Initial Positioning from Mount
The instructor begins from a dominant mount position with the objective of securing an Ezekiel choke. Before attempting the technique, proper arm positioning is essential to ensure easy access to the submission. The foundation starts with reaching for the opponent's armpit while maintaining control.
Establishing the Cross-Face Control
The instructor emphasizes bringing the opponent toward him rather than extending outward, positioning the shoulder to touch the palm. This cross-face control is critical foundational work that accounts for 70% of the choke's effectiveness. Establishing this connection early in the sequence essentially wins the positional battle.
Responding to Defensive Reactions
When the opponent defends by pushing the arm down, the instructor allows this movement while transitioning to feed the knee through to the ground. The hand uses a climbing motion to advance the position. This defensive reaction actually creates the opportunity to access the finishing collar grip.
Hand Placement and Grip Mechanics
The instructor feeds the grip using deep knuckles rather than the forefingers, employing a gun-shooting motion across the opponent's jawline. The hand passes through as a knife-like edge, blocking one side of the carotid artery. A loose-fingered grip invites the opponent to grab the fingers, so a consolidated fist position maintains pressure and security.
The Finishing Motion: Blocking Both Carotids
Once the initial cross-face blocks one carotid, the instructor lifts the opposite elbow to block the second carotid artery. The motion involves pushing through while elevating the elbow, creating a double-sided blood choke. At this point, conscious resistance becomes impossible and the submission is complete.
Positional Control as Foundation
The instructor reiterates that controlling the opponent's head and face throughout the sequence determines the entire outcome. If side control and cross-face dominance are established initially, the opponent cannot defend the collar feed. This control principle applies whether executing from mount, side control, or other positions.
Managing Opponent Leg Defense
If the opponent attempts to grab the instructor's leg while the choke is being set, this defensive movement actually indicates the submission is already progressing. By maintaining focus on the neck submission rather than the mount position, the instructor allows the opponent to create false hope. The choke completes regardless of whether leg-grab defense is attempted.
Head Positioning and Elbow Control
Maintaining a low head position during the finish prevents the opponent's elbow from escaping upward and creating space. This head-down posture controls the entire body and eliminates margin for error in the submission. The instructor must stay connected through to the final squeeze to prevent the opponent from turning into the choke.
Setting up and finishing the ezekiel choke
Key Takeaways
- •Initial Positioning from Mount
- •Establishing the Cross-Face Control
- •Responding to Defensive Reactions
- •Hand Placement and Grip Mechanics
#submissions #jeanjacquesmachado #bjj ----- One of the pioneers of the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and one of its greatest champions, Jean Jacques Machado is one of five brothers of the world-renown Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu family. This channel is dedicated to his work as a competitor as well as a world class instructor through his ground breaking online training program. Subscribe for more instructional media and the No Gi Required podcast. Join our channel membership for JJM 3.0 Online Training Program brought to you through YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8eFlweeoWP_RLSYrRhiYTA/join
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about ezekiel choke?
This video covers initial positioning from mount, establishing the cross-face control, responding to defensive reactions. It provides detailed instruction from JeanJacquesMachado.
How long does it take to learn ezekiel choke?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing ezekiel choke?
If the opponent attempts to grab the instructor's leg while the choke is being set, this defensive movement actually indicates the submission is already progressing. By maintaining focus on the neck submission rather than the mount position, the instructor allows the opponent to create false hope. The choke completes regardless of whether leg-grab defense is attempted.




