Where should I order my new black belt from?

[username19853]

I hear amazing things from Shureido, but I don’t understand what the difference is between their belt sizes:

- regular weight cotton black belt

- medium weight cotton black belt

- deluxe heavyweight cotton black belt

Can anyone explain the difference between them and why I’d get one over the other? I’m looking for a belt that will (hopefully) be my last one.

Also, has anyone bought a black belt from Ki International, and can you share your experience with how it held up?

Thank you!

[aurik]

Many of our students get their black belts from Kataaro (including me). I got one of their soft 1.75" cotton black belts with metallic blue embroidery (style on one side, name in katakana on the other side). It turned out GREAT, and I'm very happy with it. I've also gotten compliments from a few of the other students at the dojo. They have a wide variety of embroidery options if you decide to go that way, or you can just do a plain black belt if that's what you want. (The pin is a style pin I got from my CI)

[Wastelander]

As I recall, those Shureido categories relate to both the thickness of the black cotton wrap, and the stiffness of the inner core. The deluxe heavyweight ones are NOTORIOUSLY difficult to tie and keep tied--many people wet them and tie them around something for a while to help the knot set. That one does tend to last the longest, but belts shouldn't last a lifetime, anyway--it is completely okay to replace them when they get tattered .

[sensei8]

If it's a personal purchase, order whatever one you like.

If the black belt is awarded to you, wear that one with pride and honor. My personal choice of a black belt is Eosin Panther because I particularly like its overall quality. For student promotions, I buy all if my belts from Century MA Supply.

[Zaine]

I wear a KI one for everyday training, and I love it. I think it holds up really well, especially since I'm pretty intense in my sessions.

[mjh1969]

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

[Shojiko]

Also from Japan is ISAMI, which you may check out.

Other than that, I would highly recommend Shureido as a belt.

[mjh1969]

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.