How Do You Tie a Gi and Belt?
That question is best answered with a video. Watch one of the following videos for a quick demo of how to do it, or a more in-depth video that explains all of the nuances.
Short Video (48 Seconds Long)
A quick demonstration of the most common, and one of the strongest belt nots.
Tying your Gi belt correctly is an essential skill for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners. A properly tied belt not only looks neat and professional but also ensures that your Gi stays securely in place during training and competition. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of tying your Gi belt, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
- Prepare Your Gi
Before tying your belt, make sure your Gi is properly aligned and adjusted:
Put on your Gi jacket, ensuring that the lapels are straight and the sleeves are not twisted.
Close the jacket by crossing the right lapel over the left one, pulling it snugly against your body.
Adjust the jacket so that the hem is even around your waist.
- Hold the Belt at Its Center
Fold the belt in half to find the center point.
Place the center of the belt on your navel, holding it in place with one hand.
- Wrap the Belt Around Your Waist
With your other hand, take one end of the belt and wrap it around your waist, ensuring that it lies flat against your Gi jacket and doesn't twist.
Continue wrapping the belt around your waist until it overlaps the center point at your navel.
Repeat the process with the other end of the belt, wrapping it around your waist in the opposite direction.
Make sure the belt lies flat and is evenly wrapped around your waist, with both ends now hanging in front of you.
- Cross the Belt Ends
Take the end of the belt that's on top (let's call it End A) and tuck it underneath both layers of the belt at your waist.
Pull both ends of the belt tight to secure it in place. The belt should be snug but not too tight, allowing for comfortable movement.
End A should now be on the bottom, with the other end (End B) on top.
- Tie the Knot
Take End A (the one that was initially on top) and lay it over End B, creating an "X" shape.
Tuck End A underneath End B, pulling it up and through the loop created by the "X."
Pull both ends of the belt tight to form a square knot. The knot should sit flat against your waist, with both ends of the belt hanging down evenly.
- Double-check the Belt
Ensure that the belt is securely tied and lies flat against your Gi jacket, with no twists or bunching.
The belt ends should hang down evenly and be of roughly equal length.
Conclusion
Tying your Gi belt correctly is an important aspect of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu etiquette and ensures a secure fit during training and competition. By following this step-by-step guide, you'll be able to tie your belt with ease and confidence. Remember to practice tying your belt regularly, as a well-tied belt reflects your dedication to the art and respect for its traditions.
In-Depth Video (9 Minutes 26 Seconds)
A longer more in-depth explanation of the three most common types of belt loops. This also covers common mistakes and how to fix them. This is taught by one of the most knowledgeable jiu-jitsu practitioners.
Previous Question
What Is BJJ?
BJJ, short for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is a grappling-based martial art.
Next Question
What Does OSS Mean in BJJ?
OSS mean anything and everything. It's an international greeting.