In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), your gi belt serves the function of keeping your kimono closed. It also tells the story of your connection and discipline to the art. Mastering how to tie your BJJ belt with a secure knot is part of your ritual as a martial artist. The right technique will protect you on the mat, whether you are a black belt or stepping in for the first time. This article has been created to help you learn and understand the most secure tying techniques for grappling.

The Symbolism of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Belts

A BJJ belt is one of the most symbolic items in martial arts. Each color represents a stage in a practitioner’s journey, marking your progress and dedication. It stands for perseverance and time. While the belt you wear signifies your rank with its color, the difference becomes evident when you choose a specific type; its weight also impacts your level of comfort while rolling.

The Best BJJ Belts For Easy Tying

We offer a wide selection of gi belt options for every level of proficiency. When you’re shopping for a gi belt, make sure you get the right length for your height. Belt sizes vary by brand but typically follow a system ranging from M0 to M4 for kids and A0 to A6 for adults, accommodating practitioners from around five feet to over six feet tall.

Comp Light Belt

Our Comp Light Belt is designed for competitors who appreciate that every ounce matters. This BJJ belt is among the lightest on the market today. Made from 100% cotton, it's lightweight and durable, so it won't slow you down.

Gi Material Belt

If your gi is made from premium material, your gi belt should be, too. The Gi Material Belt is constructed from gi-grade material. This ensures a sturdy, reliable tie that stays in place while you roll.

Absolute Premium Belt

Our Absolute Premium Belt is the pinnacle of craftsmanship. The Absolute Premium Belt is crafted from 100% high-quality cotton and offers fantastic color retention. It features 12 rows of stitching with durable thread and a black-on-black embroidered label.

This Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt is of premium quality and supports the practitioner who knows that every roll brings different challenges and every point matters.

BJJ Belt System

Understanding the belt progression in Brazilian jiu-jitsu helps you understand and respect the journey, irrespective of where you are. Practitioners over the age of 16 should know how the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) belt system reflects their level of proficiency.

White Belt

White is your starting point. The white jiu-jitsu belt reminds us to focus on learning the fundamentals and surviving. This stage is where you learn the basics of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, including fundamental techniques and concepts.

Blue Belt

When you wear the blue belt, you have begun developing your own game. Your defense becomes stronger. You have acquired the basic skills and can implement them on the mat.

Purple Belt

A purple belt has achieved a higher level of proficiency. You refine your technique and start mentoring lower ranks. You are focused on more complex strategies.

Brown Belt

A brown belt is almost an expert who has mastered the technical details of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. During this stage, you are most interested in polishing your strategy, transitions, and submission chains.

Black Belt

A black belt means you are both a jiu-jitsu master and student. IBJJF black belts must be at least 19 years old and have at least one year as a brown belt. The black belt is a milestone, but it is not the end. It’s a new beginning as you continue to learn and master different skills.

How To Tie a Gi Belt

Creating a Standard Knot

There are several ways to tie your gi belt, but all start with these essential steps. In BJJ, you can start with either the left or right side, as long as the final knot lies flat and centered. Traditionally, however, most academies teach starting with the left side over the right for uniformity and respect, a small detail that reflects martial arts etiquette.

This is how to create a square knot and avoid loose ends:

• Center the belt on your waist, aligning it with your belly button.
• Wrap both ends around your body and bring them to the front.
• Make sure the belt is wrapped evenly around your body.
• Using your hands, start by holding both ends of the belt flat and aligned against your body, then adjust it so that both ends are the same length.
• If you start by placing the left side over the right side (the left side is in your left hand, the right end is in your right hand), pass or feed the left side underneath all the layers. Thread the left end through to complete the knot.
• If you start with the right side, place the right side over the left and feed the right side underneath all the layers. Thread the right end through to complete the knot.
• Pay close attention to the details during each step to create a secure knot. For a visual demonstration, consider watching a video on how to tie your gi belt properly.

The Pro Way To Tie a Jiu-Jitsu Belt

This method holds up during intense grappling and helps prevent the belt from slipping. It’s popular with both competitors and instructors. This tie method is robust enough for intense training or sparring. These variations are stylistic; IBJJF does not regulate knot style, only requires the belt to be tied securely and ends within regulation length

• Begin off-center.
• Cross it around your waist so that one end is shorter.
• Use a looping technique to create a tighter knot.

The Gracie Barra Way to Tie a Jiu-Jitsu Belt

The Gracie Barra way creates a symmetrical finish. Fastening your belt with this technique keeps the belt flat and aligned with your gi.

• Center the belt and wrap it around you.
• Tuck one end underneath both layers.
• Tie the knot, and pull it tight.

Double Water Knot

This is a less common but very secure technique. After tying a knot, loop each end again to double-knot.

The Super Lock Way

High-level practitioners use the super lock way, so there is a lot of video content around on how to do it. It involves crossing the belt twice around your waist and locking the final knot. The result is a tight, centered belt that barely shifts during training.

Why Tie Your Belt for Martial Arts?

Tying your belt is an important part of your practice routine. Martial arts is about discipline. A properly tied belt helps protect you from distractions or accidents while you train, allowing you to stay focused on your practice.

It can also improve your focus and performance by keeping you comfortable and allowing you to concentrate fully on your techniques. If your belt is too loose, your kimono is likely to come undone mid-roll. A clean tie is a sign of respect for your instructors, training partners, and the art of jiu-jitsu.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Tight Should My BJJ Belt Be?

Your gi belt should be snug, but not restrictive to movement. You should be able to breathe and move freely without it coming loose. A good rule? If you can slide two fingers under the belt comfortably, your belt is tight enough.

What are Common Jiu-Jitsu Belt-Tying Mistakes?

Common mistakes include:

• Uneven belt ends
• Knots that untie
• Starting the wraps off-center
• Crossing it too low over the hips

Conclusion

Tying your BJJ belt might seem like a small ritual, but it has big meaning. Don’t forget: IBJJF requires the belt color and stripe system to be visible, so ensure your belt wraps don’t hide the rank bar. Make your tie intentional, regardless of whether you choose a classic square or a competition super lock. 

 Good intentions show you represent yourself and your academy with pride.

Looking for your next gi belt? Browse our full collection of jiu jitsu belts at Kingz – from the feather-light Comp Light Belt to the refined Absolute Premium Belt, we’ve got your waist covered.