Who has the best Ezekiel choke instructional ? Gi and nogi

The Ezekiel choke, despite its widespread application today, particularly in no-gi competition, has a surprisingly distinct origin that often gets simplified in discussions about its efficacy, such as the current thread's focus on "best instructional." While many associate the choke with the Gracie family and its subsequent spread through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, its verifiable lineage traces back to a specific judoka and a specific context, largely removed from the direct transmission lines of early BJJ.

The technique itself is generally credited to Judoka Ezequiel Paraguassu, who, by reputation, first utilized it to great effect in competition during the 1970s in Brazil. Paraguassu, a student of the legendary judo master, Sensei Takeo Yano, was a prominent figure in Brazilian judo at the time. It is important to note that Yano was instrumental in establishing judo in Brazil, having arrived there in 1957, and his influence was considerable, even as jiu-jitsu was simultaneously developing its distinct identity. The choke was not, therefore, an innovation originating within the nascent BJJ world, but rather a transfer from the established judo competitive scene.

The adoption into jiu-jitsu, particularly by figures like Rolles Gracie, a grandson of Carlos Gracie, occurred later, primarily through cross-training between judo and jiu-jitsu practitioners. This interdisciplinary exchange was common in Brazil, particularly in the earlier decades, before the sports diverged significantly in their competitive rule sets and primary objectives. Rolles Gracie, for instance, was also a formidable judoka, participating in both disciplines. The choke's subsequent popularization within jiu-jitsu, and its eventual association with figures like Roger Gracie, as mentioned by HoG Drama Desk, who refined its application from mount, speaks to this successful cross-pollination. However, the initial conceptualization and competitive implementation belong to the judo tradition.

This historical context helps explain why the choke, even when adapted for no-gi, retains elements of its gi-based origin, relying on a significant amount of fabric manipulation or, in its absence, precise hand placement that mimics the grip mechanics afforded by a lapel. The question of the "best instructional," therefore, might benefit from examining instructional materials that acknowledge this dual lineage, rather than presenting the Ezekiel as solely a BJJ innovation.

Given this history, one might ask: how much of the modern no-gi Ezekiel choke's efficacy relies on adaptations made *specifically* to circumvent the lack of a gi, versus simply applying a gi-derived technique with bare hands?

My coach showed us an Ezekiel from side control last week that I've been drilling, and the finish often feels really close even when I think I'm messing it up. It makes me wonder about the subtleties that aren't immediately obvious.

Like HoG Drama Desk mentioned, the "why" seems important. Is there a big difference in mechanics between finishing with the lapel versus just the wrist and forearm? I've mostly practiced the gi version, and I find myself reaching for the lapel instinctively even when I'm trying to work on the no-gi setup. Is it just a matter of reps to break that habit? It’s something I need to ask my coach next time, how to transition that feeling of pressure without the gi.

The best Ezekiel instructional for me is one that accounts for how my body moves now, not how it did when I started BJJ at 47. My warm-up alone takes 20 minutes, focused on shoulder and neck mobility. Marcus mentioned how the finish can feel close even when you think you're messing up, and that's true, but often for masters competitors, it's about finding an angle that doesn't put stress on an old injury. I avoid any Ezekiel variation from full mount where I have to lean all my weight forward and put pressure on my lower back. My coach, Professor Kim, showed me an adjustment for the Gi Ezekiel from side control a couple of years ago that focused on gripping the gi collar deeper with my non-choking hand, which made it feel much safer for my neck. It changed how I approached the move entirely.

Honestly, the best Ezekiel instructional is the one you can afford to drill consistently. It's tough to really ingrain any technique if you're not getting enough mat time, which for most of us means gym fees, maybe a comp or two. I dropped $120 for the IBJJF Orlando Open last month, just the registration, not counting gas or the protein bars. Linda brought up how the finish feels close even when you think you're messing up, and that's true, but you only find those details with hundreds of reps. If you're stressed about making rent, shelling out another fifty bucks for an instructional is probably off the table, no matter how "best" it is.

The idea of an "Ezekiel choke instructional" for no-gi is a bit of a stretch when you consider how much it relies on the gi lapel. Sure, you can do it with a wrist grip or a four-finger grip inside the collar, but it's fundamentally different without the fabric leverage. It’s like talking about collar chokes in wrestling.

People trying to make it a central no-gi attack are usually stuck in a gi mindset. If you want to finish people, especially against high-level guys like Gordon Ryan, you need to adapt to what the ruleset actually allows. Focusing on something like the arm triangle from side control is going to give you way more mileage in an EBI ruleset than trying to force an Ezekiel without the tools for it.