Ezekiel Choke Guide: Neck Choke from Mount and Back Control

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Last updated: 2026-03-16 | Difficulty: πŸ₯‹πŸ₯‹ Intermediate

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Contents

    What is the Ezekiel Choke?

    The Ezekiel choke (also called Kata Gatame) is a gi choke that uses both of your sleeves to apply pressure to opponent's neck. It's highly effective from mount position and can also be applied from back control or side control.

    From Mount Position

    The Basic Setup

    From top mount, control opponent's collar on both sides with both of your hands. Feed your sleeves underneath their chin, creating a cross-pressure choke. The key is to drive your elbows down for maximum pressure.

    Pressure Application

    Keep your arms tight and close to their neck. Drive your elbows inward and downward simultaneously. This creates a vise-like pressure that's difficult to escape.

    From Back Control

    The Ezekiel can also be applied from back control, though it's less common. You need both collar grips to execute effectively.

    Escape Counters

    The Seatbelt Escape

    If opponent escapes your collar grip on one side, transition to a seatbelt control and look for back take opportunities.

    The Stack Defense

    When opponent stacks you during mount, maintain your Ezekiel grip and transition to a different position or submission.

    Related Chokes

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does it take to learn Ezekiel Choke Guide?

    Most practitioners develop functional competency with Ezekiel Choke Guide within 3–6 months of consistent drilling. Mastery β€” the ability to execute reliably in live rolling against resisting opponents β€” typically takes 1–2 years.

    Is Ezekiel Choke Guide effective for beginners?

    Yes. Ezekiel Choke Guide is part of the core BJJ curriculum and taught at all belt levels. Beginners should focus on the fundamental mechanics and concepts before refining advanced entries.

    How often should I drill Ezekiel Choke Guide?

    3–5 times per week is ideal for rapid skill acquisition. Even 10 focused repetitions per session compounds over time β€” consistency matters more than volume.

    What positions connect to Ezekiel Choke Guide?

    BJJ is a linked system. Ezekiel Choke Guide flows naturally to and from related positions. Study transitions in both directions to build a complete positional game.

    Common BJJ Problems & FAQ

    Q: How can I avoid my wrist and forearm hurting so much when I try to apply the Ezekiel Choke from mount?

    The pain in your wrist and forearm often comes from overextending your elbow and forcing the choke with raw grip strength. Instead, focus on driving your elbow down into your opponent's neck and using your shoulder to create the tightening pressure, keeping your wrist in a neutral, strong position.

    Q: What's the best way to set up the Ezekiel Choke from the back control position if my opponent is defending by turning into me?

    When your opponent turns into you from back control, use that momentum to transition your choking arm deeper. Drive your forearm across their carotid artery, and simultaneously use your opposite arm to grip your own bicep, thereby creating a fulcrum to squeeze with your shoulder and chest.

    Q: I feel like I'm not getting enough pressure with the Ezekiel Choke from mount, especially against a larger opponent, what am I doing wrong biomechanically?

    You're likely not utilizing your body weight and core effectively. Instead of just pushing with your arms, sink your weight down into your hips, flatten your back, and drive your choking shoulder into their neck. This creates a powerful lever system that compresses the artery without solely relying on arm strength.

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    More Questions

    How do I prevent my opponent from defending the Ezekiel choke from mount?

    Focus on maintaining tight chest-to-chest pressure and controlling their posture. Use your forearm to keep their chin tucked, making it harder for them to create space or turn their head.

    What's the difference between an Ezekiel choke from mount and from the back?

    From mount, you typically use your sleeve and fist to create the choke, often with a gable grip. From the back, it's more common to use your opponent's own collar and your fist, similar to a standard collar choke.

    My Ezekiel choke from mount feels weak, what am I doing wrong?

    Ensure you're driving your bicep into their carotid artery and that your choking arm is deep enough. Squeezing your shoulders and hips together, rather than just using arm strength, will significantly increase the pressure.

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