How to Tie Your Karate Belt
A must watch for parents or carers who would like to learn how to tie a karate belt on someone else.
In this video, Rebecca takes us through how she ties her own karate belt step-by-step.
Kyoshi Anthony Ryan demonstrates how he ties his belt with some interesting history along the way.
Why are belts worn in karate?
The belt system in karate exists to denote a student’s grade (or rank). Overall, there are 7 different belts that are worn in classes. These are white (beginner belts), yellow, orange, green, blue, red, brown and black.
While GKR Karate has 7 different belts, there are many more gradings (or rankings) available. This is because sometimes a student will be awarded with a new grade and have a coloured tip placed on their current belt, instead of getting a new belt.
The first of these is for white belt (beginner student) whose first grading has a yellow tip placed on their white belt. The most notable of these occurs after black belt, as students can grade to multiple levels of black belt while still wearing their same belt.
Having a belt to denote your grading is helpful for several reasons:
- Firstly, students train alongside other students who are similar grade. So, you always feel comfortable in your class environment. Even when doing partner work, students will generally match up with someone who is similar in experience.
- Secondly, it lets an instructor instantly know what techniques you are currently learning and have learned in the past. This helps them know what the best advice is to offer, based on your level of knowledge and experience.
- Finally, the belt system is an excellent way to learn to set goals and build confidence, which of course is beneficial for both your karate and your life.
Having a system of progression allows students to look at the new things they need to learn at each grade level and set about a plan to learn and conquer these skills. Instructors often set goal-timelines, so students have more motivation to show up, focus and practice diligently and develop themselves. Being able to track your own progress is a brilliant way to build discipline and confidence.
At the end of the day, a belt is just that, true mastery of karate and self goes beyond the belt you wear, it is your character, discipline, determination, respect and growth that are a true reflection of what you have learnt on your karate journey.