Grappling enthusiasts and martial arts practitioners alike know that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a highly technical and effective combat sport. Among its many submission techniques, the Ezekiel Choke stands out as a sophisticated yet simple way to control and subdue opponents.
The Ezekiel Choke is a grappling move that involves applying a chokehold on an opponent using a combination of leverage and pressure. The technique requires trapping an opponent’s head and applying pressure to their neck using the edge of their collar and your forearm.
The Ezekiel Choke is a versatile technique and can be applied in various scenarios, including standing positions, against the wall, or on the ground. Its effectiveness in close-quarters combat makes it a useful self-defense tool as well.
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Key Takeaways:
- The Ezekiel Choke is a highly effective BJJ submission technique that involves applying a chokehold to an opponent using leverage and pressure.
- The technique requires trapping an opponent’s head and applying pressure to their neck using the edge of their collar and forearm.
- The Ezekiel Choke can be applied in various scenarios and is a useful tool for self-defense purposes as well.
Understanding the Mechanics of the Ezekiel Choke
The Ezekiel Choke is a highly effective submission technique that involves a combination of leverage and pressure to apply a chokehold on an opponent. The objective is to trap the opponent’s head and use the edge of their collar and your forearm to apply pressure to their neck.
The basic mechanics of the Ezekiel Choke involve positioning yourself on top of your opponent and taking control of their collar. With your non-dominant hand, feed your collar grip to your dominant hand, which should be rotated inward.
Next, you will need to secure your opponent’s collar with your dominant forearm by placing it across their neck just above their Adam’s Apple. Use your non-dominant hand to grab the sleeve of your dominant arm to prevent your opponent from escaping.
Ezekiel Choke Variations
There are different variations of the Ezekiel Choke, each with its unique set of techniques and applications. The gi version of the Ezekiel Choke involves using your opponent’s gi to trap their head and apply pressure to their neck. The no-gi version, on the other hand, is executed without the use of a gi.
One of the critical aspects of the Ezekiel Choke is proper technique and positioning. It is crucial to ensure that your body weight is distributed correctly to generate maximum pressure on your opponent’s neck. Failing to do so could result in your opponent escaping the submission.
How to Perform the Ezekiel Choke Step by Step
Now that we understand the mechanics of the Ezekiel Choke, let’s dive into how to perform it step by step.
- Begin in mount position. Your opponent will be on their back with their head facing you.
- Trap your opponent’s arm on the side opposite to where you want to perform the choke. Use your own arm to trap their arm in place and secure the position.
- Take your opposite hand and slide it underneath your opponent’s neck, grabbing onto the collar of their gi from the inside. Make sure to position your hand deep enough to get a good grip on the collar.
- Use your other hand to grab onto the same collar, but from the outside.
- Drop your elbow on the trapped arm side down to the mat, creating pressure on your opponent’s neck. This will prevent them from being able to raise their head and escape the chokehold.
- Move your body to the opposite side of the trapped arm, creating leverage and tightening the chokehold.
- Squeeze your elbows together to increase the pressure on your opponent’s neck. This will cause them to tap out or lose consciousness.
Remember to maintain proper body positioning throughout the execution of the choke and to keep a strong grip on your opponent’s collar. Practice the technique with a partner under the guidance of a qualified instructor to ensure proper execution and avoid potential injury.
Mastering the Ezekiel Choke: Tips and Tricks
As with any submission technique in BJJ, mastering the Ezekiel Choke takes time and practice. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you improve your technique:
- Focus on leverage: The key to a successful Ezekiel Choke is leverage. Make sure you’re using your entire body to apply pressure, not just your arms. Use your legs and hips to drive your opponent’s head downwards while pulling up on their gi collar.
- Positioning is crucial: Proper positioning is essential to the success of the Ezekiel Choke. Make sure you have control of your opponent’s head and are applying pressure to the right areas of their neck. Be aware of your own body positioning as well, as this can affect the amount of leverage you have.
- Build grip strength: A strong grip is necessary for executing the Ezekiel Choke. Practice strengthening your grip by doing exercises such as pull-ups, farmer’s walks, and grip squeezes.
- Practice, practice, practice: Like any other BJJ technique, repetition is key. Drill the Ezekiel Choke regularly to build muscle memory and improve your timing.
- Maintain control: The Ezekiel Choke can be a high-risk technique if not executed properly. Make sure you maintain control of your opponent throughout the entire process, and don’t let go until they tap or verbalize. Additionally, stay calm and focused during execution to ensure you don’t accidentally injure your opponent.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the Ezekiel Choke and improving your overall BJJ game.
Ezekiel Choke for Self-Defense: Practical Applications
As a self-defense technique, the Ezekiel Choke can be a highly effective tool in immobilizing an attacker quickly. It is particularly useful in close-quarters combat scenarios, where space is limited and striking is not a viable option.
The Ezekiel Choke can be applied in various positions, such as standing, against a wall, or on the ground. For example, if an attacker grabs you from behind, you can use a standing variation of the Ezekiel Choke to apply pressure to their neck and force them to release their grip.
Another scenario where the Ezekiel Choke could be useful is if an attacker pins you against a wall. In this situation, you can use the wall to create leverage and generate more pressure as you execute the choke.
It is important to note that the Ezekiel Choke should only be used as a last resort in self-defense situations, and only when you feel that your life is in imminent danger. It is also crucial to practice the technique regularly under the guidance of a qualified instructor to ensure proper execution and avoid potential injuries.
Exploring Advanced Variations of the Ezekiel Choke
Once you have mastered the basic mechanics of the Ezekiel Choke, it is time to explore the world of advanced variations. These variations add unpredictability and versatility to the choke, making it harder for your opponents to defend against.
Reverse Ezekiel Choke
The Reverse Ezekiel Choke is a variation of the traditional choke that involves moving to the opposite side of your opponent. To perform this variation, start by trapping your opponent’s head in the same way as the regular Ezekiel Choke. However, instead of using your other hand to grip their collar, loop it around their far arm and lock your hands together. Apply pressure by pushing your forearm into their neck and pulling their arm towards you with your other hand. This will tighten the choke and cause your opponent to tap out.
Rolling Ezekiel Choke
The Rolling Ezekiel Choke is a more complex variation that involves rolling over your opponent while maintaining the chokehold. To perform this variation, start by trapping your opponent’s head and applying the choke. Then, use your free leg to kick over your opponent’s body, rolling onto your back. Maintain the chokehold as you roll, applying pressure to their neck. Finish the submission by using your legs to apply pressure to their torso.
Ezekiel Chokes from Different Positions
There are various positions from which you can execute the Ezekiel Choke. From the top mount, for example, you can grab your opponent’s collar and apply the choke by pressing down on their neck. From side control, you can trap their arm, move to the opposite side, and use your forearm and their lapel to apply the choke. Experiment with applying the Ezekiel Choke from different positions to keep your opponents guessing.
Remember to approach these advanced variations with caution and under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Practice these techniques slowly and methodically, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t get them right away. With time and practice, you will master these advanced variations and become a more well-rounded BJJ practitioner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Executing the Ezekiel Choke
When it comes to executing the Ezekiel Choke, there are a few common mistakes that many practitioners make. It’s important to identify these mistakes and work to avoid them to increase the effectiveness of the chokehold.
One common mistake is improper hand placement. It’s crucial to have a secure grip on your opponent’s collar, and to position your arm correctly to apply the necessary pressure. Weak grip strength can also hinder the success of the chokehold, so it’s important to work on building up strength in the hands and forearms.
Another mistake to avoid is having incorrect body positioning. If your body is not in the correct position, it can make it easier for your opponent to defend against the choke. Make sure to pay attention to your body posture and position to ensure maximum leverage.
Telegraphing your moves is another common mistake that can reduce the effectiveness of the chokehold. It’s important to execute the chokehold smoothly and without any exaggerated movements or signals that could alert your opponent to your intentions.
By avoiding these common mistakes and practicing the Ezekiel Choke with a focus on proper technique and positioning, you can increase your chances of successfully applying the chokehold and gaining control over your opponent.
Safety Considerations When Applying the Ezekiel Choke
As with any grappling technique, safety is of utmost importance when applying the Ezekiel Choke. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
- Train with a qualified instructor: It’s crucial to learn the proper technique and positioning from an experienced practitioner to avoid potential injuries. Don’t attempt to execute the choke on your own without proper guidance.
- Tap out when caught: The Ezekiel Choke can cause harm if applied too aggressively or without regard for your training partner’s safety. Tap out promptly when caught in a chokehold to prevent injury or unconsciousness.
- Beware of potential risks: Accidental injury or unconsciousness are possible risks associated with the Ezekiel Choke, especially if executed improperly. Always prioritize safety and seek feedback from your instructor.
Remember, the goal of BJJ training is to improve your skills while minimizing the risk of harm to yourself and others. Keep these safety considerations in mind as you practice the Ezekiel Choke and other submission techniques.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ezekiel Choke is a highly effective submission technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that can give you an edge over your opponent. By leveraging pressure and proper technique, you can apply the chokehold with devastating results. Understanding the mechanics of the choke and drilling the move with an experienced instructor can help you master the technique.
Remember to prioritize safety when attempting the Ezekiel Choke. It is crucial to train with a qualified instructor, tap out when caught in a chokehold, and avoid using excessive force. Practice the choke regularly to develop muscle memory and increase your chances of success.
Incorporating advanced variations of the Ezekiel Choke can add unpredictability and versatility to the technique, making it harder for your opponent to defend against. Be sure to seek feedback and continuously learn from experienced practitioners to avoid common mistakes and improve your grappling skills.
I encourage you to explore and practice the Ezekiel Choke to enhance your BJJ game. Join a local BJJ gym or attend a seminar to learn more about this effective and versatile submission technique. With dedication and practice, you can become a formidable opponent on the mat.
FAQ
Q: What is Ezekiel Choke?
A: Ezekiel Choke is a highly effective submission technique used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) to gain control over an opponent. It involves using leverage and pressure to apply a chokehold.
Q: How does the Ezekiel Choke work?
A: The Ezekiel Choke involves trapping an opponent’s head and applying pressure to their neck using your forearm and the edge of their collar. It can be executed in both gi and no-gi variations.
Q: Can you provide a step-by-step guide on how to perform the Ezekiel Choke?
A: Certainly! Here is a step-by-step guide on performing the Ezekiel Choke:
- Set up your grips on your opponent’s collar, one hand palm down and the other palm up.
- Secure a strong grip by interlocking your hands.
- Ensure your forearm is pressing against your opponent’s neck while using the edge of their collar for leverage.
- Engage your core and apply steady pressure to complete the choke.
Q: What are some tips for mastering the Ezekiel Choke?
A: To master the Ezekiel Choke, it’s important to focus on improving leverage, increasing pressure, and practicing regularly. Drilling the technique and seeking guidance from an experienced instructor can also be beneficial.
Q: How can the Ezekiel Choke be used in self-defense situations?
A: The Ezekiel Choke is a practical self-defense technique that can be used to quickly immobilize an attacker in close-quarters combat. It can be applied while standing, against a wall, or on the ground.
Q: Are there advanced variations of the Ezekiel Choke?
A: Yes, there are advanced variations of the Ezekiel Choke, such as the reverse Ezekiel Choke, rolling Ezekiel Choke, and variations from different positions. These variations add unpredictability and versatility to the original choke.
Q: What are common mistakes to avoid when executing the Ezekiel Choke?
A: Common mistakes include improper hand placement, weak grip strength, incorrect body positioning, and telegraphing the move. It’s important to seek feedback and continuously improve to maximize the effectiveness of the choke.
Q: Are there any safety considerations when applying the Ezekiel Choke?
A: Safety considerations include training with a qualified instructor, tapping out when caught in a chokehold to prevent harm, and being aware of potential risks such as accidental injury or unconsciousness. Prioritizing safety is essential.
