How to Tie a Karate Obi

Correctly Tied Karate Obi

"Obi" is the Japanese word for a sash that is worn around the waist. There are many different kinds of obi, including those worn with kimonos. In Karate, the obi is a colored belt that denotes the wearer's rank. It must be secured in a specific fashion to respect the traditions of the martial art. Follow these steps to learn how to tie a Karate obi.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Karate obi

1. Unravel your Karate obi and find the middle. Place that middle fold right on your bellybutton

2. Wrap both sides of the Karate obi around your body. The sides should cross in the middle of your back. Wrap one side underneath the other side. Bring the sides of the Karate obi to the front. They should be the same length.

3. Pull the left side of the Karate obi underneath the double wrapped part of the belt at your belly button and pull it out the top. Pull gently up on it at the same time you pull down on the other side.

4. Bring both sides of the Karate obi down in front of you and form an "X" with the top side over the bottom side.

5. Put the top side of the Karate obi through the loop and pull both sides tight. Both sides of the obi should be even. Your Karate obi is now tied.

Resources

• Punch and Kick
• Press the Point