What are the differences between the different thicknesses of karate belts is one of the most common queries we get. As you know karate belts have different finishes, different fabrics and different thicknesses depending on the style of karate we are going to practice. A basic karate belt where comfort is paramount is not the same as a karate belt for kumite competition (lighter) or a kata belt (larger and stiffer) or a belt for the practice of the different traditional karate disciplines.
That’s why in this post we want to show you how to distinguish the quality and thickness of a karate belt at a glance. Here we go!
Karate belt stitching.
The first difference we will notice between the different karate belts is the number of seams. For example, the grade belts have 8 seams.. However, standard and special thickness karate belts have 12 stitched seams for extra strength.
The inside of a karate belt.
If we look at the insides of a grade belt, we can see that the padding used to give it consistency is very flexible, which means that the belt is not very rigid and can be easily tied.
If we lay this belt on the side, we can see that the fabric covering the belt padding divides the belt into two equal parts. Therefore, when you look at it from the side, you will see that the two parts of the belt measure the same. This would be a very simple way to be able to identify a basic and standard thickness belt from a special thickness belt.
Another way to differentiate is to hold the belt from one end only. In the case of grade belts, we will see that the belt lacks consistency, is not very rigid and will tend downwards.
Standard thickness karate belt.
The standard thickness karate beltis similar at first glance to the basic belt, but this one has 12 stitches, so it has a better finish. If we open it up we will see that in this case the inside is a folded fabric, which makes it much more consistent than the basic belt.
If we look at it from the edge, the finish is the same as in the case of the basic karate belts. The fill material is divided into two equal parts. However, in the case of standard thickness belts, the fill material is much stronger. Therefore, if we take it from one end, we will see that the belt remains more upright and tends to be horizontal. Therefore, knotting it will be somewhat more difficult.
Special thickness karate belt.
One of the most significant differences of a special thickness belt is that it tends very much towards horizontality. If we grab it only from one end, we will see that it practically does not bend. This is due to the solid fabric filling inside.
Another difference is the stitching. Although the special thickness karate belthas the same vertical seams as the standard thickness, 12, the special thickness karate belt has many more horizontal seams (those at the ends) which gives it a better finish. In addition, these seams, being a much more consistent belt, need to be much tighter, so you can see more white dots on the inside between them.
In this case, the special thickness karate belt, if we look at it from the side, we can see that the fabric that wraps this solid fabric does not divide it into two equal parts, as the inner part cannot be divided. This is the most obvious difference of a special thickness karate belt.
The keys to differentiate a special thickness belt
- Special thickness karate belt edge stitching does not divide the belt into two equal parts as is the case with a basic belt or a standard thickness belt.
- The special thickness karate belt has more horizontal seams, those at the ends of the belt.
- The karate belt of special thickness tends to be horizontal. If we pick it up from one end it stands firm as a rod.
- It will therefore be much more difficult to knot.
We leave you a video where we explain all this in a much more visual way, so that you don’t have any doubts.
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