3 Ways to Tie Your Jiu-Jitsu Belt

Option 1 

This is the version most people learn first.  Before starting, make sure both ends are even. The easiest way is to place the belt across your lower back with both ends hanging in front, then adjust them until they're level before you start wrapping. It gets better and easier over time.

• Wrap the belt around your waist, starting at the front and bringing both ends around to the back.
• Cross at the back like an "X " and bring them back to the front. 
• Align both ends at the front. Once aligned, cross the right end over the left.
• Tuck the crossed end under both layers of the belt at your waist. Pull it snug before the next step.
• Cross the ends again, preferably with the belt tip on top, then pass it through the middle to form the knot.
  

Done right, both ends end up roughly the same length, and the knot sits flat without bulk.

Option 2

This option starts differently, but the knot ends the same. For this one, you don't need to leave the ends even.

• Put the plain end (the one without the belt tip) on your side, at the waistline.
• Cross the other end over the plain end and make two turns around the waist.
• After crossing twice, tuck the belt tip under both layers.
• Then, pull the plain end down.
• Cross the ends again, preferably with the belt tip on top, then pass it through the middle to form the knot.
  

Option 3

This option is commonly known as the 'judo knot.' The knot is stronger — it starts the same as Option 1, but you tie it differently.

• Wrap the belt around your waist, starting at the front and bringing both ends around to the back.
• Cross at the back like an "X " and bring them back to the front. 
• Align both ends at the front. Once aligned, cross the right end over the left.
• Now cross the other end over the belt, but don't pull it tight—leave some slack to tie the knot.
• Cross the other end over the slack you leave, and here is the tricky step: this end needs to go between the belt, and you will pull it down. 
• Now tighten the knot and you are good to go.

Which One Should You Use?

All three get the job done. The right one often comes down to personal preference and how your gi fits. If your belt keeps slipping loose between rounds, Options 2 or 3 are worth trying over the classic wrap. Otherwise, it's really about what feels fastest and most natural for your own hands.

FAQ

Why does my belt keep coming undone during training?
It usually comes down to the knot itself — a simple cross-and-tuck can loosen with enough movement. If this happens often, the Option 3 is worth switching to, since the extra tuck-through step holds under more pressure.

Which knot is best for beginners?
Option 1, the classic wrap, is the easiest to learn and the one most instructors teach first. It's simple enough to get down in a few tries, even if it's not the most secure option long-term.

Does it matter which end goes on top?
For a clean finish, yes — crossing with the belt tip on top (rather than the plain end) tends to look neater and keeps both tips visible and even once the knot is tied.

How do I make sure both ends are even before I start?
Place the belt across your lower back with both ends hanging in front, then adjust them so they're level before wrapping. Starting uneven is one of the most common reasons the final knot comes out lopsided.

Can these knots work with any gi or belt?
Yes — these aren't tied to a specific brand or belt thickness. They work the same way whether you're training in the gi or just getting used to tying the belt itself.