How to tie a taekwondo belt

You’ve just signed up for your first taekwondo class, filled with excitement and a hint of nervousness. As you prepare to step onto the mat, you’re handed a crisp, new belt, but the thought strikes you: how on earth do I tie this thing? You watch others effortlessly loop and knot their belts, while you fumble to figure it out. In that moment, you realize that properly tying your taekwondo belt is not just a practical skill but a rite of passage that connects you to a rich tradition of martial arts.

To tie a taekwondo belt, start by finding the center of the belt and placing it on your waist. Wrap both ends around your waist, ensuring the right side is on top as you cross them. Bring the ends back around to the front, and tie a knot by tucking the right end under the left and pulling it through the loop. Finally, adjust the belt so it sits comfortably and is even on both sides.

To elaborate further, begin by folding your taekwondo belt in half to identify the midpoint. Position this midpoint at your belly button, ensuring the excess length of the belt hangs evenly. Next, wrap each end of the belt around your waist, crossing them at the back. It’s crucial that the right end overlaps the left when you pull it forward to the front. Once you’ve pulled it to the front, ensure you’ve created a tight fit.

Now, take the right side of the belt, cross it over the left, and tuck it underneath. Pull it gently, but don’t over-tighten as you still want to adjust it later. After you have the knot formed behind the initial overlap, pull the ends of the belt outwards to form a “V” shape at the front. Finally, adjust the lengths of each side of the belt by pulling them gently to ensure they are even. The result should be a neat and secure knot that symbolizes your commitment to taekwondo. With practice, this ritual will become second nature, allowing you to focus on your training and the lessons ahead.