Ezekiel Choke: The Versatile Guide for BJJ & MMA

Ezekiel Choke: The Versatile Guide for BJJ & MMA

By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Reviewed by competitive black belts | Last Updated: February 2, 2026

The Ezekiel Choke (Sode Guruma Jime) is one of the few submissions that works just as effectively from inside the guard as it does from the mount.

Unlike most chokes that require you to be behind the opponent (like the Rear Naked Choke), this attack allows you to strangle your opponent while staring them in the face. It is uniquely deceptive; by the time they realize you are setting it up, their own gi is already cutting off their air.

In this guide, we break down the classic Gi mechanics, the brutal “No-Gi” punch variation, and how to defend against this sneaky submission.

What is the Ezekiel Choke?

The Ezekiel Choke is a sleeve-based strangle. It works by creating a scissoring motion against the opponent’s trachea or carotid arteries. One arm goes behind the neck to act as an anchor, while the other arm—reinforced by your own sleeve grip—cuts across the throat.

Setup #1: From Mount (The Classic)

This is the highest percentage finish. It is often used when an opponent is defending tightly with their elbows in.

1. The Anchor: Slide one arm deep behind their neck (like you are hugging them).
2. The Grip: Reach your “anchor” hand inside your own opposite sleeve. Your fingers should be deep inside the cuff (four fingers in).
3. The Blade: Bring your free hand across their throat.
4. The Finish: Extend your elbows straight while driving your wrists into their neck. It acts like a nutcracker closing on their throat.​

Setup #2: From Closed Guard (The Surprise)

While risky, you can finish the Ezekiel Choke from the bottom if you break their posture.

1. Posture Break: Pull their head down to your chest.
2. The Hug: Wrap your arm around their neck while they are close.
3. The Sneak: As they try to posture back up, slip your sleeve grip in.
4. The Finish: As they pull away, extend your arms. Their own backward momentum will tighten the choke for you.​

Variation: The No-Gi Ezekiel (Punch Choke)

Without a sleeve to grab, you must use your own body structure.

1. The Grip: Instead of a sleeve, grab your own bicep (Figure-Four) or make a fist.
2. The Fist: Drive your fist into the side of their neck.
3. The Squeeze: Squeeze your elbows together. This is often called a “Punch Choke” because you are essentially punching into their neck to close the airway.​

Defense and Escape

The Ezekiel Choke comes on fast, so early recognition is vital.

• The Bridge: If they are mounted, bridge your hips explosively before the second hand comes across. This forces them to post a hand to keep balance, breaking the choke.
• The “answer the phone”: Bring your hand to your ear (palm facing your head). This blocks the path of their choking arm.
• Armpit Push: Push up on their armpit/tricep of the arm behind your head. If you can lift that arm, the leverage is gone.​

Conclusion

The Ezekiel Choke is the ultimate equalizer. It requires very little strength and can catch even experienced grapplers off guard.

Master the sleeve grip mechanics, and you will have a submission threat from almost anywhere—even when you are losing.