Learning how to tie a TaeKwonDo belt properly is more than just a daily routine—it’s a reflection of your discipline, respect, and commitment to the martial art. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover step-by-step instructions for mastering both the single wrap and the double wrap methods, ensuring a secure and balanced knot every time.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, understanding these techniques are essential for achieving the proper form that symbolizes your progress and respect in TaeKwonDo. Dive into this detailed explanation and practical tips, including a special section on teaching children how to tie their belts, and elevate your training with precision and confidence.
TaeKwondo Belt Tying Options
The First Day Knot
Before class, you might tie your belt in a basic knot—often taught when you first start TaeKwonDo. Later in class, an instructor may show you the proper way to tie your belt. While a quick knot might work for everyday practice, learning the proper method is important as you progress in your training. On your first day of class, the belt knot you learn is usually a simple, no-frills version designed to get you started without overwhelming you with details.
This “first day knot” is more about building confidence and familiarity with the uniform rather than perfect technique. As you become more comfortable in class, you’ll notice that your instructors emphasize a cleaner, more secure knot that not only looks professional but also reflects the discipline and respect inherent in TaeKwonDo. Embracing this initial method as a stepping stone helps you appreciate the journey from beginner basics to mastering the art of proper belt tying.
The Uncommon Single Wrap
In 1985, a TaeKwonDo meeting agreed that wrapping the belt only once would signify the pursuit of one goal, loyalty to one master, and a decisive victory against an opponent. Note that this method works best with a shorter belt.
Step 1:
Hold one side of the belt in your right hand. Lean forward slightly and wrap the belt around your waist. Alternatively, split the belt in half and start in the middle of your lower back, wrapping to the front to form an “X.”
Step 2:
Bring the left side (the part that was wrapped around) underneath the belt resting on your stomach, then bring it back up to the top. Tie lightly to keep the belt in place, adjusting for even ends.
Step 3:
Tie the belt by using the top end. Ensure that you do not tie with the bottom end, as that can leave the belt uneven and may interfere with training. If done correctly, the belt should appear as a single, unified band.
The Common Double Wrap
This method is widely used by many practitioners due to its secure feel and aesthetic appeal. It might take a few attempts to get the hang of it, but once you’ve mastered it, you’ll appreciate the balance and symmetry it offers.
Step 1:
Fold the belt in half, then in half again. Hold the first fold in your right hand so that one-quarter of the belt hangs on the left and three-quarters hangs down on the right. Place the fold against your front.
Step 2:
Adjust the belt so that when you pull it, both ends are even. In the front, identify the top end and the end emerging from underneath the layers.
Honestly, it might take a few tries to get this right—it’s a bit like learning to tie your shoes as a kid. Don’t sweat it if you end up with a couple of funny-looking knots before you nail the perfect wrap.
Step 3:
Take the top-side end and slide it under all the layers of the belt to form half of the knot.
Step 4:
Lay the top end across the loop, bring it up through the loop, and pull both ends to tighten the knot. The finished knot should have the distinctive three-loop appearance of a square knot, with equal-length ends. For black belts, ensure that your stitched name hangs to your right.
How to Tie a TaeKwonDo Belt on a Child
Teaching your child to tie their belt can be a fun and interactive way to introduce them to the discipline of TaeKwonDo. It’s a hands-on experience that not only builds their skills but also creates a bonding moment between you.
Step 1:
Kneel down to be face-to-face with your child. Fold the belt in half and place the middle at or just below their belly button.
Step 2:
Wrap both sides around your child’s waist, crossing at the back and bringing the ends to the front. Depending on the belt’s length, you may need to repeat this wrap.
It’s a fun little bonding moment, and your kid will probably giggle as you both figure out the perfect wrap. Think of it as a mini lesson in discipline and teamwork—while keeping things light-hearted.
Step 3:
At the front, pull the left side underneath both layers of the belt at the belly button and pull it out from the top. Gently pull upward on this side while pulling the other side downward to adjust the fit.
Step 4:
Take the left side and pull it upward through the double-wrapped section (or against the uniform), positioning it near the belly button. Simultaneously pull on the other side to tighten the belt evenly.
Step 5:
Finish by crossing the top end over the bottom one, looping it through, and pulling both ends to secure the knot. For a more detailed visual guide, consider watching the accompanying video.
Belt Tying and Respect for Others
Historically speaking, it’s a courtesy and a sign of respect in TaeKwonDo to turn away from others whenever you are tying your belt. This is especially important to those of higher rank and of upmost importance to never tie your belt while facing your instructor.
The first TaeKwonDo school I was in, I saw a higher-ranking student start to tie his belt in front of our instructor and when the instructor saw this, well let’s just say tensions were high and there not too many kind words spoke.
The instructor even told the student to leave the school for that day. My instructor was very rigid in certain respects, but as I look back on it now I do understand his point of view at that time.
In the school I went to and the ones I have visited, I am seeing the less and less in those classes and the instructors not as adamant in having the student turn away, but I think it’s a small gesture of respect to do this and I do it every time I need to tighten or redo my belt.
In TaeKwonDo, it’s a sign of courtesy and respect to turn away from others while tying your belt—especially when facing a higher-ranking instructor. This small gesture underscores discipline and respect in the martial art. Even if modern classes are more relaxed about this tradition, maintaining it is still a thoughtful practice.
Belt Tightness
Many beginners tend to over-tighten their belts. To ensure your belt is snug but not too tight, perform the thumb test: slide your thumbs between the belt and your body to make sure there’s enough room for comfortable movement.
Final Thoughts
By incorporating these detailed steps, some historical context, and a friendly narrative tone, this guide aims to be both informative and approachable for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. Enjoy practicing and remember that mastering your belt tie is just one of the many steps in your TaeKwonDo journey!