Side Control Foundation and Arm Isolation

Wiltse emphasizes maintaining square side control with heavy prioritization on isolating the opponent's upper arm. He uses multiple pressure points—knee wedging, pinch pressure, pull-up pressure, and hip pressure—to keep the arm isolated even when the opponent attempts to recover it. This isolation is foundational to all subsequent attacks from the position.

Lapel Extraction Angle

Rather than pulling the lapel straight up, Wiltse pulls at approximately a 45-degree angle to the side. This angled extraction makes it significantly harder for the opponent to block and allows him to gather more of the lapel fabric before beginning the choke sequence.

Lapel Preparation and Arm Tracking

Wiltse bunches and twists the lapel into a rope-like configuration rather than keeping it flat. This allows him to chase the opponent's arm around the neck regardless of movement while maintaining control, with the compressed lapel providing greater control points than a spread fabric.

Inducing the Arm Withdrawal

Wiltse deliberately creates space by loosening grip pressure slightly and arching back, signaling to the opponent that their arm can escape. This psychological component is crucial—he wants the opponent to attempt to pull their arm free rather than holding it tight, which would prevent the choke setup.

Cross-Collar Choke Execution

As the opponent's hand clears, Wiltse's hand travels across to the opposite side of the neck in one continuous motion. He uses the blade of a fist or stiff forearm against the lateral artery while maintaining lapel control, eliminating finger strain compared to traditional Ezekiel variations.

Pressure Intensification with Knee Position

Wiltse transitions to knee-on-belly position directly above the opponent to maximize mechanical leverage from his back and torso. This positioning allows him to drive the choke deeper through body mechanics rather than relying on grip strength.

Mount Transition Alternative

When the opponent resists arm extraction, Wiltse uses the trapped arm position to control the hips and step directly into mount without punishment. Once mounted, he can step on the bicep momentarily to feed the lapel across the neck, completing the choke from a secured position.

How To Tap Your Opponents With The Lapel Ezekiel Choke by Andrew Wiltse

Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics

Thrust Lapel Choke

2 min read·7 key moments·PT8M54S video

Key Takeaways

•Side Control Foundation and Arm Isolation
•Lapel Extraction Angle
•Lapel Preparation and Arm Tracking
•Inducing the Arm Withdrawal

How To Tap Your Opponents With The Lapel Ezekiel Choke by Andrew Wiltse - Click Here To Check Out Andrew Wiltse's Instructional Videos - https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/all/fighter_ANDREW-WILTSE - "Bernardo Faria is a 5x World Champion. Bernardo started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Juiz de Fora - MG, Brazil at the age of 14 in 2001. After receiving the Black Belt from his first instructor Ricardo Marques in 2008, He moved to Sao Paulo to join BJJ legend Fabio Gurgel and his Alliance team. After many years of training and winning many major titles, Bernardo moved to NYC in 2013 to train and teach at Marcelo Garcia Academy. In 2015 Bernardo achieved his dream of winning the IBJJF World Championship Open class title and his division, doing the double Gold and becoming the 1st in the IBJJF Ranking and also chosen as the best athlete of 2015. Bernardo Faria has now taken on the mission to share some of the lessons, techniques, experiences and more that he has learned along in his 16 years and counting as a BJJ student, teacher and world class competitor. Subscribe to his channel, and join him in this amazing BJJ Journey. We promise that you will also improve your BJJ with his awesome Video Lessons, Episodes of his "5 Minutes BJJ Talk" and more... www.fujisports.com - 15% OFF Coupon Code: FARIA15 www.bjjfanatics.com - 10% OFF Coupon Code: YOUTUBEFARIA www.fujimats.com - 10% OFF Coupon Code: FARIAMAT10 http://bernardofaria.com https://www.facebook.com/bernardofariabjj/ https://www.instagram.com/bernardofariabjj/ https://twitter.com/bernardofariajj

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about thrust lapel choke?

This video covers side control foundation and arm isolation, lapel extraction angle, lapel preparation and arm tracking. It provides detailed instruction from Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics.

How long does it take to learn thrust lapel choke?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.