How To Tie your Taekwondo Belt

Belts and ranks

How to Tie a Taekwondo Belt: Step by Step

Two ways to tie it: the two-layer method most WT-style schools teach, and the one-wrap square knot the ITF describes.

Reviewed by Daniel Reyes, 4th dan Kukkiwon, 18 years teaching  |  Last checked: October 20, 2026

Center the belt on your belly button, wrap both ends around your back, cross them in front and finish with a flat square knot. That gives two layers around your waist. The ITF describes a different method: wrap the belt once and tie a square knot with both ends the same length. If your school shows you another way, follow your instructor.

Before you start

Put your uniform jacket on and tie its side strings first. Then check that the belt is the right length. A belt that is too short will not wrap twice, and one that is too long leaves ends dragging at your knees. Use our belt size chart if you are not sure.

Method 1: two layers, square knot (common in WT-style schools)

  1. Fold the belt in half to find the middle, or just hold it with equal lengths on each side.
  2. Place the middle of the belt on your belly button.
  3. Take both ends around your waist to the back and cross them behind you.
  4. Bring both ends to the front. The belt now makes two layers across your stomach.
  5. Cross the right end over the left end and pull it through. That is the first half of the knot.
  6. Now cross the left end over the right end and pull it through. Pull both ends to tighten. You should see a flat square knot, not a granny knot that slips.
  7. Pull the ends so both hang the same length.

Check the knot. A square knot lies flat and both tails come out the same side. If the knot twists or the tails point up, undo it and redo steps 5 and 6, making sure you cross right over left first, then left over right.

Schools vary on small details. Some teach one end longer at the start, or a different finishing tuck. This is a standard layout, not the only one.

Method 2: one wrap with a square knot (ITF)

The ITF belt colour meanings page gives this method:

  1. Wrap the belt around your waist once.
  2. Cross the right end over the left, then the left over the right, to tie a square (reef) knot.
  3. Keep both ends the same length.
  4. Position the knot so its opening faces your left side.

The ITF says the single wrap stands for one goal, one master and one decisive blow. It needs a shorter belt than the two-layer method.

If your belt keeps coming loose

  • Wrong knot. A granny knot slides. Redo the knot so the tails cross the same way twice.
  • Slippery fabric. A new satin belt slips more than a thicker cotton one. It gets better with use.
  • Belt too long. Extra length wraps loosely. Size down or ask your instructor.
  • Loose jacket. Tie the jacket strings so the belt has something to hold.

Tying a belt for a child

Kids learn faster with a mirror and a short belt. Let them practice at home, then ask the instructor to check it. Many schools ask students to turn away from the instructor and the front of the room when they re-tie a belt. Ask yours what the rule is. If a belt keeps falling off during class, ask a staff member rather than tying it tight enough to hurt.

Frequently asked questions

Which way do you tie a taekwondo belt?

Cross the right end over the left, then tie a square knot. Both tails should be the same length.

How many times do you wrap a taekwondo belt?

Many WT-style schools use two layers around the waist. The ITF describes one wrap. Follow your school.

Should the knot be in the front or the side?

The ITF page places the opening of the knot on your left side. Many other schools use a center-front knot, so follow your instructor.

How long should the ends be?

Keep both ends equal. If they hang past your knees, the belt is likely too long.

Can you wash a taekwondo belt?

Many schools prefer not to wash a belt. Ask your instructor about the local custom.

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