how to soften up belts

[pittbullJudoka]

I just recieved my shodan and the first think my Sensei said was he doesn't normally advise washing ones belt but in order to soften it up twist it, roll it, wad it, and finally wash it. If you are going to be in that belt for awhile I suggest washing it a couple of times.

[NidaninNJ]

never wash the belt, never!!!!!!!!!!

This article is very good and well written. In Japan, you'd be made fun of for wearing dirty clothes.

http://www.24fightingchickens.com/2005/09/09/urban-legends-of-karate-belts/

Hey! Great stories! I think their all true because Ive heard a lot of them before. I like Rob Redmond's stuff. He is straight to the point and usually correct.

I myself don't wash my belt often. But if it gets really dirty I will.

[Ninjanoir78]

I bought a new black belt, shureido satin, ouf, it's tough to tie the knot

[jazzmasta25]

Wear it as much as possible, even while training at home. Don't wash it, unless you train in a dirty Dojo or outside your belt shouldn't get dirty. Though if you move up in rank fast and aren't able to wear it much it will never soften. My belt is getting that extremely soft and pliable feel to it after about 3-4 months of wear.

[bushido_man96]

One other thing you can do is tie it, and then untie it, and tie it again, and repeat,...a lot. Like, for an hour straight, for a few days...

[Montana]

Put your belt in a clothes dryer for about 30 minutes, low heat...and toss in a tennis shoe or two. The shoes will beat the belt into submission and it will come out much less stiff.

[bushido_man96]

Put your belt in a clothes dryer for about 30 minutes, low heat...and toss in a tennis shoe or two. The shoes will beat the belt into submission and it will come out much less stiff.

That's an original idea. I had not heard that one before.

[Zanshin]

If I get a new belt, I tend to tie the knot in the usual way then tuck the ends back under the waist of my belt.

This stops the knot from coming undone during practice and also will make the belt more malleable over time. It is also a very traditional way to tie the belt as it prevents the ends from getting in the way.

Personally, I don’t wash belts as it completely knackers them. If you’re worried about smelling at the dojo, buy a new one.

Also, because I am really sad, I fold and knot my do-gi with my belt before and after training, this again helps make your belt more wearable.

Best advice though is to train regularly so you keep tying your belt. It will soon soften.

[unknownstyle]

i neat mine againist a tree when i get them it work real well