Karate belt too stiff? Too hard to tie your belt? Ends sticking out like a moustache? Try this technique to soften your new martial arts belt.
This belt-softening technique can be done with either one or two people.
One Person Technique
(As shown in video.)
Loop your belt around a sturdy pole or post, making sure that the ends are even. Twist the ends until they make a tight coil. Once they are twisted tightly, grab onto the coil and pull really hard. Untwist the belt, then proceed to twist the ends in the opposite direction. Grab and pull again. Congratulations! You now have a softer belt.
Two Person Technique
Each person holds onto one end of the belt. Both people will twist the belt in the same direction. Let’s start with clockwise for simplicity. Once the entire belt is twisted tightly along its length, both people will pull really hard on their end of the belt, playing tug-of-war. Then, both will uncoil the belt, and proceed to twist it in the opposite direction (counterclockwise). Once it is twisted tightly again, both people will once more play a game of tug-of-war with the belt, until it is softened to their liking.
And that’s it!
What technique have you tried to soften your belt? Please share below!
Recommended Resources
Check out some of my articles on performance and competition:
- Nervous About Your Belt Test?
- My Dialogue With Fear: Prep for Sparring
- A Powerful Tool to Improve Confidence, Focus & Performance
- Testing for Black Belt in Karate… at Age 45
- Karate Belt Tests, Anxiety and Control
- Sparring Matches, Safety, Opinions, & Entitlement
- Achieving Black Belt in Karate
- Dealing With Defeat at a Karate Tournament
You’re reading How to Soften Your Stiff New Karate Belt by Sabrina Bliem, originally posted on The Karate Shrimp. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow The Karate Shrimp on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
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