How to Tie Your Belt: Guide for Gracie Barra Northridge Jiu-Jitsu Students

 

Detailed, step-by-step guide on how to correctly tie your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) belt, specifically for students at Gracie Barra Northridge (GBN).

 

Tying the belt correctly is an important ritual in BJJ. It shows respect for the uniform (the Gi) and the martial art. While there are a few methods, the most common and widely accepted method used in academies like Gracie Barra ensures the knot is secure and the belt is positioned correctly around the body.

 

 The GBN Belt Tying Guide (The Standard Method)

 

This method ensures the knot lies flat on your stomach and that the two ends of the belt are equal in length, which is considered proper martial arts etiquette.

 

 Step 1: Find the Center

 

1. Fold the Belt: Take your belt and fold it exactly in half, bringing the two ends together.
2. Find the Midpoint: The loop you have created is the exact center of the belt.

 

 Step 2: Position the Center

 

1. Place the Midpoint: Place the center of the belt directly against your belly button or the center of your waist.
2. Wrap Around: Keep the center point fixed on your stomach and wrap the two sides around your back, ensuring the belt remains flat against your body (do not twist it).
3. Meet in Front: Bring both ends back around to meet exactly at your starting point (your belly button). You should now have two layers of belt across your stomach and one layer wrapped around your back.

 

 Step 3: The First Wrap (Securing the Jacket)

 

1. Choose the Top Piece: Take the end of the belt that is currently on top.
2. Tuck Under and Over: Tuck this top piece under both layers of the belt that are already wrapped around your stomach (the layer that went around your back, and the piece underneath it).
3. Pull Tight: Pull the piece you just tucked up tight, ensuring the entire belt is snug around your waist and holding the Gi jacket closed securely.
4. Result Check: Both ends of the belt should now be hanging down the front of your body. One end should be positioned inside the wrap (against your Gi), and the other end should be positioned outside the wrap (on the very top).

 

 Step 4: The Final Knot

 

This step creates the secure knot that gives the belt its official look.

 

1. Create the Loop: Take the piece that is on top (the outer piece) and pass it over the piece that is underneath (the inner piece).
2. Tuck Through: Now, take the piece that is on top and feed it up through the loop you just created.
3. Pull Horizontally: Pull both ends horizontally (left and right) with equal force. This ensures the knot is tight and flat.

 

 💡 Why Tying the Belt Correctly Matters at GBN

 

 Respect and Discipline: Tying the belt properly is a sign of respect for your uniform and the teachings of the Professor. It shows attention to detail, which is fundamental to learning Jiu-Jitsu.

 Safety and Uniformity: A correctly tied knot stays secure during rolling (sparring), meaning you won’t stop the flow of training by constantly having to retie your belt. It also ensures the Gi jacket remains closed, maintaining modesty and preventing fingers from getting caught.

 Rank Display: The color of your belt signifies your current rank in the BJJ hierarchy. Tying it correctly ensures your rank is properly displayed and respected.

 

 Pro-Tip for White Belts:

 

Don’t worry if it takes you five tries to get the knot right! Every single Black Belt struggled with the same task. If you are having trouble, politely ask one of the instructors or an upper belt before class starts, and they will be happy to show you the technique. They will appreciate you asking rather than coming to class with a loose, incorrect knot.

 

Gracie Barra Northridge Location & Contact:

 

Address: 19520 Nordhoff St 10th, Northridge, CA 91324

 

Phone: +1 818-357-4074

 

info@gbnorthridge.com

 

Website: gbnorthridge.com

 

Hours

Mon-Thurs: 12 PM to 9 PM

Fridays: 12 PM to 7 PM

Saturdays: 9 AM to 2 PM

Sundays: CLOSED

How to Tie Your Belt: Guide for Gracie Barra Northridge Jiu-Jitsu Students