How to Tie A Karate Belt

Always wondered how to tie your karate belt? Well you’ve come to the right place! Here is our preferred method of tying a belt along with step by step instructions to help you on your way.

STEP 1: Start by holding the label end of the belt across your stomach, in front of you with your right hand. The dangling end should be a couple of inches longer than the length you wish the belt to be when it is tied. Wrap the other end of the belt behind you and around your waist.

STEP 2: Wrap the belt around your waist a second time whilst maintaining the position of the label end of the belt. (Most belts should be able to pass around two times however if your belt is too short, one rotation is sufficient and similarly if it is too long simply wrap it around multiple times)

STEP 3: Tuck the non-label end of the belt under both layers and up. Pull both ends to tighten the knot. Keep the label end of the belt on your left side.

STEP 4: Fold down the non-label end of the belt.

STEP 5: Tuck the label end of the belt under the other end and over to your right side.

STEP 6: Loop the label end of the belt around the other end and through the knot.

STEP 7: Pull to tighten the knot. At this point the ends of your belt should be the same length. If not you can untie the knot and adjust the length.

Don’t worry if it’s not perfect first time. You’ll get the hang of it in no time :). If you are still confused feel free to ask in class for a demonstration.

Disclaimer: This is the way we like our belts to be tied at K.S.K.A, however other classes might have a different opinion. We always recommend to follow the etiquette of your dojo. This method can also be used for for tying a judo belts, or any other type of martial arts belt.