How to Tie Karate Pants

The traditional karate gi (uniform) consists of a kimono-style jacket, loose pants, and a cloth belt. Karate gi pants are designed to fit securely at the waist while still allowing the karateka (karate student) enough slack to move freely. The drawstring travels an entire circle around the body, so it is important to tie it properly to ensure the utmost comfort and security.

Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure the ends of the drawstring are even on both sides. This is easier to do before you put your pants on. The drawstring enters the ribbing on the side of the pant, not in front like in other sport pants. It travels around the front, goes through the opening in the ribbing on the opposite side, and then emerges from the side where it began. Adjust the string on both sides of the pants for equal length and then pull the pants all the way open, even if it makes the waistline seem extremely loose.

    • 2

      Step into the pants and simultaneously pull both ends of the drawstring until the waistline feels secure. Be careful not to pull one side of the string harder than the other. Once an end gets pulled inside the waistband ribbing, it is difficult to get it back out.

    • 3

      Thread both drawstring ends through the loop in the front of the pants. The loop is stitched in the center near the navel, so your drawstring ends travel from your hips, where they emerge from the ribbing, to the front.

    • 4

      Tie the drawstring ends into a knot around the loop. Karate training entails extensive kicking, spinning and hip twisting. Make sure the knot is secure and double it if you have enough slack.