How to Tie Your Judo Belt
To a novice, the tying of your belt might not seem important, but it is. The belt is used not only for holding your uniform, or gi, in place it also is an indicator of the level you are at.
The uniform is loose to allow wide, large and unobstructed movements, but it can also cause problems if it gets tangled up. The belt holds the gi in place, allowing freedom of movement and security.
Tying Your Belt
There are several different methods of actually tying the belt, so find the one that works best for you. The important thing is the final outcome of how the belt is tied. You don’t want it to be constricting, and you don’t want it too loose so that it comes undone.
Step One: The Fold
Fold your uniform, or gi, right side in first against your left side and then fold the left side of the gi over top of the right side so it is in place.
Note: If you are left-handed, please do this in the opposite direction. The point is that the gi has an opening that you can easily slide your hand into and retrieve your wallet, your knife or anything you need to access quickly.
Step Two: The Wrap
You want the tips or ends of the belt to have an even amount of space for each side. Start with the left end of the belt and place it on the left hip.
Holding the left end in place, with the right end of the belt, circle around your waist from right to left once, then again.
You may also want to lay the center of the belt flat against your waist, then, with both ends equally apart, wrap each end around, then bring them both up to the front.
Keep in mind, wrapping with both ends across each other will make a crossover bump in the back. Some people prefer it to be flat.
Step Three: The Tie
1. When the belt is wrapped the second time, take the end of the belt and tuck in under the front part of the belt, from the bottom up and through
2. Then, bring the other end, the end from the back of your hip, and bring it up to the front. Now you have both ends of the belt in each hand
3. Give the ends a slight tug to tighten it up. This will make sure it is even and the ends are both in place. Don’t make it too tight so it restricts your movements
4. Now take the belt end in your right hand. Cross over to the left side of the wrapped belt and tuck it in between the two layers of the belt wraps. You are making a split between the two layers
5. Don’t pull it all the way through. Leave it loose
6. Now, bring the other end of the belt, the left side of the belt which will be on the bottom and tuck into the space between the layers of the right side
7. When they are both in place, simply give them a tug to tighten them up
Alternatives
Once you have placed the first end, in step 4, you can place the second end directly through the loose loop you made and then through the second split on the right side.
The crossover wrap in the back can cause a bump and may be uncomfortable when you are practicing Judo. Landing on your back may mean it will dig into your back causing pain.
It may also cause the belt to loosen while you are working and you want to avoid stopping to retie your belt several times. You can also make a simple square knot in the front, which is easy and perfectly acceptable. However, the belt will be far more inclined to come loose during your practice.
It may be fine for those who are just starting out. There is a lot to learn and you may not be practicing long enough per each session to worry about the belt coming off.
But once you reach a level of performing or instructing, you will understand the importance of tying your Judo belt correctly. The belt is so much more than a tool to keep your gi from coming open.
The gi belt symbolizes strength, accomplishment and achievement. The color of your belt indicates your work and commitment. It takes years to earn the higher levels of the belts.
Tying your belt correctly is more than comfort and convenience. It shows everyone your pride in your work, the levels you have strived to reach and the dedication you have given to the craft.
People who are interested in Judo, in practicing, in learning, in performing and those who support it, appreciate the pride that goes into every aspect of the art. When you work so hard to perfect your craft, make sure you recognize all of what makes it beautiful.
Tying your Judo belt goes far beyond function. If you are going to learn Judo or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, then take the time to learn all of it. It lets people know you are serious.
If you need a visual guide, please check out this video. It will provide an easy, step-by-step way to tie your Judo belt so it stays secure and looks professional.