Obi-musubi / Belt Knot
帯結び
Traditional method of tying the martial arts obi belt with a symmetrical knot centered at the Hara.
Quick Facts
CategoryEtiquette
Pronunciation/[oh-bee moo-soo-bee]/
Alternative NamesBelt tying, Martial arts knot
Definition
Obi-musubi is the ritual of correctly tying the obi. Wrapped twice around the waist, the knot is secured tightly over the Hara (lower abdomen). Symmetrical hanging ends signify internal balance, focus, and alignment prior to training.
Related Terms
Gi / Keikogi稽古着
Traditional uniform worn for training in Japanese martial arts.
Obi帯Belt used to secure the training jacket and indicate technical rank.
Hara / Tanden腹 / 丹田Lower abdomen representing the physical and energetic center of balance.
Reiho礼法Comprehensive code of etiquette, courtesy, and correct conduct in Japanese martial arts.
Associated Martial Arts
Tomari-teSatojuku KarateTakamura Shindo Yoshin-ryuShorinji Ryu RenshinkanEnshin KarateTenjin Shin-ryu JujutsuYoseikan AikidoShorinji-ryu KenkokanSeiwakai Goju-ryuJikishin-ryu JujutsuIwama RyuKosen JudoKawaishi JudoYoshinkan AikidoGensei-ryuTomiki AikidoChito-ryu KarateShito-ryuMotobu-ryu KarateAshihara KarateByakuren KaikanShorei-ryuUechi-ryuAsayama Ichiden-ryuTenjin Shin'yo-ryu JujutsuShotokanKyushin-ryu JujutsuMatsubayashi-ryuTakagi-ryu JujutsuShorin-ryu ShidokanShorin-ryu SeibukanIsshin-ryu KarateKendoChokushin-ryu JujutsuShindo Yoshin-ryu JujutsuUnkei-ryu JujutsuSeidokaikan KarateShorin-ryuSekiguchi-ryu JujutsuHontai Yoshin-ryu JujutsuKito-ryuShuri-teMeibukan Goju-ryuShorin-ryu KyudokanJundokan Goju-ryuShinno Shinto-ryu JujutsuSix Harmonies Praying Mantis (Liuhe Tanglangquan)Kyokushin BudokaiReal AikidoNaha-teShibukawa-ryu JujutsuShorin-ryu Shorinkan