movements to finish
• Never continue pressure after tap or loss of resistance
• Always ensure partner has clear access to tap with at least one hand
• Never practice on partners with neck injuries or medical conditions
• Beginners should only practice under direct instructor supervision
• Never combine with other pressure techniques simultaneously

Key Principles

• Maintain solid mount position throughout the entire submission sequence - losing mount negates the control advantage
• Create a blade with the forearm that crosses the throat at a 45-degree angle to maximize carotid compression
• Use the gi sleeve grip as an anchor point to generate pulling force from the opposite side of the neck
• Keep your weight distributed forward and your head low to prevent opponent from bridging or escaping
• Apply pressure gradually and bilaterally - both sides of the neck must be compressed simultaneously for maximum effectiveness
• Control the opponent’s head position to prevent them from turning into or away from the choke
• Maintain tight elbows to your body to create a compact, strong structure that can’t be easily defended

Prerequisites

• Secure and stable mount position with weight distributed forward over opponent’s chest
• Opponent’s arms must be controlled or neutralized to prevent effective hand fighting
• Your gi sleeves must be accessible for gripping (not trapped under opponent’s body)
• Sufficient base width to prevent being swept while executing the choke
• Head positioning that prevents opponent from turning away or creating space
• Hip pressure maintaining opponent flat on their back without ability to bridge effectively
• Proper distance management - close enough to apply choke but far enough to prevent opponent from controlling your head

Execution Steps

1. Establish Dominant Mount: Begin in a solid mount position with your weight distributed forward toward the opponent’s head. Your knees should be tight to their sides, and your hips should be low and heavy on their chest. Keep your base wide enough for stability but narrow enough to maintain control. Position your head over their head to prevent bridging escapes. (Timing: Establish within first 2-3 seconds of achieving mount) [Pressure: Moderate]
2. Grip Your Own Sleeve: Reach across your body with your right hand (or left, depending on preference) and grip deep into your opposite sleeve, ideally 4-6 inches above your wrist. The grip should be a thumb-in grip that creates a solid anchor point. This sleeve will become the fulcrum for your choke. Ensure the grip is secure before proceeding, as losing this grip during execution will compromise the entire technique. (Timing: 1-2 seconds for secure grip establishment) [Pressure: Firm]
3. Insert Choking Arm Across Throat: Slide your sleeve-gripped hand (still holding your opposite sleeve) underneath the opponent’s head, threading it across their throat from one side to the other. The blade of your forearm should make contact with one side of their neck at approximately a 45-degree angle. Your hand will emerge on the opposite side of their neck. Keep your elbow tight to your body to maintain structure and prevent the opponent from controlling this arm. (Timing: 2-3 seconds, moving smoothly to avoid alerting opponent) [Pressure: Light]
4. Establish Second Hand Position: With your free hand (the one whose sleeve you’re gripping), reach behind the opponent’s head and find the back of their neck or the base of their skull. This hand will provide the pulling force that completes the choke. Your palm should be facing down with fingers wrapped around toward the opposite side of their neck. Position this hand so you have maximum leverage for the pulling motion. (Timing: 1-2 seconds for optimal placement) [Pressure: Light]
5. Create the Choking Frame: Begin tightening the choke by simultaneously pulling with the hand behind their head while maintaining the blade position across their throat with your forearm. Your elbows should come together, creating a scissoring action that compresses both carotid arteries. The hand gripping your sleeve acts as a fixed point while the hand behind the head pulls toward that point. Keep your weight forward and head down to prevent escapes. (Timing: Apply pressure over 3-4 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
6. Finish the Submission: Complete the choke by drawing your elbows tightly together while driving your chest down toward the opponent. The pulling hand behind their head should move in a circular motion toward the sleeve grip, not straight back. Simultaneously, angle your blade-side forearm deeper across their throat to maximize compression. The finish should create bilateral pressure on both carotid arteries. Monitor for the tap and release immediately upon feeling or seeing any tap signal. (Timing: Final pressure applied over 2-3 seconds in training; immediate tap expected) [Pressure: Maximum]
7. Secure Position or Release: If the opponent taps, immediately release the choke by opening your arms and removing pressure from the neck while maintaining mount position. If continuing positional control, transition to a different attack or maintain mount with hands posted for base. Never maintain choking pressure after a tap. Elevate your posture slightly to ensure the opponent can breathe freely while you maintain positional dominance. (Timing: Immediate release upon tap) [Pressure: Light]

Opponent Defenses

• Framing against the choking arm to prevent insertion (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Use your free hand to clear their defensive frames by controlling their wrists or elbows. Alternatively, fake the Ezekiel entry to bait the frame, then attack with armbar or americana when their arms extend. Can also switch to opposite-side Ezekiel to circumvent the frame.
• Turning the head away from the choking arm (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Use your chest and shoulder to control their head position, preventing rotation. Drive your weight forward to pin their head in place. If they successfully turn, adjust your angle and pursue the choke from the new orientation, or transition to a mounted triangle or back take.
• Bridging explosively to create space or escape mount (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Keep your weight distributed forward with head over their head to minimize bridge effectiveness. Widen your base momentarily to absorb the bridge, then immediately return to tight mount. Post your free hand if necessary for balance while maintaining the sleeve grip for the choke.
• Grabbing and controlling the choking arm with both hands (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: When they commit both hands to defending the Ezekiel, their body becomes vulnerable to other attacks. Transition immediately to armbar by isolating one of their defending arms, or switch to an americana on the extended arm. This is often a trap that high-level players set intentionally.
• Tucking the chin deeply to protect the neck (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: The Ezekiel works through a tucked chin due to the bilateral pressure and the use of your own gi as leverage. Continue applying the choke with proper technique - the chin tuck may slow but won’t prevent the submission. Adjust your blade angle slightly upward to get under the chin if needed.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Applying the choke with only arm strength instead of using body weight and structure [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Weak choke that burns out your arms and gives opponent time to escape or defend effectively
  • Correction: Drive your chest and shoulder into the choke while keeping elbows tight to your body. Use your entire upper body weight to create pressure, not just your biceps. The power comes from your posture and structure, not muscular force.
• Mistake: Sitting up too high or back on the hips during the choke attempt [Medium DANGER]
  • Consequence: Creates space for opponent to bridge, trap an arm, and execute sweep or escape. Loss of dominant position entirely.
  • Correction: Keep your weight distributed forward with your chest over the opponent’s chest and head low. Your hips should be heavy on their torso, preventing any bridging motion. Stay compact and tight throughout the entire submission sequence.
• Mistake: Failing to control the opponent’s head position before or during the choke [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent can turn their head to relieve pressure or create angles for escape. Reduces choke effectiveness significantly.
  • Correction: Use your chest, shoulder, and head position to pin their head in place. Your body weight should prevent them from turning in any direction. Drive forward to lock their head between your arms and chest.
• Mistake: Gripping the sleeve too shallow or losing the sleeve grip during execution [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Loss of leverage and structural integrity in the choke. The submission becomes weak or impossible to finish.
  • Correction: Grip deep into your sleeve (4-6 inches above the wrist) with a thumb-in grip before starting the choke sequence. Maintain this grip throughout the entire technique. If you lose it, reset the position rather than trying to finish with a compromised grip.
• Mistake: Using explosive or jerking motions to apply the choke [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: High risk of neck or trachea injury to training partner. Can cause loss of consciousness without warning. Violates training safety protocols.
  • Correction: Apply the choke with smooth, progressive pressure over 3-5 seconds minimum in training. Allow your partner time to recognize the danger and tap. Competition finishing speed is only appropriate in competition, never in training.
• Mistake: Continuing to apply pressure after feeling a tap or seeing loss of resistance [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Severe injury including unconsciousness, trachea damage, or prolonged oxygen deprivation. Potential permanent injury and violation of training partnership trust.
  • Correction: Release immediately upon any tap signal. If your partner goes limp or stops resisting, assume unconsciousness and release instantly. Monitor their breathing and consciousness. Never assume they’re ‘tough’ and continue pressure.
• Mistake: Placing the forearm blade directly on the trachea instead of targeting carotids [High DANGER]
  • Consequence: Painful air choke instead of blood choke, increased risk of trachea injury, partner may panic instead of tap calmly
  • Correction: Angle your forearm at 45 degrees across the neck so the blade contacts the side of the neck (carotid) rather than the front (trachea). The choke should compress both sides of the neck bilaterally for a clean blood choke that produces unconsciousness in 5-10 seconds without pain.

Variations

Reverse Ezekiel from Mount: Instead of threading the arm under the head, this variation places the choking arm over the opponent’s face and across the throat from above. The mechanics remain similar but the angle of attack is different, making it useful when the standard Ezekiel entry is defended. (When to use: Use when opponent successfully blocks the under-the-head entry or when you’re in a higher mount position. Particularly effective against opponents who frame aggressively with their hands near their face.)

Ezekiel from High Mount: Execute the Ezekiel while positioned very high on the opponent’s chest with your knees near their armpits. This variation offers superior control and prevents escapes, though it requires more flexibility to reach around their head. The higher position makes the choke tighter and harder to defend. (When to use: Use when you’ve achieved a dominant high mount and the opponent is defensive. This position prevents bridge escapes and makes the choke nearly impossible to defend once locked in.)

Ezekiel as a Setup for Armbar: Use the Ezekiel attempt as a feint to draw the opponent’s defensive reaction. When they commit both hands to defending the neck, immediately transition to an armbar by isolating one of the defending arms. This creates a high-percentage attacking system from mount. (When to use: Use against opponents who are aware of the Ezekiel and defend it aggressively. The defensive reaction opens up arm isolation opportunities that might not otherwise exist.)

One-Armed Ezekiel from Mount: A variation where you thread your arm under their head but use your own hand to grip behind their neck instead of gripping your sleeve. While less powerful than the traditional version, this allows for faster application and works well in scrambles or transitional moments. (When to use: Use in no-gi situations or when your sleeve is inaccessible. Also effective as a surprise attack when transitioning to mount or in scramble situations where speed is essential.)

Ezekiel from Technical Mount: Apply the Ezekiel when in technical mount position (mount with one knee up near opponent’s head). This variation offers excellent control and makes the choke very tight due to the asymmetrical positioning, while the raised knee prevents the opponent from turning into you. (When to use: Use when you’ve achieved technical mount or when the opponent begins to turn to their side. This position combines the control benefits of technical mount with the finishing power of the Ezekiel.)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What is the primary safety consideration when applying the Ezekiel choke in training, and what is the minimum time frame for application? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: The primary safety consideration is applying the choke with slow, progressive pressure rather than explosive force to prevent neck injury and give the partner adequate time to tap. The minimum application time in training should be 3-5 seconds from initial contact to full pressure, applied at approximately 50% of competition speed. This allows the partner to recognize the danger, make a technical decision, and tap safely before injury occurs.

Q2: Why is the Ezekiel choke particularly effective from mount even when the opponent maintains tight defensive elbows? A: The Ezekiel choke circumvents the primary defensive posture of keeping elbows tight to the body because it attacks the neck directly rather than requiring arm isolation. Unlike the armbar or americana which require extending the opponent’s arm, the Ezekiel can be applied through their defensive frame by threading under their head. The technique uses your own gi sleeve as a lever, creating a choking mechanism that doesn’t depend on the opponent’s arms being out of position, making it one of the few high-percentage mount attacks that works against a properly defensive opponent.

Q3: What anatomical structures does the Ezekiel choke target, and why is proper blade angle critical for both effectiveness and safety? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: The Ezekiel primarily targets the carotid arteries on both sides of the neck through bilateral compression, while secondarily affecting the windpipe. Proper blade angle (approximately 45 degrees across the throat) is critical because it ensures the forearm contacts the sides of the neck where the carotid arteries are located, creating a blood choke rather than an air choke. An incorrect angle that places the forearm directly on the trachea creates a painful air choke that is less effective, gives the opponent more time to escape, and significantly increases the risk of trachea injury. The 45-degree angle ensures maximum effectiveness with minimum injury risk.

Q4: Describe the mechanical relationship between the sleeve-gripping hand and the pulling hand, and explain why both are essential to the choke’s effectiveness? A: The sleeve-gripping hand acts as a fixed anchor point or fulcrum that creates structural integrity for the choke, while the pulling hand behind the opponent’s head provides the dynamic force that closes the choke. Together they create a scissoring action where the forearm blade (attached to the sleeve grip) remains stationary against one side of the neck while the opposite hand pulls toward it, compressing both carotid arteries simultaneously. Without the sleeve grip, the choking arm has no solid anchor and can be pushed away. Without the pulling hand, there’s insufficient force to complete the compression. The effectiveness comes from this bilateral pressure system that attacks both sides of the neck at once.

Q5: What positional adjustments must you make to prevent common mount escapes while executing the Ezekiel choke? A: To prevent escapes during the Ezekiel, you must maintain forward weight distribution with your chest over the opponent’s chest and your head positioned over their head to prevent bridging. Your hips should remain low and heavy on their torso, not sitting back. Your base should be wide enough for stability but your knees must stay tight to their sides to prevent hip escape. The key is keeping your weight distributed forward throughout the entire choke sequence - if you sit back or up to get more pulling power, you create space for bridge-and-roll escapes or hip escapes. Your free hand should be ready to post for balance if they attempt explosive escapes, while your choking structure remains intact.

Q6: If your training partner defends the Ezekiel by grabbing your choking arm with both hands, what is the correct tactical response and why? A: When the opponent commits both hands to defending the Ezekiel by controlling your choking arm, they have created a tactical vulnerability by extending their arms and leaving them exposed. The correct response is to immediately transition to an armbar or americana on one of the extended defending arms. This is actually a common trap that advanced practitioners set intentionally - they threaten the Ezekiel knowing that the defensive reaction opens up arm attacks. You should maintain your mount position, release the Ezekiel grip, and isolate one of their extended arms for an armbar by shifting your weight and pivoting into the armbar position. This creates a high-percentage attacking system where the Ezekiel threat and arm attacks feed into each other.

Q7: What immediate actions must you take if your training partner goes limp or shows loss of resistance during the Ezekiel choke application? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: You must immediately and completely release all choking pressure by opening your arms and removing your forearm from contact with their neck. Maintain mount position for control but elevate your posture to ensure their airway is completely clear. Monitor their breathing and level of consciousness closely. If they were rendered unconscious, elevate their legs above heart level to promote blood flow to the brain and ensure they receive medical attention if needed. Never assume they’re just ‘playing possum’ or being tough - loss of resistance always means immediate release. Never resume training immediately after a choke that caused unconsciousness. This is a critical safety protocol that must never be violated.

Training Progressions

Technical Understanding (Weeks 1-2)

• Focus: Learn proper hand positioning, sleeve gripping mechanics, and basic body positioning without applying any choking pressure. Study anatomy of the neck and understand carotid vs trachea targeting. Shadow drill the movements in isolation.
• Resistance: None
• Safety: Understand all safety protocols before applying any pressure. Learn to recognize tap signals and practice immediate release protocols. Study the difference between blood chokes and air chokes. Understand injury mechanisms and prevention.

Positional Drilling (Weeks 3-4)

• Focus: Practice achieving proper mount position and maintaining it while threading the arm and establishing grips. Partner provides zero resistance. Focus on smooth movement and maintaining base. Drill entries from different mount variations (low, high, technical). No choking pressure applied - stop at the point of establishing both grips.
• Resistance: Zero resistance
• Safety: Practice releasing grips on verbal ‘tap’ command even though no pressure is applied. Build muscle memory for immediate release response. Monitor partner comfort with head control and arm positioning.

Light Pressure Application (Weeks 5-8)

• Focus: Begin applying light choking pressure (20-30% of maximum) with crystal clear communication. Partner should tap very early to familiarize both practitioners with the feeling of the choke at various stages. Practice recognizing when the choke is properly positioned vs when it’s on the trachea. Drill various defensive scenarios with partner showing different reactions.
• Resistance: Mild resistance
• Safety: Apply pressure over minimum 5-7 seconds. Stop immediately at any tap signal. Partners should communicate verbally about pressure levels and comfort. Never apply surprise pressure. Begin drilling release protocols under various scenarios.

Progressive Resistance (Weeks 9-12)

• Focus: Partner provides realistic defensive resistance including frames, head movement, and bridge attempts. Practice maintaining mount and adapting the choke against common defenses. Begin integrating the Ezekiel into attacking chains with armbars and americanas. Apply moderate pressure (50-60% of maximum) with controlled timing.
• Resistance: Realistic resistance
• Safety: Maintain 3-5 second minimum application time even with resistance. Practice scenarios where partner defends and you must reset or transition rather than forcing the choke. Emphasize smooth pressure increase and monitoring partner’s status throughout.

Live Rolling Integration (Weeks 13-20)

• Focus: Apply the Ezekiel during live rolling from mount positions. Practice recognizing the opportunity window for the choke during dynamic exchanges. Develop sensitivity for when the choke is available vs when to transition to other attacks. Begin developing personal variations and setups based on body type and style.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: Never exceed 70-80% pressure in training regardless of rolling intensity. Remember that competition-speed application is only for competition. Maintain communication with regular training partners about pressure preferences. Practice releasing even when you believe the choke isn’t tight enough to be dangerous.

Advanced Application and Teaching (Ongoing)

• Focus: Develop high-level setups, combination attacks using the Ezekiel as a threat. Teach the technique to junior students with emphasis on safety. Explore no-gi variations and adaptations. Study competition footage of high-level Ezekiel applications. Develop counter strategies from the bottom to understand defensive nuances.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: As you become proficient, the danger actually increases because the choke becomes faster and more effective. Maintain strict discipline with safety protocols regardless of skill level. When teaching, emphasize safety first before effectiveness. Monitor junior students closely when they begin practicing this technique.

From Which Positions?

• Mount
• High Mount
• Modified Mount
• S Mount
• Technical Mount
• Side Control
• Kesa Gatame
• Scarf Hold Position
• North-South
• Knee on Belly

Related Submissions

• Ezekiel Choke
• Ezekiel Variations
• Arm Triangle
• Cross Collar Choke
• Rear Naked Choke
• Guillotine Choke
• Loop Choke
• Breadcutter Choke
• Baseball Bat Choke
• Americana from Mount
• Kimura from Mount
• Armbar from Mount
• Triangle from Mount
• North-South Choke
• Paper Cutter Choke

Additional Related Content

• Mount - Primary starting position for this technique
• High Mount - Superior position variation that makes the choke more effective
• Technical Mount - Alternative position from which this choke can be applied with excellent control
• Mount Control - Control concepts essential for maintaining position during submission
• Ezekiel Choke - Parent technique - fundamental Ezekiel applicable from multiple positions
• Ezekiel Variations - Variation collection including reverse Ezekiel and no-gi adaptations
• Armbar from Mount - Primary combination attack when opponent defends Ezekiel by grabbing your arm
• Americana from Mount - Alternative submission when opponent extends arms to defend Ezekiel
• Cross Collar Choke - Related gi-based choke from guard using similar leverage principles
• Arm Triangle - Related choke from top positions using similar bilateral pressure concepts
• Rear Naked Choke - Similar bilateral carotid compression mechanics from different position
• Submission Chains - Concept system for linking Ezekiel with other mount attacks

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The Ezekiel choke from mount represents one of the most mechanically efficient submissions in grappling when properly understood. The genius of this technique lies in its use of your own gi as a fixed anchor point, creating a structural advantage that cannot be easily defeated by strength alone. The key mechanical insight is understanding that this is fundamentally a bilateral carotid compression accomplished through a scissoring action - your blade-side forearm remains relatively stationary while your pulling hand creates the dynamic force that closes the mechanism. Many practitioners make the critical error of trying to generate all the force with their arms, leading to weak chokes that can be defended. Instead, one must understand that the power comes from driving your entire upper body into the choke while maintaining structural integrity through tight elbows and forward weight distribution. The safety consideration here is paramount - because this choke can be applied through defensive frames and works even against a tucked chin, it can be deceptively fast and effective. In training, we must apply pressure progressively over several seconds to allow our partner adequate time to recognize the danger and tap. The biomechanical efficiency that makes this choke so effective also makes it potentially dangerous if applied with competition intensity in the training room. From a systematic perspective, the Ezekiel should never be viewed in isolation but rather as part of an integrated mount attacking system where the threat of the choke opens opportunities for arm attacks, and vice versa.
• Gordon Ryan: In competition, the Ezekiel from mount is one of my highest-percentage finishes because it works against elite-level defense when other submissions might be blocked. Here’s what makes it competition-viable: it doesn’t require your opponent to make a mistake with their arm positioning like the armbar or americana does. Even when they’re defending perfectly with tight elbows, the Ezekiel still attacks directly. The competitive application differs significantly from training - in competition, once I have both grips established and my positioning is correct, I can finish this choke in under two seconds with explosive pressure. That speed is absolutely critical at the highest levels where any hesitation gives elite opponents time to escape or counter. However, and this is crucial, that competition-speed application has no place in the training room. When I drill this with training partners, I’m applying maybe 60-70% pressure maximum and taking 4-5 seconds to finish, giving them plenty of time to tap. The distinction between training and competition application cannot be overstated with chokes. In competition, I’m also using the Ezekiel threat constantly to set up armbars - I’ll threaten the Ezekiel, and when my opponent commits both hands to defend it, I immediately transition to isolate one of those arms for the finish. This creates a problem where they’re forced to choose between defending the choke or protecting their arms, and either choice leads to a submission. The mount position itself is what makes this whole system work - if you can’t maintain a dominant mount with forward pressure while attacking, none of these submissions will be successful against quality opponents.
• Eddie Bravo: The Ezekiel is one of those old-school techniques that still works at the highest levels because the fundamental mechanics are sound, man. What I love about it is how it fits into the overall submission chain from mount - you can threaten it, transition to armbars when they defend, go back to the Ezekiel when they pull their arms back, and keep that cycle going until something finishes. In the 10th Planet system, we’ve adapted this for no-gi by using the one-armed variation or what we call the ‘arm-in Ezekiel’ where you thread your arm under their head but use your hand behind their neck instead of gripping a sleeve. It’s not quite as powerful as the gi version, but it’s still highly effective and catches people by surprise in no-gi competition. One thing I emphasize with all my students is developing a safety culture around chokes, especially the Ezekiel. Because it can be finished so quickly and works through their defenses, there’s a real temptation to just crank it on in training, but that’s how people get hurt. We drill it slowly, progressively, and always with clear communication. The other innovative aspect we explore is using the Ezekiel as a control position rather than just a finish - you can establish the grips and use that threat to control their movement and reactions, opening up other attacks. From high mount especially, the Ezekiel becomes this constant pressure that makes everything else work better. The key is staying creative with how you set it up - fake going for an americana, then switch to the Ezekiel when they defend. Or act like you’re posting for base, then suddenly thread the arm under. That element of surprise combined with solid fundamentals is what makes techniques truly effective at the highest levels.