What is BJJ & How to Tie a Jiu Jitsu Belt (Brazilian)

What is BJJ aka Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, short for BJJ, is a martial art and combat sport based on ground fighting (ne-waza) and submission holds. BJJ focuses on the skill of taking an opponent to the ground, controlling one’s opponent, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks or chokeholds.

History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

BJJ is a derivative of Judo, which was developed by Japanese Jiu-Jitsu master Jigoro Kano in the late 19th century. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was introduced to Brazil by Mitsuyo Maeda, a Kodokan Judo black belt who moved to Brazil in 1914. Maeda was a student of Kano and an expert in catch wrestling, a grappling art that was popular in vaudeville wrestling shows in the United States at the time.

Catch wrestling is a style of folk wrestling that developed in Britain during the Victorian era. It features a variety of grappling techniques such as headlocks, chokes, and leg locks. Maeda taught catch wrestling to Carlos Gracie, the father of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, in the 1920s.

Gracie and his brothers went on to open a number of successful BJJ academies in Brazil. The Gracie family is largely responsible for the popularity of BJJ in Brazil and around the world.

BJJ is often used as a self-defense system by people of all sizes and ages. The techniques can be applied to effectively control and submit larger and stronger opponents. This makes BJJ an excellent martial art for self-defense.

BJJ is also a popular sport. It is practiced by people of all ages and sizes. There are many different tournaments and competitions held around the world.

BJJ is an effective martial art for self-defense and a popular sport with many different tournaments and competitions held around the world.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Belt

The belts are an inseparable part of traditional martial arts, symbolizing rank, knowledge, and progression within the art. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is no different and even before the first time you step on the mats, you will need to learn how to tie the jiu-jitsu belt.

BJJ originated from traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and as such is most often practiced in a specific uniform called a gi, quite similar to other martial arts styles like judo, karate, and taekwondo. Aside from its deep symbolism, the belt has a very important purely utilitarian purpose-to hold the gi’s jacket together. Learning how to tie a BJJ belt properly is a lesson you will carry through your entire jiu-jitsu journey, so it’s a good time investment to learn to do it properly. 

There is no single correct way of doing the knot, but from the several different methods, there are 3 that are by far the most common. In this article, we will take you through the traditional way, the karate way, and the Unbreakable BJJ knot.

The Symbolism Of Jiu-jitsu Belts

Traditional martial arts have a belt system that shows the rank of the wearer. Each time a practitioner is promoted he gets a new color belt that signifies his accent in the rankings. This practice brings a more easily measurable feeling of progress alongside all the physical and mental benefits gained through martial arts practices.

BJJ doesn’t mess around with its ranking and it’s one of the strictest systems. There are only five different belt colors in BJJ- white, blue, purple, brown, and black. This means each promotion comes after dedicating an immense amount of time and hard work. You will never see a kid wearing a black belt in jiu-jitsu, unlike many karate and taekwondo schools. 

Some schools have introduced stripes that signify the progress towards the next level, but even with them getting from one color to another is a big deal. Earning and wearing а higher grade belts means you possess certain skills, knowledge, and understanding and have spent the necessary time on the mats to acquire them.   

Tradition and hierarchy are held in very high regard in jiu-jitsu. The gi must be worn with dignity, pride, and respect. Tying your Jiu Jitsu belt correctly is one part of this tradition. 

How To Tie A Jiu Jitsu Belt

The belt system in Jiu Jitsu is a way to show progress and rank. The higher your rank, the more complicated it becomes to tie your belt. All students start with an un-tied white belt that they must wear at all times during class. After you have been awarded a stripe for the first time, you may then begin to tie your belt in the most common way, which is shown below.

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

1. A jiu jitsu gi

A jiu jitsu gi is a type of uniform that is worn when practicing Jiu Jitsu. It consists of a heavy cotton jacket and reinforced pants, which helps to protect the wearer from submissions and throws.

2. A Jiu Jitsu belt

A jiu jitsu belt is a piece of fabric that is worn around the waist to indicate rank in the sport of Jiu Jitsu. belts are typically white, blue, purple, brown, and black, and each rank has a different pattern of stripes.

Here is a step-by-step guide of the 3 most popular variations to tie a Jiu Jitsu belt:

Standard variation

This is the most popular way to tie your belt and most likely the first one you will learn if you just started BJJ. The pros of this method are that it’s very quick to do and it’s easy to learn. Even kids don’t have a hard time with this technique. On the flip side, there will always be an overlap on the backside, which is not the best aesthetically speaking. Here is how to tie using the standard variation-

1. Find the middle of the belt and fold it in half.
2. Place the middle of the belt in the center of your belly your center point, right below the belly button.
3. Come around the back with both tails and cross them over to the front.
4. Extend both tails forward to tighten the belt.
5. Feed the right side under all the layers of the belt coming in from the bottom and coming out on top.
6. Tie a tight knot with the two tails putting over the high tail over the low one.

Karate variation

The gi is the standard uniform for all Japanese martial arts, so it’s only natural that they also use belts to hold the jacket. One difference is that striking martial arts like karate don’t put the same stress on the gi as in grappling, so the belt stays secure even with a looser knot.

This does not mean that karate guys can’t tie their belts properly. One of the most popular knots in BJJ comes from karate and is preferred by many because of its neat looks. With this method, you will have no overlap on the back typical for the standard method. This is how you do it.

1. Take one tip of the belt and place it halfway on your back. Depending on the length of the belt this may come only to the lapel of the gi.
2. Take the other end and wrap the belt around your body twice tightly overlapping it.
3. Tuck the tail that is left in front under all others from the bottom and out through the top. This is the high tail.
4. Take out the inner tail that you started with (the 3rd inner layer). Both tails should be equal at this point. If not adjust accordingly.
5. Tie a knot with the higher tail going over and under the lower tail. Now pull the belt tight.

The Unbreakable BJJ knot 

You will likely want to learn this method even before you’ve seen it just because of its name. Also known as the superlock, this is the most secure way to tie a belt and forget about it during practice, sparring or competition. The first few steps are the same as the traditional way. In fact, you can also use the karate method up to step 5. The finishing details are where this method shines.

1. Find the middle of the belt and fold it in half.
2. Place the middle of the belt on your lower belly below the belly button
3. Cross over both parts through your back before they come in front. Ensure the length is equal
4. Put the right side underneath all layers and pull it out on top
5. Take the lower tail and put it under the top layer, but only partially.  
6. Put the other tail through the loop created in step 5 and underneath the top layer on the other side. 
7. Pull both ends tight

There are more ways on how to tie a Jiu Jitsu belt (BJJ) and the best is that it’s most comfortable to you. But whatever method you use you mustn’t worry about your belt getting loose and focus on the important stuff – improving your skills.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to tie a Jiu Jitsu belt, it’s time to put in some practice. The more you train, the better you’ll become at tying your belt. Remember to always keep your belt tightened and knot tied securely so that it doesn’t come undone during training. Good luck and happy Jiu Jitsu-ing!