A belt you've earned deserves to be yours. Here's what you can personalise on a custom BJJ belt, what the rules say, and what to check before you order.
Custom belts are a popular promotion gift and a nice way to mark a milestone.
What you can personalise
Your name
The most common customisation. ChokeSports, for example, embroiders names or short phrases in English or Japanese, with a choice of six fonts and ten thread colours, and about 8 inches of space on each end. Keep it short: longer text gets resized to fit.
The rank bar
The bar at the end of the belt is usually black (white or red on a black belt). Custom makers let you choose: ChokeSports offers red with white borders, plain red, navy or white.
Degrees
Instead of tape stripes that peel off, degrees can be stitched on permanently, on the front only or all the way round.
Your academy's logo
Possible, but usually by request. ChokeSports asks for a simple, one-colour logo and charges a one-off fee of around $80 to $100 for the embroidery mould.
What the IBJJF allows
For competition, the IBJJF is strict about the basics: the belt must be 4 to 5 cm wide, in your rank colour with a black bar (white or red for black belts), wrapped twice and tied with a double knot, with each end hanging 20 to 30 cm.
IBJJF permits embroidery after the knot, not elsewhere on the belt. Printing on the belt body is not allowed; manufacturer labels belong at the tip. Confirm the layout before ordering a non-returnable custom belt. See the current manual, belt section. See our IBJJF uniform rules guide.
Before you order
- Check the spelling twice. Custom belts are made to order, and ChokeSports, like most makers, doesn't accept returns or exchanges, or changes once production starts.
- Allow time. Made-to-order belts take longer than off-the-shelf ones, so don't leave a promotion gift to the last week.
- Get the size right. Belts are sized like gis; check the maker's chart.
Don't need custom?
A plain, soft cotton belt does the job. The Tatami Premium BJJ Belt is a good everyday belt, and the Fuji BJJ Belt is a plain option with a manufacturer length chart. For a custom one, see the ChokeSports Custom Made Belt, or all our picks on the best BJJ belts.
FAQ
Can you get your name on a BJJ belt?
Yes. Custom belt makers embroider names or short phrases, and some offer English or Japanese lettering, a choice of fonts, stitched degrees and academy logos.
Are embroidered belts IBJJF legal?
IBJJF permits embroidery after the knot, not elsewhere on the belt. Printing on the belt body is not allowed; manufacturer labels belong at the tip. Confirm the layout before ordering a non-returnable custom belt. The belt must also meet width, rank-colour and length requirements.
Can I return a custom BJJ belt?
Usually not. Custom belts are made to order, so most makers don't accept returns or exchanges. Check the spelling carefully before ordering.
Updated on 28 October 2026. Source links accompany the revised buying guidance.
