Practitioners of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu understand a fundamental truth: a properly tied belt stays secure through intense rolls and shifts. Many students struggle with this basic skill, resulting in mid-session adjustments that interrupt training flow. The difference between a belt that unravels during the first guard pull and one that remains intact through an entire competition often comes down to three precise steps. These techniques separate beginners from those who approach the art with technical precision and attention to detail.
Finding the Center Point: The Foundation of a Perfect Belt Tie
The first step in properly tying a jiu jitsu belt involves locating its center point, a critical element that guarantees symmetry and stability throughout training. Practitioners should fold the belt in half, precisely matching both ends to identify the midpoint. This center must be positioned at the navel when wrapping begins.
Proper belt alignment depends on accurate center placement—any deviation results in asymmetrical length distribution. Regardless of fabric choice, whether traditional cotton or modern synthetic blends, the technique remains consistent.
Experienced practitioners can identify the center by feeling for manufacturer tags or midpoint stitching, which expedites the process before competitions or training sessions.
The Hollywood Wrap: Creating Tension That Lasts
Once the center point is correctly positioned, practitioners advance to the Hollywood Wrap technique, widely recognized among jiu jitsu schools for its exceptional stability during intense training sessions.
The technique involves wrapping each end of the belt tightly around the waist, creating ideal belt tension through controlled overlapping. The practitioner brings the right end across the front, then the left end overlaps it completely.
Both ends then extend backward, where proper knot techniques become essential. For maximum security, practitioners must maintain consistent tension throughout the wrap process, neither too tight to restrict breathing nor too loose to come undone during ground movements and shifts.
Securing the Final Knot: Preventing Mid-Roll Disasters
After completing the Hollywood Wrap, practitioners must focus on creating a secure final knot that will withstand the rigors of rolling practice and competition.
The standard square knot remains the most reliable option, requiring equal belt length on both sides for maximum stability.
When tying the final knot, practitioners should guarantee the first crossing maintains proper tension before completing the second cross. This prevents the common mid-roll loosening that disrupts training.
Advanced knot types include the reinforced square and the locking variation, both providing additional security at the cost of slightly more complex execution.
Proper knot formation eventually preserves both belt integrity and training focus.
