Secrets to take your Ezekiel choke to the NEXT LEVEL
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Ezekiel Choke From Guard Sleeve Grip FinishΒ·Matt Arroyo Jiu Jitsu
Translation: Sleeve Wheel Strangle β From Guard, Sleeve Grip Finish
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The Ezekiel choke from guard with sleeve grip finish uses the attacker's own gi sleeve as a lever to compress the opponent's neck from the bottom guard position. [1] The attacker threads one arm behind the opponent's neck, grips the inside of their own opposite sleeve with the threading hand, then drives the free forearm across the opponent's throat while pulling the sleeve grip to tighten. [1],[2] The sleeve provides a critical mechanical advantage β it prevents the choking arm from slipping and creates a ratcheting effect where each increment of tightening is locked in by fabric friction. [2] This is an unusual submission from guard, as most Ezekiel attacks are launched from top position. [2],[3]
History & Origin
The Ezekiel choke is named after Brazilian judoka Ezequiel ParaguassΓΊ, who used it extensively at the 1988 Olympics. [1] The guard application developed as BJJ players experimented with the technique from bottom position, finding it particularly effective as a surprise attack against opponents focused on passing. [2],[3]
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- BrazilBJJ, Submission Grappling, MMA
- Japanθ’θ»η΅οΌγ¬γΌγγγγ»θ’εγδ»δΈγοΌ(Sode-guruma-jime β From Guard, Sleeve Grip Finish)BJJ, Judo, Submission Grappling
- USASubmission Grappling, MMA
- RussiaSambo
Effectiveness
The sleeve grip finish variation of the Ezekiel uses the gi sleeve as a fulcrum to enhance the choking pressure from inside guard. [1]
Lineage
The sleeve-grip Ezekiel was the original form of the technique as used by Ezequiel Paraguassu. [1]
Competition Record
Sleeve-grip Ezekiel chokes are used in gi competition at IBJJF events. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action β Anterior compression of the trachea and airway β direct pressure on the throat restricts breathing and triggers tap
Joints Involved β Cervical spine (flexion under pressure), hyoid bone region, laryngeal cartilage
Force Vector β Posterior-to-anterior force drives the forearm or wrist blade into the throat
Choking Mechanism β Tracheal compression β restricts air flow rather than blood flow, causing sensation of suffocation
Position & Entry
From closed guard (gi) β Secure deep cross-collar grip, feed second hand to the opposite collar, close elbows and squeeze
From closed guard (no-gi) β Break posture, wrap neck with arm, secure the choking configuration using head and arm control
From open guard β Use spider or collar-sleeve grips to break posture, transition to the choking position
Variants
Gi Ezekiel β uses the sleeve for the choking grip, traditional technique
No-gi Ezekiel β uses the fist or forearm across the throat without sleeve assistance
Reverse Ezekiel β applied from the bottom position when opponent is in your guard
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
8
Very High8/10
Sleeve grip finish uses the gi sleeve to create the choking fulcrum from within guard
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
β FIAS Sport Sambo β All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFRestricted
β no-gi competition only β technique requires gi
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDFβ technique requires gi β not applicable in MMA
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFLegal
β IBJJF β Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi β chokes a...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDFβ shime-waza
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFβ FIAS Combat Sambo β Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
βThe sleeve-grip finish variation of the guard Ezekiel emphasises the gi sleeve as the primary choking mechanism β the sleeve fabric wraps around the neck to create a tighter, more secure strangle than the fist variation (Kashiwazaki, Shimewaza, 1992)
βThe sleeve-grip finish: instead of using the fist or blade hand, the free hand grips the inside of the same sleeve that the other hand occupies β both hands share the sleeve to create a fabric loop around the neck
βThis creates a 'double-sleeve' configuration: both forearms are connected through the sleeve fabric, forming a rigid frame that compresses the neck from both sides
βThe advantage over the fist finish: the double-sleeve grip is harder to defend because there is no hand or fist to push away β the fabric wraps around the neck seamlessly
βFrom guard: establish the standard Ezekiel position, then instead of placing the fist under the chin, thread the second hand into the same sleeve β the fabric loop cinches the neck
βThe finish requires less strength than the fist variation: the fabric handles the compression; the hands only need to maintain their positions inside the sleeve
βThis variation is particularly effective when the opponent tucks their chin: the fabric can slide under the chin more easily than a fist
Common Mistakes
!Not having enough sleeve length for both hands β some gi sleeves are too short; verify there's sufficient fabric before attempting the double-sleeve grip
!Threading the second hand from the wrong direction β both hands should grip inside the sleeve from opposite ends so the fabric wraps the neck
!Losing the original sleeve position while adding the second hand β maintain the first hand's grip while the second hand enters the sleeve
!Attempting to squeeze rather than tighten the loop β the fabric does the work; focus on positioning the loop correctly around the neck rather than muscular compression
!Not driving forward β from guard, lean into the choke to load body weight into the fabric loop
!Taking too long to establish the second grip β the double-sleeve setup takes slightly longer than the fist finish; speed is critical to prevent defence
!Ignoring sweep threats β both hands inside the sleeve makes you vulnerable to guard sweeps; maintain base awareness
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Tuck Chin β protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinkingTwo-on-One Grip Fight β use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locksTurn Into β rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressurePosture Up β straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle
Setup Chain
1Achieve Controlling Position β secure the position from which the choke is applied
2Isolate the Neck β clear defending hands and establish access to the throat
3Set the Grip β lock the choking configuration (arm, lapel, or leg placement)
4Apply Pressure β squeeze to compress the carotid arteries for the finish
Sources & References
Primary Source
Kodokan Judo β Sode-guruma-jime
1BookKodokan Judo β Sode-guruma-jime
Japanese terminology sourced from Kodokan Judo β Sode-guruma-jime
Official Kodokan ground technique classification system
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
4OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (ζ¦ιη¨θͺ)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention β native Japanese term (εθͺ/ζΌ’θͺ)
5CitationKodokan Judo β Sode-guruma-jime
Japanese terminology sourced from Kodokan Judo β Sode-guruma-jime
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent my opponent from slipping out of the Ezekiel choke from guard?
Matt Arroyo emphasizes keeping a tight wristwatch grip into the neckβthis connection is what seals the choke and prevents escape.
How does the Ezekiel Choke From Guard Sleeve Grip Finish work?
The Ezekiel choke from guard with sleeve grip finish uses the attacker's own gi sleeve as a lever to compress the opponent's neck from the bottom guard position. The attacker threads one arm behind the opponent's neck, grips the inside of their own opposite sleeve with the threading hand, then drives the free forearm across the opponent's throat while pulling the sleeve grip to tighten.
Where does the Ezekiel Choke From Guard Sleeve Grip Finish come from?
The Ezekiel choke is named after Brazilian judoka Ezequiel ParaguassΓΊ, who used it extensively at the 1988 Olympics. The guard application developed as BJJ players experimented with the technique from bottom position, finding it particularly effective as a surprise attack against opponents focused on passing.
Is the Ezekiel Choke From Guard Sleeve Grip Finish legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal β Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi β chokes are the safest submission catβ¦; IJF: legal β Legal (shime-waza) β strangulation techniques are one of three permitted submβ¦; ADCC: restricted β N/A (no-gi competition only β technique requires gi); Unified MMA: restricted β N/A (technique requires gi β not applicable in MMA); FIAS Sport Sambo: banned β All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal β Legal
How dangerous is the Ezekiel Choke From Guard Sleeve Grip Finish?
Danger rating 8/10. Sleeve grip finish uses the gi sleeve to create the choking fulcrum from within guard
How do I set up the Ezekiel Choke From Guard Sleeve Grip Finish?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Controlling Position β Isolate the Neck β Set the Grip β Apply Pressure.
How do I defend against the Ezekiel Choke From Guard Sleeve Grip Finish?
Standard counters include: Tuck Chin β protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinking / Two-on-One Grip Fight β use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locks / Turn Into β rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressure / Posture Up β straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle.
What are the variants of the Ezekiel Choke From Guard Sleeve Grip Finish?
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 sleeveβ¦); Reverse Ezekiel (applied from the bottom position when opponent is in yourβ¦).
How effective is the Ezekiel Choke From Guard Sleeve Grip Finish in competition?
Sleeve-grip Ezekiel chokes are used in gi competition at IBJJF events.
What are common mistakes when doing the Ezekiel Choke From Guard Sleeve Grip Finish?
Top errors to watch for: Not having enough sleeve length for both hands β some gi sleeves are too short; verify there's sufficient fabric befoβ¦ / Threading the second hand from the wrong direction β both hands should grip inside the sleeve from opposite ends so tβ¦ / Losing the original sleeve position while adding the second hand β maintain the first hand's grip while the second haβ¦ / Attempting to squeeze rather than tighten the loop β the fabric does the work; focus on positioning the loop correctlβ¦.
What are other names for the Ezekiel Choke From Guard Sleeve Grip Finish?
The Ezekiel Choke From Guard Sleeve Grip Finish is also known as Sode-guruma-jime β From Guard, Sleeve Grip Finish, Guard Sleeve-Grip Ezekiel, Sode-guruma from Guard β Sleeve Finish.