The Rear Ezekiel Choke… Sounds particularly gnarly, doesn’t it? Well, you won’t have too many opportunities for setting it up – but once you do get an opportunity, go for it. You’ll find that it’s surprisingly simple to use for tapping out your training partners.
One of the best openings for utilizing the Rear Ezekiel is from a failed Arm Triangle. Here’s how to go for it, as explained by Craig Jones.
REAR EZEKIEL SETUP FROM FAILED ARM TRIANGLE
One of the crucial components of a successfully applied Arm Triangle is to have the training partner’s shoulder pressed to the mats. So, if they (or you, by mistake) lift their shoulder off the mat, you’ll have a difficult time finishing this submission – no matter how hard you squeeze.
That’s where the Rear Ezekiel comes into play.
As they turn away from you and your Arm Triangle, you’ll have to make your choking arm “shallower”. That is to say, you need to pull it back a bit, so it cups the back of your training partner’s head.
Then, use your second arm to lock an Ezekiel Choke on the back of the partner’s neck. Don’t try to squeeze the choke to get the tap. This isn’t a Rear Naked Choke. Instead, push with your top forearm into their head (collapsing it) and retract with your bottom arm. This will ensure a tight Rear Ezekiel submission.
Watch how to do it in more detail on the video below:
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
