How to Put On a Kung Fu Sash

The sash worn by kung fu practitioners is a multi purpose item that may signify gender, instructorship, rank as well as support the tan tien (similar to the function of a back brace). Traditionally, a male wears a knot on his belt to the left side of his body, while the knot of a female’s belt is to the right. An instructor would wear the knot in the front. These days, there are variations. In fact, in some schools, all students wear their knot on the same side, whereas the instructor wears his on the opposite side. At schools that utilize a ranking system, sash color can be used to identify rank within the school.

Things You'll Need

• Sash

Instructions

1. Begin by holding the sash evenly in the middle. If you have a long sash, place it at your navel, and then wrap it around your back, pulling it back to the front. If your sash is not that long, begin with it at the small of your back and then bring it to the front of your body. You now have to equal lengths of material in front of you.

2. Cross the two lengths of material, the right going over the left. The right piece of material (on top) should be wrapped under the other layers of the sash and pulled. Tighten the sash around your waist.

3. Tie a knot with the remaining material (the knot should not be pulled very tightly). Use your fingers to make a loop with one end of the material. Make sure there is a loop above the knot. The remaining material will hang freely below the knot.

4. Turn the knot to the desired side of your body.

5. Ensure that the sash is as even and wide as possible. There should be no creases.