How To Tie An Obi (Karate Belt)

Here are seven easy-to-follow steps on how to tie your obi (karate belt).

In each of the following steps, “tag” refers to the piece of material sewn onto the end of a White belt (on one side) by the manufacturer. As you (or your child) progress in belt rank, the karate belts will not have a tag. Instead, your karate belt will be “striped” with colored tape. Colored (rank) tape indicating the next belt level will be added to both sides of the belt.

For future reference, download a PDF:

how_to_tie_a_perfect_obi_knot.pdf
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OPTION 1

By following the steps and photo’s below, you should be able to learn how to correctly tie a perfect obi knot! There is a 2nd Option on page 3 if this doesn’t work for you. If you are still stuck, please ask a Senior Student for help the next time you’re at the Dojo. While they are helping you, make sure you do your best to pay attention and memorize the steps, because you don’t want to keep asking – or relying on others – to tie your belt for you.

STEP 1:

​Find the middle of your obi by folding it in half. With the belt hanging in front of you, and the tag of the belt on your right side, place the middle of the belt on the middle of your stomach (your belly button).
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STEP 2:

​Wrap the belt around you, crossing over in the back, and bringing the ends around to your front. Make sure ends are even length.
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STEP 3:

Overlap the ends (left over right) keeping the end with the tag on top.
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STEP 4:

Without twisting the belt, tuck the top (tag end) under the belt and pull both ends tight.
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STEP 5:

Bend the left end up and make a loop, then flip the tag end over the top.

​STEP 6:

Tuck the tag end through the loop you just made with the other and pull tight.

STEP 7:

The finished knot should look like a fortune cookie.

OPTION 2

If the previous steps weren’t your “cup of tea” – the diagram below should be able to help. If you are still stuck, please ask a Senior Student for help the next time you’re at the Dojo. While they are helping you, make sure you do your best to pay attention and memorize the steps, because you don’t want to keep asking – or relying on others – to tie your belt for you.

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