How to choose your Judo Belt

How to determine your size

It is always best to measure your belt for comparison while taking into consideration the shrinkage, thickness and your way of knotting the belt. These are the general guidelines:

• The size is calculated using the following formula: 2 x 'waist line' (or hips) + 90 cm ~ 100 cm.
• The waist size is measured wearing a Dogi.
• The formula of the belt size calculation and the chart below are designed to have a margin of 20 cm ~ 30 cm on each belt end when tied (official standard).
• We recommend to opt for a half size longer belt in case of the JOGS model, because it is thicker and wider, resulting in a larger knot.

White belts (Shiroobi) / Colored belts (Iroobi)

Only two white belt models are available.
The Judo belt JWB, manufactured in China, is more than enough for beginners.
The Judo belt JOWIB is also made in China under strict supervision of our craftsmen, according to the regulations of the International Judo Federation (IJF) and is an excellent choice for practitioners wishing to keep their belt for several years. (For example in Dojos following the Japanese system, in which colored belts are not used for adults.)
There is only one belt model for colored belts available in all official colors (yellow, orange, green, violet, and brown), as well as blue and light blue (sometimes unofficially used for children) and also black, which makes this model the entry level black belt.

Judo Belts for Women

In the West, these belts are not used. In Japan, however, this women's type belt is required from the black belt. They are characterized by a reduced length of 5 cm compared to the men's model, and a central white line running all along the belt. These women's belts, sometimes used in certain traditional schools (excluding Judo), are an integral part of the KuSakura catalogue, and therefore offered as option on each belt that has the women's counterpart.

These are the Kodokan regulations, that are applied in almost all Japanese Dojo.
The major difference is concerning the colored Judo belts that are reserved for children in Japan.
In most countries, you can just ignore the minimum age stated if in your country the color system is also applied to adults. However, some national federations having different rules, we recommend checking what rules apply in your federation/dojo before placing your order. Note that "middle-grades", symbolized by two colored belts do not exist in Japan and are therefore not offered by KuSakura.

Black Belt (Kuroobi)

JC - Color Belt available in Black

This is the black version of KuSakura's color belt range, the thinnest, narrowest and most flexible model. Little used in Judo as it is too thin. However, this could be a good choice for a belt used in competition, because it can be tied firmly with a width of only 4.2 cm and 10 rows of topstitching.

JE - Classic Shusu Kuroobi

This is the first premium Judo belt. Relatively thin and flexible with a shiny outer layer, 15 rows of topstitching and a width of 4.5 cm - it is a solid model to last. Recommended to practitioners looking for a premium belt remaining flexible.

JOG - Deluxe Shusu Kuroobi & JGK - Deluxe Shusu Kuroobi Kodokan

This is the second premium Judo belt, with a cotton core thicker than the model JE, and an outer layer of superior quality. Featuring 16 rows of topstitching and a width of 4.5 cm this belt is popular among Judoka because of its excellent performance and visual appearance due to its thickness. The JOG and JGK Judo belt models are identical regarding the finish.

JOGS - Deluxe Shusu Kuroobi - Extra Thick

This black belt is similar to the model JOG, very thick and wide 4.7 cm With 14 rows of topstitching, this Judo belt features a particularly large knot and looks very nice when tied. Note: Because of its thickness, only integrated embroideries are available on this belt.

JGS - 'Japanese Silk' Kuroobi

The model JGS, 16 rows of topstitching and a width of 4.5 cm has a cotton core similar to the belt JOG, however, it is covered not with shiny cotton but with an outer layer made of pure Japanese silk. This luxury belt is mainly used to offer as gift.

JOIB - Classic IJF Kuroobi

This Judo black belt is officially approved for international competitions, designed with a feltlike cotton core a width of 4.5 cm and only 10 rows of topstitching, it is more flexible than non IJF models. The IJF standards demand flexible belts to ensure a tight knot, that does not easily untie during competition.

JOXB - Deluxe IJF Kuroobi

This belt is similar to the model JOIB, also featuring a width of 4.5 cm but 13 rows of topstitching, providing more strength, making the ends remain horizontal when the belt is tied.

JOVB - Deluxe Taisho IJF Kuroobi

This belt shares the same characteristics than JOXB model, a width of 4.5 cm and 13 rows of topstitching. Officially IJF approved, it is designed for international competitors.

Comparison: Red/White and Red Belts

JRWZ (white/red) - Kohaku Obi Official Kata

This belt is designed in the same manner as the IJF black belts, featuring 13 rows of topstitching, a width of 4.5 cm but a core made of feltlike cotton, making it more flexible and resulting in a knot that does not loosen easily. This is the essential belt for Judo Kata competitions on the 6th to 8th Dan level.

JGSRW (white/red) - 'Japanese Silk' Kodokan Kohaku Obi

The official Kodokan belt in its high-end version, a cotton core covered with a Japanese silk outer layer. This deluxe belt is usually ordered in the context of offering it as gift to a high graded teacher, featuring a width of 4.5 cm and 16 rows of topstitching.

JGSR (red) - 'Japanese Silk' Kodokan Aka Obi

Because this belt is theoretically reserved for masters holding the 9th and 10th Dan, a level attained by only a few dozen people, this model is almost never ordered. To keep the KuSakura catalog complete and because it is also used on a "lower" level in some traditional schools other than Judo, it is offered here. It also features a classic width of 4.5 cm and 16 rows of topstitching.

1 - White and Colored Belts

As white and colored belts are not meant to be kept for a long time, it is not worth the 3-4 weeks manufacturing time and increased costs. Hence, integrated embroideries are not offered on these belts. However, non-integrated embroideries are available on all white and colored belts and performed within 3 additional business days.

2 - Black Belts

Depending on the model, the thickness of the belt, country of manufacturing and whether the belt is IJF certificated, integrated and non-integrated embroideries are available. Please check the chart above for a quick comparison and the Embroidery Information page for further information on integrated and non-integrated embroideries.