How to Tie a BJJ Belt — A Knot That Stays Put + Common Questions
Surprisingly, not being able to tie your belt is a first-day stumbling block, and a belt that comes undone in five minutes is annoying. A five-step knot that holds, plus the myth that washing your belt washes away your skill.
Something that surprisingly throws people on their first day: not knowing how to tie the belt. And even when you tie it, it comes loose five minutes later and drags around while you spar. Learn it properly once and it lasts a lifetime, so follow along slowly.
Basic method (the version that doesn't come undone)
- Place the middle of the belt in front of your belly button, with both sides the same length.
- Wrap both ends around your back and bring them back to the front.
- Let the two layers overlap in front, then pass one end up from underneath both layers. (This is the key. If you pass it under only one layer, it comes loose easily.)
- Tie a knot with the end coming out on top and the bottom end: tuck the top end down and pull tight.
- If both ends hang down, you got it. About mid-thigh is a good length for the ends.
Tip to keep it from coming loose
Passing it under "both layers" in step 3 is everything. If it still keeps coming undone, go with a "double knot" that wraps once more, and it'll hardly ever loosen.
Frequently asked
- Does washing your belt make you worse? That's just a superstition. It's fine to wash it now and then for hygiene. A smelly belt bothers people more.
- Which side do stripes go on? Usually on the black bar near the end. Just follow your gym's custom.
- What do belt colors and stripes mean? See the real belt timeline and the promotion guide.
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