Every beginner karateka has the same question — how do you tie a belt on a gi (dogi) correctly?
This article covers the most popular and practical methods for tying a belt properly.

The belt in karate is no small detail. It serves not only as an accessory that keeps your dogi from falling open during training and sparring — it also symbolizes the need for constant self-improvement, the development of body and spirit, and the pursuit of higher levels of mastery. As mastery grows, so does the color of the belt.

Once you get your first gi, the question every beginner karateka faces is — how do you tie the belt correctly?

Here are the basic rules for tying a belt:

— When the belt is the correct length for the athlete’s build, the tied ends should not hang below the knees or ride above the lower hem of the jacket.
— The ends of the tied belt should be equal in length, symbolizing harmony between body and spirit.
— The end of the belt bearing the karateka’s name represents STRENGTH (the individual); the other end, showing the organization’s name, represents the SPIRIT of karate.
— While it technically makes no difference which side holds spirit and which holds strength, the convention is to tie STRENGTH (name) on the right and SPIRIT (organization name) on the left.
— The knot must be tied firmly enough to hold the jacket in place and stay secure throughout training.

Always begin training with your belt properly tied.

The video below clearly demonstrates 3 ways to tie a belt. Beginners will find the first method more than sufficient; more experienced athletes may find methods 2 and 3 more interesting:
Don’t worry if you don’t get it right on the first try. A little practice and you’ll be able to tie your belt with your eyes closed!