How to tie a judo belt quickly
How fast can you tie a judo belt?
How to tie a judo belt? Or if you want to speak some Japanese – how to tie your obi?
Obi means belt in Japanese, and you tie it around your judogi (judo suit.)
If you have just started judo, then practice tying the perfect judo knot.
But if you can already do your own belt up, then work at getting really fast at tying your belt by taking part in the Obi Race.
Learning how to tie a judo belt is a something you can do at home.
For more judo games
For more judo games, fun activities, certificates and more – go to the Kids Judo section.
Belt Up Certificate!
Remember to download your certificate: Belt Up Certificate when you have mastered this skill. And visit the Kids Judo Online Dojo for more fun activities. Learn Tandoku Renshu, or if you are really up for a test see if you can complete the Judo Uchikomi Challenge.
Let’s go back to basics!
Here are the steps to follow to learn to how tie a judo belt properly.
1. Find the centre of your judo belt
Find the centre point of your judo belt and place it over your jacket like this!
2. Cross the belt behind you
Bring both ends of the belt behind you, crossing them over in your hands behind your back and bringing the ends back to your front again.
3. Over and Under
Place one end of the belt over, then under both parts of the belt.
4. Tie the knot!
Bring the belt out from under and tie a knot. Pull both ends of your belt outwards to tighten the knot and make it sit neatly.
5. Finished judo knot
If you’ve done it correctly then it should like this! If it hasn’t worked out properly, don’t worry – just start again. After a few attempts, you will be able to do it up with your eyes closed!
Now let’s speed that up!
How long to tie your judo belt?
Take the Obi Speed Test!
OK, this is a race. Get ready with your judo belt in your hand. Use a timer to see how long it takes you to tie the perfect knot.
On your marks, get set, Hajime…
So how did you do?
Over 1 minute: That is way too long! Come on we know you can go faster. Have another go!
Under 30 seconds: You are getting much better now, but we think you can do even better.
Under 15 seconds: Wow! This is getting impressive now. Do you think you get faster?
Under 10 seconds: Nice work! You can now tie your belt like an expert judoka
Under 5 seconds: Whooooooaaaaa – you are so fast it’s all a blur. So now, you are that good try again with your eyes closed!
If that’s too easy…
Want to stretch yourself and your obi tying belt skills further? Well, try these five challenges. Record how long it takes you to tie your belt and send us a video of you in action!
- Tie your belt while hopping on your left leg in a 360 degree circle
- Tie your belt with both eyes closed, while singing your favourite song
- Tie your belt with only one hand (you may use your feet, armpit)
How to tie a judo belt like an Olympic Champion
Rafaela Silva, from Brazil, the 57kg Rio Olympic Champion shows us how to tie a judo belt like a champion in this You Tube Video. This is a more advanced method, that’s lots of competitors use to make sure their belt doesn’t come undone during a contest.
Next up: Learn how to do the perfect ukemi (judo breakfall)
