Tying Your Jiu-jitsu Belt

Before coming onto the mats of your first jiu-jitsu class, and before you learn any technique, you must first wear the proper attire. The gi in jiu-jitsu is a training garment that has carried over from other martial arts, such as judo. The gi is composed of the jacket, pants, and a belt that holds the jacket closed. Your belt is very symbolic, signifying your rank, progression, and knowledge about your practice.

Tying your belt in jiu-jitsu is one of the first lessons you will learn. It is very important because you will be doing it throughout your entire jiu-jitsu career. There are several different ways to tie a belt, but three seem to be the most common in jiu-jitsu. We explore each of them in this article, showcasing pros and highlighting cons. Our step by step will help you learn how to properly tie your jiu-jitsu belt for any situation.

Like tying a necktie, the method you use is completely up to you. Different situations may call for a different type of tie.

The Traditional
If you’ve never had any martial arts experience prior to jiu-jitsu, this is probably the way your instructor will show you.

Pros
• Quick. The fastest way to tie a jiu-jitsu belt out of all methods explored.
• Easy. This method is the easiest to teach to kids, and can be done easily blindfolded.

Cons
• Belts overlap when viewed from behind. May not be the most aesthetically pleasing for some.

1. With the labels facing out, take the middle of the belt and place the flat side on your belly. Then pull each side tight.

2. Bring both strands of the belt around your back, feeding each strand to the opposite hand.

3. Extend both sides in front of you to tighten the belt. At this point, make sure both sides are still even. Make adjustments as needed to ensure one side is not longer than the other.

4. Take the right side and overlap the left side.

5. Take the right side and feed it under all layers of the belt. Coming in from the bottom and out from the top.

6. Tie a knot with your belt by taking the bottom belt (should be in your right hand), looping it around the left strand. Once the knot is formed, pull tight.

The Karate/Taekwondo Way
Although there maybe different ways within Karate and Taekwondo to tie a belt, this is one of the most common.

Pros
• Very neat, leaves no overlap around the back.
• Simple, and easy to teach.

Cons
• Depending on the belt, not as secure for jiu-jitsu.
• Can take some practice to get the length just right.
1. Face your belt logo away from you, and line it up with the end of your lapel. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but in the ballpark.

2. Loop the belt around your waist twice.

3. Take the left side and tuck it under all layers of your belt. Coming in from the bottom and out through the top.

4. Take this time now to adjust the belt so the two ends are roughly about the same length.

5. Take the left side (should be the higher belt end) and place it over the right side. Feed the right side under and through the space that has been created. Pull the belt tight.

6. Pull the belt tight!

The Black Belt Way
Don’t let the name deceive you; this method is not restricted to black belts. It is actually the way most judoka (judo players) tie their belts. When done correctly it’s very difficult to come loose.

Pros
• Solid and less likely to come off during training
• Works well with new belts that tend to be stiff (like new black belts)

Cons
• Slightly more complex and time consuming.

1. Place the mid point of your belt on your belly and begin to loop each side around your back.

2. Bring both strands of the belt around your back, feeding each strand to the opposite hand.

3. Bring both strands back around and pull them tight, making sure both sides are equal in length. Make adjustments at this point so the belt is equal in length.

4. Cross the left side over the right

5. Take the right side and feed it under all the layers of your belt. Pull tight.

6. Take the right side and now feed it partially under the top layer of the right side of your belt. Do not pull your belt tight just yet.

7. Take the left end of your belt and loop it through the opening on the right.