Sneaky No Gi Ezekiel & Darce Choke for BJJ from a Wrestling Cradle
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Ezekiel Choke·Chewjitsu·Added by Admin
We got a question about an ole wrestling move called the cradle today in this one. Our friend who goes by the name "Le…
Ezekiel Choke
Genus袖車絞(Sode-guruma-jime)
TraditionalTranslation: Sleeve Wheel Strangle
Overview
The Ezekiel choke (sode-guruma-jime) uses the attacker's own gi sleeve as a fulcrum: one arm threads behind the opponent's head, the opposite hand feeds through the sleeve of the first arm, and the fist or forearm drives into the throat while the sleeve-arm provides counter-pressure behind the neck. [1],[2],[3] The sleeve acts as an anchor that prevents the choking arm from slipping and distributes force. [1] The Ezekiel can be applied from mount, side control, inside closed guard, and even from bottom position, making it one of the most versatile gi chokes. [1],[4]
History & Origin
Sode-guruma-jime (袖車絞め, 'sleeve wheel strangle') is a classical Kodokan Judo shime-waza. [2],[3] The technique's common name 'Ezekiel choke' honors Ezequiel Paraguassú, a Brazilian judoka who famously used it while training at BJJ academies in the 1990s, submitting numerous BJJ black belts from inside their guard. [1] The technique became a staple of both judo and BJJ competition worldwide. [1],[4],[5]
Effectiveness
The Ezekiel choke (sode-guruma-jime) uses the sleeve of the gi (or the fist in no-gi) to create a crushing choke from inside the opponent's guard or from mount. [1] It is one of the few submissions regularly applied from inside an opponent's closed guard, making it a valuable counter-attack. [1],[2]
Lineage
Sode-guruma-jime (袖車絞め) is a Kodokan Judo technique from the shime-waza curriculum. [1] It became known as the 'Ezekiel choke' in BJJ after Ezequiel Paraguassu, a Brazilian judoka who trained at Carlson Gracie Academy in the 1990s and repeatedly submitted BJJ black belts with this technique from inside their guard. [2]
Competition Record
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Anterior compression of the trachea and airway — direct pressure on the throat restricts breathing and triggers tap
Joints Involved — Cervical spine (flexion under pressure), hyoid bone region, laryngeal cartilage
Force Vector — Posterior-to-anterior force drives the forearm or wrist blade into the throat
Choking Mechanism — Tracheal compression — restricts air flow rather than blood flow, causing sensation of suffocation
Position & Entry
From mount — Thread one arm behind the opponent's head using the sleeve, feed the fist or forearm across the throat and squeeze
From inside closed guard — While in opponent's guard, thread the sleeve grip behind their head, drive the fist across
From side control — Secure head control, thread the sleeve-assisted grip and apply the cross-throat pressure
Videos
Setting up and finishing the ezekiel choke
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Ezekiel Choke·JeanJacquesMachado
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Ezekiel Choke - From Mount!
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Ezekiel Choke·The Grappling Academy
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The Ezekiel choke is a forearm-and-collar strangle executed from dominant positions such as mount or front headlock control, with variations applicable in both gi and no-gi settings. Chewjitsu emphasizes the no-gi Ezekiel from a wrestling cradle position, using a chin-strap grip to control the neck before sliding the attacking forearm across the carotid with the pinky leading, then securing with the opposite hand and flexing to compress the neck. JeanJacquesMachado teaches the technique primarily from mount, stressing the critical importance of initial cross-face control and armpit grip to bring the opponent close; he describes shooting the hand through like a gun with tightened knuckles across the jawline to block one carotid, then lifting the elbow to block the opposite side, emphasizing that 70% of the choke's effectiveness comes from the initial control hand. The Grappling Academy similarly teaches from mount, adding the crucial tactical detail of pinning the opponent's hands before attacking the neck to neutralize defensive framing, and underscores that finishing power derives primarily from body weight placement—specifically positioning the belly button over the wrist—rather than arm strength. All three instructors agree on the fundamental mechanics of the choke itself (forearm across the neck with hand reinforcement), but they differ in their primary setup positions and entrance strategies, with Chewjitsu favoring the cradle transition, while JeanJacquesMachado and The Grappling Academy focus on mount control.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- Chewjitsu — Sneaky No Gi Ezekiel & Darce Choke for BJJ from a Wrestling Cradle: Demonstrates no-gi Ezekiel from wrestling cradle position using chin-strap grip control; teaches the mechanics of sliding the forearm with pinky over carotid and securing with opposite hand grip; explains the locking mechanics and pressure application.
- JeanJacquesMachado — Setting up and finishing the ezekiel choke: Emphasizes mount position setup with cross-face and armpit grip as foundational control; teaches the shooting motion ('like a gun') with knuckles to block carotid; quantifies that 70% of the choke comes from initial control hand; stresses head positioning and control as determinative of success.
- The Grappling Academy — Ezekiel Choke - From Mount!: Teaches hand-pinning strategy to eliminate defensive framing before neck attack; emphasizes body weight distribution over arm strength for finishing power; provides detailed positioning of shoulder, head, and torso to prevent opponent escape; recommends four-finger gi grip for safety.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
8
Very High8/10
The Ezekiel choke can be applied from mount, guard, or back — versatile and fast-finishing
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
— FIAS Sport Sambo — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFRestricted
— no-gi competition only — technique requires gi
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— technique requires gi — not applicable in MMA
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFLegal
— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes a...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓The Ezekiel choke (Sode Guruma Jime) uses the sleeve of the gi as a fulcrum to strangle the opponent — one hand grips inside the sleeve while the forearm or fist presses into the throat or neck (Kashiwazaki, Shimewaza, 1992)
✓Named after Ezequiel Paraguassu, a Brazilian judoka who used it extensively against BJJ fighters in the 1990s — proving its effectiveness across grappling disciplines
✓The mechanism: one hand threads inside the opposite sleeve, gripping the fabric — the sleeve-gripping forearm presses against one side of the neck while the fist or blade of the free hand presses the other
✓The Ezekiel works from mount, guard, side control, and even from inside the opponent's closed guard — its versatility makes it a universal choking tool
✓From mount: the sleeve grip is established behind the opponent's head, then the free hand slides under the chin — the forearm and fist create a scissors-like compression
✓The gi sleeve acts as a force multiplier: it prevents the choking arm from slipping and provides a rigid structure that amplifies forearm pressure
✓The Ezekiel is one of few submissions regularly finished from inside an opponent's closed guard — the sleeve grip makes it viable even without top position
Common Mistakes
!Not threading deep enough into the sleeve — the gripping hand must go deep enough to create a rigid forearm structure; shallow grips lack compression
!Attempting without the head positioned behind the opponent's head — the sleeve arm must be behind the head to create the proper angle
!Using the fist as the primary choking surface — the fist assists, but the main pressure comes from the forearm of the sleeve-gripping arm rolling into the neck
!Telegraphing by adjusting the sleeve grip — establish the sleeve grip subtly during scrambles or transitions
!Not driving body weight into the choke from mount — lean forward and drive weight through the arms; arm strength alone is insufficient
!Keeping the elbows too wide — bring elbows together to close the scissors; wide elbows reduce compression
!Abandoning the choke when the opponent bridges — maintain the sleeve grip and ride the bridge; the choke often finishes during the opponent's explosive escape attempts
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Tuck Chin — protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinkingTwo-on-One Grip Fight — use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locksTurn Into — rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressurePosture Up — straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle
Setup Chain
1Achieve Controlling Position — secure the position from which the choke is applied
2Isolate the Neck — clear defending hands and establish access to the throat
3Set the Grip — lock the choking configuration (arm, lapel, or leg placement)
4Apply Pressure — squeeze to compress the carotid arteries for the finish
Sources & References
Primary Source
Kodokan Judo — Official Shime-waza #10
1BookKodokan Judo — Official Shime-waza #10
Japanese terminology sourced from Kodokan Judo — Official Shime-waza #10
2BookDrysdale, Robert. The Rise and Evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (2023). ISBN: 979-8358633087
Alias sources — [1] Kodokan Judo (Kano, 1986) [2] Brazilian Portuguese BJJ terminology [3] Brazilian Portuguese BJJ terminology
Official Kodokan ground technique classification system
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
5OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
6CitationKodokan Judo — Official Shime-waza #10
Japanese terminology sourced from Kodokan Judo — Official Shime-waza #10
7CitationDrysdale, Robert. The Rise and Evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (2023). ISBN: 979-8358633087
Alias sources — [1] Kodokan Judo (Kano, 1986) [2] Brazilian Portuguese BJJ terminology [3] Brazilian Portuguese BJJ terminology
Community
Athletics
Requires
forearm strength, wrist control, top position stability
Favours
thick forearms for pressure across the throat
Key muscles
forearm flexors, wrist extensors, core
Sub-techniques
Ezekiel Choke From Guard
SpeciesThe Ezekiel choke from guard is applied by the bottom player who threads one hand inside their own sleeve and wraps it around the opponent's neck, then uses the forearm of the other arm to press across the throat and complete the strangle. [1,2] From closed guard, the attacker pulls the opponent's posture down and secures the sleeve grip behind the head before positioning the choking forearm. [1] This is an unorthodox guard attack that catches opponents off-guard because the Ezekiel is more commonly expected from top positions. [1,2]
1 varieties·1 techniquesExplore
Ezekiel Choke From Mount
SpeciesThe Ezekiel choke from mount uses the sleeve of the gi to create a forearm strangle while the attacker maintains the dominant mounted position. [1,2] The attacker threads one hand through their own sleeve and wraps it behind the opponent's neck, then drives the blade of the opposite forearm across the throat to complete the choke. [1] The mount provides the stability and downward pressure needed to prevent the opponent from creating space, making this one of the highest-percentage positions for the Ezekiel finish. [1,2]
1 varieties·1 techniquesExplore
Notes
The Ezekiel choke appears in 8 passages across 3 books, including Carlson Gracie's 'BJJ for Experts Only' which documents the choke from rear mount, side control, and mount. Named after Brazilian judoka Ezequiel Paraguassu who submitted Carlson Gracie Academy students with it while training for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. (Carlson Gracie & Fernandez, BJJ for Experts Only)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key grip to start the Ezekiel choke in no-gi?
Start with a chin strap grip, placing your hand directly on your opponent's chin. This initial grip allows you to control the head and set up the choke.
How do I maintain control if my opponent defends by bringing their arm down?
Let them bring their arm down, then block that side of their head to lock in the choke. According to Jean Jacques Machado, controlling the head is critical—if you control the head, you control the rest of the body.
What's the importance of the cross face in setting up the Ezekiel?
The cross face is essential for establishing control before the choke. Grab the armpit (or gi if available) and bring your opponent toward you to secure the position before attacking the neck.
How do I prevent my opponent from rolling me when attacking the Ezekiel from mount?
Keep your head down and your shoulder positioned into their jaw—this prevents them from rolling you to that side, since head position controls body position. Once you commit your arm, you become vulnerable to rolls, so shoulder control is critical.
How does the Ezekiel Choke work?
The Ezekiel choke (sode-guruma-jime) uses the attacker's own gi sleeve as a fulcrum: one arm threads behind the opponent's head, the opposite hand feeds through the sleeve of the first arm, and the fist or forearm drives into the throat while the sleeve-arm provides counter-pressure behind the neck. The sleeve acts as an anchor that prevents the choking arm from slipping and distributes force.
Where does the Ezekiel Choke come from?
Sode-guruma-jime (袖車絞め, 'sleeve wheel strangle') is a classical Kodokan Judo shime-waza. The technique's common name 'Ezekiel choke' honors Ezequiel Paraguassú, a Brazilian judoka who famously used it while training at BJJ academies in the 1990s, submitting numerous BJJ black belts from inside their guard.
Is the Ezekiel Choke legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes are the safest submission cat…; IJF: legal — Legal (shime-waza) — strangulation techniques are one of three permitted subm…; ADCC: restricted — N/A (no-gi competition only — technique requires gi); Unified MMA: restricted — N/A (technique requires gi — not applicable in MMA); FIAS Sport Sambo: banned — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Ezekiel Choke?
Danger rating 8/10. The Ezekiel choke can be applied from mount, guard, or back — versatile and fast-finishing
How do I set up the Ezekiel Choke?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Controlling Position → Isolate the Neck → Set the Grip → Apply Pressure.
How do I defend against the Ezekiel Choke?
Standard counters include: Tuck Chin — protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinking / Two-on-One Grip Fight — use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locks / Turn Into — rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressure / Posture Up — straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle.
What are the variants of the Ezekiel Choke?
Common variants: Gi Ezekiel (uses the sleeve for the choking grip, traditional technique); No-gi Ezekiel (uses the fist or forearm across the throat without sleeve…); Reverse Ezekiel (applied from the bottom position when opponent is in your…).
How effective is the Ezekiel Choke in competition?
Aleksei Oleinik holds the record for most Ezekiel choke finishes in UFC/MMA history with multiple wins using the technique. The technique remains common in judo ne-waza competition at IJF events.
What are common mistakes when doing the Ezekiel Choke?
Top errors to watch for: Not threading deep enough into the sleeve — the gripping hand must go deep enough to create a rigid forearm structure… / Attempting without the head positioned behind the opponent's head — the sleeve arm must be behind the head to create … / Using the fist as the primary choking surface — the fist assists, but the main pressure comes from the forearm of the… / Telegraphing by adjusting the sleeve grip — establish the sleeve grip subtly during scrambles or transitions.
What are other names for the Ezekiel Choke?
The Ezekiel Choke is also known as Sode-guruma-jime, Estrangulamento de Ezequiel, Sleeve Wheel Choke.