Abstract: An apparatus and associated method are disclosed for releasably securing sections of fabric forming a belt around a user, and in particular a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative activities. The apparatus has an elongate thin strip of material having a length substantially greater than a width, divided by a first section and a second section between its end, and thereby having four surface sections. The surface sections can be configured with fastening hooks or receiving loops, or be smooth, to provide fastening surfaces, receiving surfaces, and non-fastening/receiving surfaces. In use the strip of material is looped between and around layers of a belt tied with a knot such that a first fastening surface contacts and adheres to at least a portion of an opposing receiving surface to secure the strip of material in a loop around the layers of the belt in the area of the knot to prevent unraveling during an activity.