Setup: The Mount Position
The Ezekiel choke begins from the mount, one of grappling's most dominant positions. The instructor establishes control by immediately addressing the opponent's hands, which represent the primary defensive threat to any neck attack. By neutralizing the hands early, the attacker creates the necessary opening to target the neck.
Hand Control: Pinning the Defender's Arms
Rather than pushing the opponent forward—which allows them to raise their hands defensively—the attacker pulls the hands backward and pins them to the opponent's body using their own torso. This pinning technique exploits the biomechanical reality that humans rely primarily on their hands for defensive actions. Once the hands are controlled and immobilized, the neck becomes vulnerable.
Arm Placement: Wrapping the Neck
The attacker slides their right arm around the opponent's neck while positioning their right shoulder into the opponent's jaw. This shoulder placement is critical for preventing the opponent from rolling to that side—a fundamental escape attempt from the mount. The setup establishes control before the submission is fully engaged.
Grip Technique: Four-Finger Safety
The attacker grasps their own gi with four fingers rather than relying on fewer fingers or gripping the opponent's gi directly. This approach distributes force more safely across the hand, protecting the attacker's joints from damage during repeated training. The instructor emphasizes that long-term hand health takes priority over marginal finishing advantages.
The Choke Execution: Speed and Positioning
The attacking arm crosses the opponent's neck with speed, moving from ear position in a swift motion. Hesitation at any point allows the opponent to defend or escape, so decisive execution is essential. The hand placement concealment and rapid transition prevent the opponent from mounting an effective counter.
Finishing Mechanics: Body Weight Over Muscle
Rather than relying on arm strength to finish the choke, the attacker places their belly button directly on top of their wrist to apply pressure through body weight. This weight-based approach dramatically improves submission completion rates while conserving energy and reducing fatigue. Efficient positioning makes the technique accessible to grapplers of all sizes and strength levels.
Complete Sequence Demonstration
The instructor demonstrates the full technique in sequence: control the hands, pin the arms, wrap the neck with shoulder placement, secure the gi grip, execute the arm cross, and finish with body weight pressure. This integrated approach transforms isolated movements into a cohesive, high-percentage submission. The Ezekiel choke remains effective precisely because it combines fundamental positions with sound mechanical principles.
Ezekiel Choke - From Mount!
Key Takeaways
- •Setup: The Mount Position
- •Hand Control: Pinning the Defender's Arms
- •Arm Placement: Wrapping the Neck
- •Grip Technique: Four-Finger Safety
SALE SALE SALE OVER 50% OFF – BOX SET – ALL 4 COURSES 50% OFF CLICK HERE – https://bit.ly/2lAOHmp • The Blue Belt Super Series • The Kimura Attack System • The Trap Door Series • 14 Days to Better BJJ CLICK HERE – https://bit.ly/2lAOHmp PURCHASE SINGLE COURSES • The Blue Belt Super Series - https://bit.ly/2PvbrCo • The Kimura Attack System - https://bit.ly/2m3a1kF • The Trap Door Series - https://bit.ly/2DdTbX0 • 14 Days to Better BJJ - https://bit.ly/2kaavFc TESTIMONIALS ‘Started hitting the moves laid out in these courses the very next class...extremely uplifting to have such a quick improvement in my game’ - Houston, TX ‘I’m the only white belt in the academy doing these moves…I’m suddenly competing at a blue belt and above level…thanks Coach Tom’ - LA, California ‘Some of the best strategies you are going to see for control and submission’ - London, UK ‘The detailed way Prof Tom breaks down his moves into the absolute essentials is just next level for me. This is absolute gold‘ - Sydney, Australia ‘Most of the guys at my Academy, have about 60lbs on me, but since purchasing your ‘Kimura Attack system’ and ’14 days’ everything has changed. I feel much more confident, roll better and the guys on the mat have commented on the same. Thanks, Coach Tom’ – Dallas, TX ‘I know you have your names for your courses, but I’ve renamed them the ‘Zero to hero’ courses, I went from getting constantly owned, to now being completely dominant on the mat in no time at all’ - San Diego, California ‘I use the course material heaps, and just recently put it into action at a local comp, walked away with double gold. No one was more surprised than me! - Miami, Florida ‘As a new white belt, these classes have helped me so much, Prof Tom’s technique, the details, and his attitude. I love how Prof. Tom shows the ‘mistakes people make’ and then shows the correct way of doing things. The only one I have ever seen do this’ – New York, New York Great videos, great instruction. I just watch them for hours…Melbourne, Australia ‘The instructional saved me big time at a recent comp, my opponent was def more experienced, but that was ok, coz I had Prof Tom’s video in my brain. Nailed it and scored gold’ - Colorado, Denver ‘All of it. Everything you show in your awesome videos are now my ‘go to techniques’. Thanks for your vids Prof, Tom’ - Houston, TX ‘You really have to watch every second of the video because Prof, Tom drops these little nuggets of gold throughout the course. And they make ALL the difference. The only one doing this. Keep them coming Professor’ - NY, New York ‘If I could only be taught from one person, Prof Tom would be it. I can’t wait to train in person one day’ – Dallas, TX ‘Went to a recent competition with these videos fresh in my mind. I knew I had an edge and the confidence this gave me was unreal. Got the gold. All submission wins! – LA, California
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about ezekiel choke?
This video covers setup: the mount position, hand control: pinning the defender's arms, arm placement: wrapping the neck. It provides detailed instruction from The Grappling Academy.
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 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing ezekiel choke?
Rather than relying on arm strength to finish the choke, the attacker places their belly button directly on top of their wrist to apply pressure through body weight. This weight-based approach dramatically improves submission completion rates while conserving energy and reducing fatigue. Efficient positioning makes the technique accessible to grapplers of all sizes and strength levels.
Related videos
Setting up and finishing the ezekiel choke
JeanJacquesMachado
Sneaky No Gi Ezekiel & Darce Choke for BJJ from a Wrestling Cradle
Chewjitsu
A Fancy & Unique Ezekiel Choke From Closed Guard
Hans David
How to do Ezekiel Choke by Erik Paulson
BJJ Fanatics
Setting up and finishing the ezekiel choke
JeanJacquesMachado