Karate systems use colored belts to differentiate ranks of the students. Karate systems do not all use the same color scheme, but they generally start with white belts for beginners and black belts for advanced students and instructors. The belt is also important to hold the gi, or karate uniform, closed. There are two ways to tie a karate belt. Teachers and schools sometimes have a preference, so ask your sensei if you are not sure how to tie your belt.
Crossed Back
It is easier to get the ends of the belt even after you tie the knot using the crossed-back technique. Most students use this method. To tie your belt, fold it in half and crease the center. Open the belt and place the crease against your abdomen near your belly button. Wrap the ends behind your back, switch hands and then bring the ends around the front of your abdomen. This part creates the lump in the belt. Cross the ends of the belt in front of you with the side in your right hand on top. Wrap the right side under the left side and bring the end up through the center -- just like how you begin to tie shoelaces. You change hands as you do this so each hand holds the side now closest to it. Hold both ends pointing at the floor and then tie a simple knot with the left end over the right.
Flat Back
Some people prefer the karate belt to lie flat on the lower back. To get your belt to do this, you must use a more difficult technique. To tie your belt this way, do not start by folding it in half. Instead, place the belt against your abdomen with a small length on your right side and the rest of the belt to the left. Hold the right end stable with your right hand, wrap the left end around your back and transfer it into your right hand. Bring your left hand back around the front of your body and take the long portion of the belt back from your right hand. You are simply wrapping the longer end of the belt around your back. Bring the belt around the abdomen until it crosses the other end of the belt that your right hand is holding. At this point, finish tying the belt using the same instructions for the crossed-back technique.
Pros and Cons
The ends of a karate belt should be the same length after the belt is tied. It is easier to achieve this with the crossed-back technique because starting with the center of the belt on the center of your abdomen ensures that both ends are even. However, crossing the belt in the back makes a bump that is not aesthetically pleasing. The flat-back technique looks better because wrapping the belt means it lies smoothly on your lower back. Each school has different rules for how students look and behave. Some teachers, schools or karate organizations may insist that you tie your belt the flat way. This is more difficult because you have to guess how much of the belt to hold in your right hand at the start.
Earning a Belt
Belts establish rank among karate students. A white belt is the lowest rank. You have to pass tests to earn the next highest belt. In some cases, you have to test to earn a stripe, or degree, that you place on your belt instead of moving up to the next color in the system. Belt tests usually require students to know particular techniques and forms. A student sometimes must show proficiency in sparring.
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