How to Tie the GI Belt Knot

You secure your karate uniform, known as a gi, pronounced "gee," with a belt tied in a knot. Tying the belt's knot correctly does two things: it keeps the belt above the hips and prevents it from sliding off during the training season; and when tied with equal length loose ends and a downward knot, it stays out-of-the-way and doesn't interfere with your hand movements. Most students tie their belts with a simple square knot.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the belt evenly in front of you. You hold side "A" in your left hand and side "B" in your right hand. Call the point in front of your belly button "C."

    • 2

      Wrap both ends around your back and bring them around your front. Pass side "A" over side "B" centered over your belly button. Adjust the lengths of side "A" and side "B" until both are even.

    • 3

      Tuck side "A" under both side "B" and "C." Tighten the belt by pulling on both sides.

    • 4

      Transfer side "A" to your right hand and pass it over side "B." Take side "B" in your left hand.

    • 5

      Pull side "B" through the hole created between "B" and "A" when you passed "A" over "B." This creates a square knot.

    • 6

      Pull both ends until tight. Check the ends to see if they're even. If not, tie again.