How to Tie a Karate Belt

This is one of those things that seems complicated and then becomes second nature. Here is the clearest way to do it:

Hold the middle of the belt against your stomach, just below your navel. Wrap both ends around your back and bring them to the front. Cross the right end over the left and pull it up through the gap between the belt and your body, so both ends are pointing down evenly.

Now take the top end, fold it over the bottom end, then tuck it up and through the loop you have just created, like tying a flat knot. Pull both ends firmly until the knot is tight and sitting flat against your body. Both ends should hang at roughly equal length.

The belt should sit centered, flat, and secure: not too tight, not loose enough to unravel during training.

A small detail most beginners miss: the knot should never hang lopsided or twisted. In many dojos, how you wear your belt reflects how seriously you take your training. It is the first thing you put on. Tie it with intention.