How to Tie a GI

If you practice or compete in Jiu-Jtsu, then you will know how much of a disciplined sport it is.

You have to use all of your control, technique and training in order to succeed in the art of Jiu-Jitsu. 

To do this, you will need the proper instruction, equipment and clothing in order to best practice your Jiu-Jitsu skills.

The best place to start is with the proper Jiu-Jitsu uniform or garment, the GI.

What is a GI

In Jiu-Jitsu, a GI is short for the traditional name of the uniform used for Jiu-Jitsu practice and competitions. The Jiu-Jitsu gi is similar to that of a Judo uniform, however the material, cut and style of the uniform is much looser fitting and lighter to wear.

This is why the GI is perfect for performing Jiu-Jtsu techniques, as it can allow you to sweat, whilst also giving you the freedom to move. Without any buttons or zippers in the way, you can move without restraint or restriction when practicing Jiu-Jitsu. 

The most common color of GI’s is white, as it symbolizes purity, understanding, illumination, spirituality, humility and protection, which makes it perfect for Jiu-Jitsu purposes.

The gi is an important part of Jiu-Jitsu and Japanese culture, and should be worn with respect and dignity at all times. This is why it is so important that you wear a GI properly whenever performing Jiu-Jitsu.

How to Wear a GI

In most cases, a standard GI will consist of a pair of loose fitting pants, a wrap around top, and a fabric belt to tie the top together, and to indicate the practitioner’s rank in the martial art.

In order to wear your GI properly, you will first have to step into the pants, and pull them up to your waist where they should fit comfortably. Ensure that your pants are slightly snug enough so that they will not droop or fall down during dynamic or fast movements, but not too tight that your range of movement is restricted, or if the pants are causing you any discomfort.

Most GI pants will have an elasticated or pull on style waistband for the perfect, customized fit.

Once your pants are fitted correctly, then you can put on the top. The top part of the GI can just be slipped on the same way you would put on a jacket or shirt.

To wear your GI properly, then you will have to pull the right lapel over and across your body, wrapping the left lapel over the right so that it sits on the top.

It is customary that the left lapel goes on top and over the right lapel for most proper and traditional practices, so please remember this step!

If you have done this, then you can add your GI belt and wrap it around the front of your body. This is usually the most difficult part of wearing a GI for most people. If you struggle with this part of wearing your GI, then you can ask your local instructor for help, however we do have a handy guide to help you nail the method!

Keep in mind that there are several ways to properly tie your GI belt, and many different dojos use varying methods of doing so. However, we have created a handy step by step process to ensure your GI belt looks and feels great whenever you are practicing Jiu-Jitsu.

How to Tie a GI Belt

The tricky part when wearing a GI is tying the belt properly. To help you out, follow this step by step guide of how to tie a GI belt.

Step One

If you need to tie your GI belt, there is a simple way to get it right every time.

To do this, you will need to take the label end of the GI belt and place it flat across the stomach with your right hand.

Step Two

Then, with your left hand, you can tightly pull and wrap the left side of the belt around the stomach.

To do this, you will have to hold the label end in its position, whilst you wrap the left side around your stomach two times.

Step Three

Once this is done, you will need to take the left end, the end that you have just wrapped twice around you, and tuck the end underneath all layers of the belt.

Step Four

You will then have to make sure that you pull both ends of the belt tightly to secure the whole belt around your midriff.

Step Five

Following this, you can ensure that the label end is now on the left side of your body.

Once you have done this, you can fold down the opposite end of the belt down so it hangs next to the label end on your midriff.

Step Six

Then, you will have to take the label end once again and bring it towards and under the opposite end that you have just folded down.

Step Seven

If the last step is done correctly, then take the label end and loop it back around the left, or opposite end of the belt and pull it through completely to tie a knot in the belt.

Step Eight

Finally, you will have to pull on both ends of the belt to tighten the knot and ensure it stays in place.

In the finished result, you should have both belts falling at the same length, ideally. If not, then you should revisit previous steps and adjust accordingly. 

If you follow our guides, then you will know how to wear your Karate GI properly, and how to accurately tie your belt for the best results and technique when practicing your martial arts. 

BJJ Addict

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