mjh1969

This is great information.

I have seen Isami, Kataaro, Eosin Panther, Shureido, KI belts and Tokaido (japanese and cotton belts). The best belts that I have seen are Shureido and Tokaido Japanese belts. Bar none.

I haven't used my KI Gi in a while but after reading your review I may use it for my next class.

For black belt brands, Shureido, Kataaro and Eosin Panther make the best 1.75 inch belts, no doubt.

Mugen Gi's are nice. I have two of them. They aren't too heavy and work really well in hot weather. KI international is in Inglewood, CA which is 40 minutes by my house. I have been there a few times and their customer service is top notch. I use their belts as well. Like others mentioned earlier, they aren't hard on the wallet.

This is great reading for me as I starting lifting weights again after stopping for 12 years so I can focus strictly on MA on route to earning my black belt. After benching 425 lbs, squatting 500 lbs and curling 200 lbs I had to refocus and come back to regain some of my strength because I find that it helps me better in martial arts. Now I focus on more reps with a decent amount of weight for a more tones and balanced body rather than looking like the incredible hulk when I was younger.

I have a weird question. Does the label on a person's belt always have to match their style of martial arts? I ask because I love the shito-kai circular label on Tokaido or Hirota belts but my main style of karate is shotokan. I could wear a JKA label but the shito-kai label appeals to me more. Any input would be appreciated.

For me I would say Muhummad Ali. Then Holmes, then Holyfield, then Hagler, Lennox Lewis.

I am glad I found this thread. It has good information.

Kataaro makes extra long belts but they come at a cost.

Shureido belts are the best quality belts that I have ever seen. Luckily the Shureido USA store is 20 minutes from my house so I was able to gt one direct.

Agreed I actually went down to the KI warehouse in Inglewood, CA last year and purchased one of them. Very nicely made belt. It's a simple durable belt as well, worth the money.

Good to know, I just bought a Shureido belt.

This is great information. I prefer 1 3/4 belts. 2 inch belts are very difficult to work with.

When I train in the garage, I wear shoes. Check out this brand. I have been using these for the last 12 years. https://www.shop bushido.com/collections/footwear The black martial arts shoe on the left is very light for the feet when training and the sole has good grip on it. One pair lasted me for 11 years.