BJJ Fundamentals

Lesson 15 – Ezekiel Strangle

Ezekiel Strangle – Gripping

Start in back control with a seatbelt grip
Use your control hand (under the arm) to set a claw grip next to uke’s head
- You can either hook onto uke’s trap muscle, or grip the gi lapel for a shallower (but more secure) grip
Switch from a claw grip to an inside sleeve grip on your second hand
- Ensure your grip goes deep into the sleeve (up to your punching knuckles) so that the force of the strangle doesn’t force you to release your sleeve

Ezekiel Strangle – Finishing

Continue from back control, gripping your own sleeve
Bring your secondary hand behind uke’s head and all the way around their neck (so that your pinky is under their ear)
- ‘Look at your watch’; the inside of your wrist should point outwards, otherwise your grip strength will be weakened and the twisting of your own sleeve will put pressure on your fingers when you go to apply the strangle
To finish the strangle, keep your top hand still (blocking uke’s head from moving) and pull with your lower hand
- Pulling lets you engage your entire body, where pushing only engages the triceps of your top arm

Ezekiel Strangle – Bow & Arrow

Continue from back control, with the Ezekiel grip set
Place a foot on the mat to hip out to one side, and throw your other leg across uke’s body
- The leg position is the same as the sliding-collar bow & arrow, and is also similar to the armbar position
Throw your leg over uke’s shoulder
Pull with your strangle hand and push with your legs to maximise the force of the strangle
- Lean back to use your bodyweight as part of the strangle (‘hang’ your bodyweight off your grips)