Wearing a belt is not just a fashion statement in martial arts; it’s a symbol of rank and respect. Properly tying your belt is crucial in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) to ensure it stays in place during intense sparring sessions and grappling competitions. In this article, we will explore different methods of tying a BJJ belt that cater to different preferences and fighting styles.
Table of Contents
The Core Method to Tie a Jiu-Jitsu Belt
The core method is the basic way to tie a belt and is suitable for beginners. Follow these steps:
- Take the belt and find the halfway point.
- Place the belt on your navel and wrap both ends around your back.
- Cross the ends and bring them back to the front.
- Make sure both ends are of equal length.
- Take the right end and pass it over the left end, then thread it through every layer of the belt from bottom to top.
- Tighten the knot.
The Pro Way to Tie a Belt
For BJJ professionals, tying their belt securely is of utmost importance. Here’s the pro way to tie a belt:
- Find the middle part of the belt and take both ends to the back, crossing them before bringing them to the front.
- Pass the left layer under the right and pull all the layers to the top.
- Cross the right side of the belt under the first layer, moving towards the left side, creating a loop from the bottom to go through.
The Gracie Barra Way to Tie a Belt
The Gracie Barra way is unique and involves directly tying the belt without looping it under different layers. However, this method is not widely used due to its tendency to come undone easily.
Double Water Knot
The double water knot is known for its durability. Follow these steps to tie this knot:
- Tie a granny knot at one end of the belt.
- Take the opposite end of the belt around your abdomen and bring it to the front.
- Hold both ends in front and tie a double water knot.
The benefit of the double water knot is that it doesn’t slip or come undone easily, providing a secure hold for your gi.
Super Lock Way
The super lock way is another method preferred by some BJJ practitioners. Follow these steps:
- Take both lapels of the gi and fold the right side under the left.
- Wrap both ends of the belt around your waist and bring them to the front.
- Place the belt in the center and fold the striped part of the belt under the loops. Adjust for tightness.
- Take the tail end of your belt and put it under the two loops.
- Thread the striped part of the belt under the loop you created.
- Tighten the belt by pulling the striped part inside the first loop.
How Rener Gracie Ties a BJJ Belt
Rener Gracie, a prominent figure in the BJJ world, has his own unique way of tying a belt. Unfortunately, the article doesn’t provide details on his method, but you can surely find videos or tutorials online to learn more.
Why Tie Your Belt?
Tying your belt is not just a formality, but it also has practical benefits. It shows respect for the art of jiu-jitsu and helps keep your gi closed. The thick fabric of the gi provides protection against injuries and helps prevent your opponent from executing certain techniques, such as the worm guard or galaxy guard. The belt is your first layer of self-defense.
Which Method Should I Choose to Tie a Belt in Jiu-Jitsu?
The method you choose to tie your belt depends on your preferences and fighting style. If your opponent is skilled at manipulating the lapel, a tight tie may be beneficial. However, the pro way of tying a belt is also a secure option for most fighters. Consider the time limit allowed for belt tying during competitions, as exceeding the allotted time may result in penalties.
Summary
Wearing a belt in Jiu-Jitsu is a sign of respect towards the art and your fellow practitioners. Learning how to properly tie your belt using different methods is essential to prevent distractions and ensure your gi remains in place, protecting you from injuries. Whether you choose the core method, the pro way, or any other method, remember to stay focused and dedicated to your training. For more information on the “5 WS” (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How), visit 5ws.wiki.
