Proper length of belt?

[TheHighlander]

I'm curious to know what everyone's thought on the proper length of a karate belt? Is it the belt hanging no lower than mid-thigh?

Also, over time the belt naturally lengthens as it gets worn out. What is typical? cotton or satin?

[Harkon72]

Mid thigh is right for most belts, but it can vary depending on the one you are given. For me Cotton is better, it holds it knot more securely.

[Wastelander]

The length is really up to personal preferences, organization guidelines, and competition rules. I personally like my belt to go down to mid-thigh, or an inch or two shorter, but I've seen people with belts that only come down about three inches from the knot, and people with belts that touch their knees. In some organizations, there is a guideline in place, but not in ours. In some competition formats, like WKF or judo competitions, there are limits on how long or short they can be.

With regard to the material, I would always go with cotton or hemp--the satin doesn't stay tied and flakes apart.

[bushido_man96]

I don't like them too short. I'd rather have it down around mid-thigh, or a bit longer. Definitely not to the knees, though, not for me.

[JGarner890]

Mid thigh.

I'm not a fan of it being to the knees, I don't like the belt smacking me in the face when I do kicks.

[Harkon72]

I was given a 280cm belt in my grading last night, it's a little short but I think it looks smart.

[JohnASE]

I'm curious to know what everyone's thought on the proper length of a karate belt? Is it the belt hanging no lower than mid-thigh?

Also, over time the belt naturally lengthens as it gets worn out. What is typical? cotton or satin?

I don't remember ever seeing a satin color belt, but there are both cotton and satin black belts, with cotton being much more popular. Cotton is more durable and less expensive than satin. I haven't heard about belts lengthening as they wear. I suppose some might stretch a little over time, but most people don't wear them that tight. It's more common for people to shrink belts in the wash.

I see you're Shotokan. It's been my experience that Japanese styles, such as Shotokan, tend to like their belts longer. Korean styles tend to do a lot more kicking and prefer their belts a little shorter so they don't flip up in their faces. Grappling styles like them the shortest, so they don't get tangled or caught under anyone. I've seen plenty of exceptions. These are just tendencies.

[sensei8]

Mid thigh.

I'm not a fan of it being to the knees, I don't like the belt smacking me in the face when I do kicks.

Solid post!!

[Hawkmoon]

hmm.... A belt that reaches to mid thigh is, to my mind the correct length.

A little calculation to help anyone is:

x 3.3 =

eg:

86 cm waist (34 inch) x 3.3 = 283 cm (A 280 belt!)

[sensei8]

You want to see what can happen when your belt is too long!?! Put your belt on your kindergarden and watch them...it'll be about the same thing for you when you put on a belt that's way too long...funny only lasts so long.