Short for karategi, the gi is a traditional Japanese uniform that is usually worn. Either in practice or in competition, the gi will always have its place in the dojo. However, with the gi’s long history comes proper etiquette and respect when worn. Read on to find out how to tie a jiu jitsu belt.
Different Types of Belts
Before learning how to tie a belt, you must learn the different kinds there are in jiu-jitsu. The different types would feel different from person to person. It is important to take note of the various types because the one you choose will dictate how easy it is to knot.
Aside from its comfort, another factor to consider when choosing one is the materials it’s made of. Here are a few examples of the different kinds you would be dealing with in jiu-jitsu.
Ground Game Belts
These are quite tough due to its material. Out of the box, ground game belts are very thick and hard.
Tatami Belts
If you happen to get yourself a tatami belt, don’t worry. It starts out a bit tough, but it will soften up after a few weeks of heavy use.
Fuji Belts
Contrary to the previous types mentioned, the fuji type is much thinner. This is good because a thinner belt in jiu-jitsu means it will stay knotted longer. However, a thinner one also comes with downsides – it will wear out faster.
Scramble Belts
The most expensive of the bunch, scramble belts are worth the extra money. These ones come flexible and smooth, not stiff and uncomfortable.
Known to be smooth yet strong, a scramble sash is a good decision for people who have decided to stay long in the sport.
How to Tie Jiu-Jitsu Belt
Now that you are somewhat familiar with the different kinds, you are ready to learn how to tie a belt. You must be asking yourself why there’s so much fuss in tying a simple belt, but the answer is easy.
Like other forms of martial arts, jiu-jitsu comes from a long and proud history. Not only should you respect the sport for the traditions that it holds, but even the attire that comes along with it. Tying the belt is such an important lesson that most practitioners learn this right away.
Here are several ways people around the world tie their martial arts belts.
The Basic Way
This is the most common way if you want to learn how to tie a gi belt. The midpoint of the belt should be below the bellybutton, as both ends wrap around the body. Once both ends wrap around the body twice, you end up with two short ends.
You will create the knot by folding the right end over the left one and then looping under the entire sash. This is a decent knot that will be able to withstand physical activity up to a degree before loosening.
The Karate Way
It should come to no surprise that karate practitioners have their own way of tying. This is because the gi originated from karate. Their way of securing the sash is very neat, but at the same time, offers a similar security as the basic way of tying.
To tie the belt the karate way, start by holding one end to your side. Usually, people begin by holding an end against their left side. Then, the other end of the belt swings in front and around the body twice as the other end remains at the left side.
After the other end has wrapped around the body twice, both ends should meet in the middle for the knot. The knot is then made by tightly pulling one end over the other.
The Unbreakable BJJ Knot
If you want the most secure method of tying your bjj belt, then the unbreakable Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu knot is the one for you. This knot is the perfect choice for those who do not want to worry throughout the day. Luckily, this is a very easy knot to perform.
First, tie a granny knot at one end, then wrap the other end around your body. Make both ends meet and with the previous granny knot you have made, make a water knot. This is also why this way of tying is often called the double water knot.
No matter how many ways there are to tie a gi belt, the best way is the one you are comfortable with. It is important that you choose a method that will stay tight the longest, so that you can focus on your form, not your attire.
The type you get will affect the way you choose to tie it. If you still have a hard time tying your belt, then check out videos of the different methods online.