Wow that unboxing and review video is so nice! Thank you so much for taking the time to put it together. What a wonderful surprise 😃 We are so proud that you appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into custom making one of these belts. All the best from the ChokeSports team.
@@SocialsAwkward btw yours was SUPER fast- 12 days is incredible! mine was a bit longer, but was worth it. plus I guess harder to post to Ireland too. always a factor!
Awesome video. Highly detailed: between the order process, to the fit and looks. High quality belts are definitely worth it, especially purple, brown and black; the longer belts.
Thanks for taking time to comment! After 20+ years this is my first high quality belt.. but I totally agree with you. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't think twice about getting a nice belt.
it should last a lot longer than six years David if you wash it by hand every month ;) . ive had mine for 4 years and it's barely greyed on the edges, and the cotton is treated and is very strong. I have to say the quality is brilliant i have the thick core version it will probably last me 30 years, these things are built for punishment. congrats on the new belt it looks brilliant i hope you have many years of training with it, great review too.
Thank you so much for the advice @Dan's Karate! I wash my belt each week, sometimes more often (we get pretty sweaty). I have to agree, the quality IS brilliant! Having worn it these last few months I also think it could last a lifetime. I hope to only wear mine for a few more years though... Ill be up for promotion in 2027. Maybe Isami can deconstruct it and add another stripe? 🤔
The stitching that doesn't go through the other side is ONLY for the "stiff" option on the belt...the "soft" option will have the stitching visible on the back side.
That's interesting... The belt shown here is a "soft belt" and the stitching does not pass through. I guess it's possible they sent me the wrong style? Check out the description at 5:22
@@SocialsAwkward The moment at 5:22 is the reason I left the comment...what I wrote is on their disclaimer on the website. If I find it I'll edit this comment and add the link.
@@SocialsAwkward I responded to this but refreshed it as the original not showing up: BELT FIRMNESS & EMBROIDERY ➡ STIFF BELTS are heavier and feel sturdy around your waist, taking longer to "break" than a soft belt. These belts feature "integrated embroidery": we embroider the fabric first and then we make the belt. There will be no trail on the reverse side, but the belt stitch lines will be over the embroidery. ➡ SOFT BELTS are lightweight and have a "broken-in" feel. We add custom embroideries to the finished belt. The embroidery will be over the belt stitch lines but the reverse side will show a trail. This is what we call "non-integrated embroidery". (from isami website...links are getting removed from youtube comments)
The belt looks amazing just one question why wash your belt. I never see. Anyone do that ever. Is it a good idea most gyms here in Canada where I am tell you never to wash the belt ever. If you actually do wash it was setting do you put your washer on?
There is an old tail (which may or may not be true) that describes a time before there were colored belts. During this period all students wore white belts. The more time you trained the darker your belt became which gave way to a colored belt system ending in Black. Because of the idea that the dirtier (or darker) your belt was the more dangerous you were, students were less inclined to wash their belts. You see the same thing today- practitioners wear unwashed or tattered and beat up belts. I wash ALL my gear because it all gets sweaty (my sweat and the sweat and occasional blood from others). The belt does not hold some magical power that makes me better at jiujitsu and it is not immune to the corruption of bacteria, dirt, irritants or infection. IMO a jiujitsu practitioner should be the model of health and wellness, keeping his/her body and skin free of disease. Beyond that, I believe that it is dishonoring to put your fellow compatriots at risk by wearing soiled garments that may cause an outbreak of skin disease within the Academy (such as ringworm, impetigo, or planter warts). As far as washing is concerned, I dont treat my gi or belt any differently than my other clothes, I wash them with sport wash in cold water and toss it all in the dryer (the amazon link is below) Thanks for the comment and the question!! Happy training! smile.amazon.com/Win-Sports-Detergent-Formulated-Activewear/dp/B00K0WS2GW/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=sport+wash&qid=1651513526&sr=8-9
I agree on all David said 100%, wash ur belt and gear! I don't use dryers though, or avoid if can do my dogi as it can scorch the fibres and cause shrinking, i hang dry...i wash my belt BY HAND, u just need a mild solution (not fairy liquid, just mild soap and i use vinegar to kill germs) gently hand wash it, twist it, ring it out, repeat...about 15 mins of good tugging and ringing is fine...then take it out, ring it out thoroughly (don't let it become water clogged) make sure no chemicals on the surface, then HANG DRY your belt so it doesn't fray or shrink, mine is a silk Isami and took about 3 days to dry in normal room temp. Some colour run is natural especially if first belt or first time. You'll be glad u did and so will ur training partners. Oss David, and thanks HorrorMovieNights for the sensible question.
@@SocialsAwkward The story about not washing clothes and that's all the dogi is japanese clothes is appaarently contrary to japanese culture and apocryphal. Dishonouring of compatriots in any kind of close contact skin on skin sport I guess I've read different youtube comments. Some claim its one of the things they never tell you about. So especially with no gi training Defence Soap is highly recommended. It's quite an aggressive anti-bacterial soap that keeps your own skin clear and clears up most bacterial infections from close contact. Maybe you have no need for it but apparently with no-gi practitioners its a highly recommended prophylactic.
No, sir. I can keep using my belt as long as I want. However, I have found that the black belts in my sport that do so are really only looking to draw attention to their super-worn looking belt. Its the same reason people dont wash their belts. I feel differently; Look good play good, and let your game do all the talking. The Grand Masters taught that the belt only covers 3" of your butt, you have to cover the rest.
@@SocialsAwkward It's also a cultural thing. Japan is a rich country so is the West in general. And you don't mind paying a lot more for lessons and seminars. I recall our Sensei mentioning a story from his first visit to Japan for a black belt seminar and how he ventured out to buy a few cheese puffs coz he was hungry and forgot to change currency back to rupees. Once he realised how much he had paid he gave a couple to his friends he stayed in the centre and refused to leave because of how expensive it was. He wears the same black belt he was awarded as a first dan as a sixth dan. I think we live in a relatively poor nation. Obviously we have our billionaires and ultra rich too. But for many reasons in a small club in India its more common not to purchase new belts for each dan grade and to do your best not to let the original belt become too worn out. Though this is a karate-gi nobody is going to try and grab it while sparring. 181 dollar bucks to rupees and I'm thinking what else could I do with 15k rupees. Opportunity costs and just the way people spend money in India as opposed to the Global West. Not judging. We live in different worlds. But hopefully the martial art is a martial art. We are still behind in BJJ training though. It is by its nature comparatively expensive to get to higher belt grades say compared to TKD or Karate or our own Kalari or Silambam
Since the rank stripes are embroidered before the red rank bar is installed, you cannot add another stripe the same way to add rank. It would be better to use fabric stripes for that reason.
Thanks for the info ! Currently have an Eosin Panther which I love, but it shrank about 6 inches during its first wash (they warn you at least, so I got a size bigger). Hasn’t shrank since and fits perfect now. I wash it after every class. Next belt is getting pretty close and I’m thinking of going with a stiff Isami for the next one.
It’s crazy right? The belt was more expensive than any gi I own - but I still feel like it was totally worth it. It’s so refreshing to actually get what you pay for. Thanks for the comment bro- enjoy that hayabusa!
@@SocialsAwkward good to wash it David! this 'no washing' thing is daft at this point...no magic karate powers lost washing your belt- and good hygiene, now more than ever- i wash mine too! I LOVE my Isami belt- when did you get your blackbelt? how have you found it wearing in? i really love it, still going strong!
The only exception I think applies is not to wash coloured belts with the dogi because certainly if the quality of belt is poor because you're not expected to keep them that long. Either don't wash them coz you won't keep the first few that long. Or wash them separately to prevent colour bleeding. Or maybe you just purchase high quality colour obis too in the West?
Good question. I understand that it has only to do with how your belt looks as it wares over time. In jiujitsu, for example, we wear our belts for a really long time. Most people like how they look when they are scuffed up and worn in. If you have a white inner core that is what will show as your belt gets beat up.
Wow that unboxing and review video is so nice! Thank you so much for taking the time to put it together. What a wonderful surprise 😃 We are so proud that you appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into custom making one of these belts. All the best from the ChokeSports team.
How cool that you watched my review! Thank you for such an amazing product and a great buying experience as well!
@chokesports I still love mine, 4 years later of constant wear, still going strong! fantastic belts.
@@SocialsAwkward btw yours was SUPER fast- 12 days is incredible! mine was a bit longer, but was worth it. plus I guess harder to post to Ireland too. always a factor!
@@petermcnallt12pm happy to hear that!
Awesome video. Highly detailed: between the order process, to the fit and looks.
High quality belts are definitely worth it, especially purple, brown and black; the longer belts.
Thanks for taking time to comment! After 20+ years this is my first high quality belt.. but I totally agree with you. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't think twice about getting a nice belt.
it should last a lot longer than six years David if you wash it by hand every month ;) . ive had mine for 4 years and it's barely greyed on the edges, and the cotton is treated and is very strong. I have to say the quality is brilliant i have the thick core version it will probably last me 30 years, these things are built for punishment. congrats on the new belt it looks brilliant i hope you have many years of training with it, great review too.
Thank you so much for the advice @Dan's Karate! I wash my belt each week, sometimes more often (we get pretty sweaty). I have to agree, the quality IS brilliant! Having worn it these last few months I also think it could last a lifetime. I hope to only wear mine for a few more years though... Ill be up for promotion in 2027. Maybe Isami can deconstruct it and add another stripe? 🤔
The stitching that doesn't go through the other side is ONLY for the "stiff" option on the belt...the "soft" option will have the stitching visible on the back side.
That's interesting... The belt shown here is a "soft belt" and the stitching does not pass through. I guess it's possible they sent me the wrong style? Check out the description at 5:22
@@SocialsAwkward The moment at 5:22 is the reason I left the comment...what I wrote is on their disclaimer on the website. If I find it I'll edit this comment and add the link.
@@yew2oob954 Thanks! that would be really helpful for everyone. Mine came out perfect!
@@SocialsAwkward I responded to this but refreshed it as the original not showing up:
BELT FIRMNESS & EMBROIDERY
➡ STIFF BELTS are heavier and feel sturdy around your waist, taking longer to "break" than a soft belt. These belts feature "integrated embroidery": we embroider the fabric first and then we make the belt. There will be no trail on the reverse side, but the belt stitch lines will be over the embroidery.
➡ SOFT BELTS are lightweight and have a "broken-in" feel. We add custom embroideries to the finished belt. The embroidery will be over the belt stitch lines but the reverse side will show a trail. This is what we call "non-integrated embroidery".
(from isami website...links are getting removed from youtube comments)
@@yew2oob954 Great information!! Thanks!
Looks so awesome
Thanks Rafael! Its still holing strong. I love it!
Thank you for the review 🙏🏼
My pleasure! Thanks for watching, and Happy Training
Super rad!
Right?!? They have all kinds of products in addition to these custom belts. I'm defiantly going here first.
The belt looks amazing just one question why wash your belt. I never see. Anyone do that ever. Is it a good idea most gyms here in Canada where I am tell you never to wash the belt ever. If you actually do wash it was setting do you put your washer on?
There is an old tail (which may or may not be true) that describes a time before there were colored belts. During this period all students wore white belts. The more time you trained the darker your belt became which gave way to a colored belt system ending in Black. Because of the idea that the dirtier (or darker) your belt was the more dangerous you were, students were less inclined to wash their belts. You see the same thing today- practitioners wear unwashed or tattered and beat up belts. I wash ALL my gear because it all gets sweaty (my sweat and the sweat and occasional blood from others). The belt does not hold some magical power that makes me better at jiujitsu and it is not immune to the corruption of bacteria, dirt, irritants or infection. IMO a jiujitsu practitioner should be the model of health and wellness, keeping his/her body and skin free of disease. Beyond that, I believe that it is dishonoring to put your fellow compatriots at risk by wearing soiled garments that may cause an outbreak of skin disease within the Academy (such as ringworm, impetigo, or planter warts). As far as washing is concerned, I dont treat my gi or belt any differently than my other clothes, I wash them with sport wash in cold water and toss it all in the dryer (the amazon link is below) Thanks for the comment and the question!! Happy training! smile.amazon.com/Win-Sports-Detergent-Formulated-Activewear/dp/B00K0WS2GW/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=sport+wash&qid=1651513526&sr=8-9
I agree on all David said 100%, wash ur belt and gear! I don't use dryers though, or avoid if can do my dogi as it can scorch the fibres and cause shrinking, i hang dry...i wash my belt BY HAND, u just need a mild solution (not fairy liquid, just mild soap and i use vinegar to kill germs) gently hand wash it, twist it, ring it out, repeat...about 15 mins of good tugging and ringing is fine...then take it out, ring it out thoroughly (don't let it become water clogged) make sure no chemicals on the surface, then HANG DRY your belt so it doesn't fray or shrink, mine is a silk Isami and took about 3 days to dry in normal room temp. Some colour run is natural especially if first belt or first time.
You'll be glad u did and so will ur training partners. Oss David, and thanks HorrorMovieNights for the sensible question.
@@petermcnallt12pm much respect, my friend! Thanks for sharing your method! Im going to try hand washing my belt right now!
Thanks for the info everyone
@@SocialsAwkward The story about not washing clothes and that's all the dogi is japanese clothes is appaarently contrary to japanese culture and apocryphal. Dishonouring of compatriots in any kind of close contact skin on skin sport I guess I've read different youtube comments. Some claim its one of the things they never tell you about. So especially with no gi training Defence Soap is highly recommended. It's quite an aggressive anti-bacterial soap that keeps your own skin clear and clears up most bacterial infections from close contact. Maybe you have no need for it but apparently with no-gi practitioners its a highly recommended prophylactic.
Just got mine it's amazing
Congrats! Dont you LOVE it?!?
@@SocialsAwkward best belt ever
So beautiful!
Thanks for the feedback, Steven. I’m really pleased with it!
how was the japanese translation for the other side? was it a true translation?
oh yea! spot on!
What size is your belt? Is that a A4 or A5?
Thanks for asking Antwaun, it is size: A0 255cm/100in
awesome 😃😃
Thanks for the comment!!
So you have to buy a new belt every two years when you get another degree?
No, sir. I can keep using my belt as long as I want. However, I have found that the black belts in my sport that do so are really only looking to draw attention to their super-worn looking belt. Its the same reason people dont wash their belts. I feel differently; Look good play good, and let your game do all the talking. The Grand Masters taught that the belt only covers 3" of your butt, you have to cover the rest.
@@SocialsAwkward It's also a cultural thing. Japan is a rich country so is the West in general. And you don't mind paying a lot more for lessons and seminars. I recall our Sensei mentioning a story from his first visit to Japan for a black belt seminar and how he ventured out to buy a few cheese puffs coz he was hungry and forgot to change currency back to rupees. Once he realised how much he had paid he gave a couple to his friends he stayed in the centre and refused to leave because of how expensive it was. He wears the same black belt he was awarded as a first dan as a sixth dan. I think we live in a relatively poor nation. Obviously we have our billionaires and ultra rich too. But for many reasons in a small club in India its more common not to purchase new belts for each dan grade and to do your best not to let the original belt become too worn out. Though this is a karate-gi nobody is going to try and grab it while sparring. 181 dollar bucks to rupees and I'm thinking what else could I do with 15k rupees. Opportunity costs and just the way people spend money in India as opposed to the Global West. Not judging. We live in different worlds. But hopefully the martial art is a martial art. We are still behind in BJJ training though. It is by its nature comparatively expensive to get to higher belt grades say compared to TKD or Karate or our own Kalari or Silambam
Since the rank stripes are embroidered before the red rank bar is installed, you cannot add another stripe the same way to add rank. It would be better to use fabric stripes for that reason.
How’s the shrinking on these ?
Hey Frank! I haven't experienced any shrinkage.
Thanks for the info ! Currently have an Eosin Panther which I love, but it shrank about 6 inches during its first wash (they warn you at least, so I got a size bigger). Hasn’t shrank since and fits perfect now. I wash it after every class.
Next belt is getting pretty close and I’m thinking of going with a stiff Isami for the next one.
Your belt costs more than my entire gi duuude and I wear one from hayabusa ( a bit more expensive brand ) 🤣
It’s crazy right? The belt was more expensive than any gi I own - but I still feel like it was totally worth it. It’s so refreshing to actually get what you pay for. Thanks for the comment bro- enjoy that hayabusa!
Same Gi 😂👍
Not same belt yet 😂👍
Hang in there my friend. Black belts are just white belts who didn’t quit!
Don’t wash your belt.
Oh noooo!! Too late!! I wash it all the time!
@@SocialsAwkward good to wash it David! this 'no washing' thing is daft at this point...no magic karate powers lost washing your belt- and good hygiene, now more than ever- i wash mine too! I LOVE my Isami belt- when did you get your blackbelt? how have you found it wearing in? i really love it, still going strong!
archaic thinking now!!
The only exception I think applies is not to wash coloured belts with the dogi because certainly if the quality of belt is poor because you're not expected to keep them that long. Either don't wash them coz you won't keep the first few that long. Or wash them separately to prevent colour bleeding. Or maybe you just purchase high quality colour obis too in the West?
What's the difference between the white and black inner core can't find the answer anywhere
Good question. I understand that it has only to do with how your belt looks as it wares over time. In jiujitsu, for example, we wear our belts for a really long time. Most people like how they look when they are scuffed up and worn in. If you have a white inner core that is what will show as your belt gets beat up.
@@SocialsAwkward brilliant thanks so much man.
@@SocialsAwkward nice video aswell
@@themartialartist1929 My pleasure!