Black Belt Gifts
Find black belt gifts for a new Judo shodan, a higher dan grade or a fresh BJJ black belt, chosen to honor the years of classes behind the rank.
Choosing a gift for a black belt promotion
A black belt means something slightly different in each art. In Judo, shodan is the first dan grade, and many judoka keep grading for decades, so a gift can mark any dan, not only the first. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the black belt comes after a long climb through blue, purple and brown, and it is usually tied on in front of the academy. For more ideas by style, see Judo apparel and gear or BJJ apparel and gear.
Our black belt gifts are a short, focused list. The most direct choice is the Earned, Not Given Tee with a small belt mark, a line every black belt has lived. The Belt Mark Embroidered Patch carries the hand-inked belt from our logo and fits on a gear bag or jacket. Both work off the mat as well as in the dojo.
Want more than one piece? Build a set with a hoodie or journal from grappling gifts, or look through judo gifts and BJJ gifts if you know their art. If the new black belt also teaches, gifts for Judo coaches and gifts for BJJ coaches are worth a look.
A handwritten note about a round you shared, or the throw they drilled on you for years, often means as much as the gift itself. Everything is printed to order, so plan ahead of the ceremony.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good gift for a new black belt?
Something they will use that names what it took, like the Earned, Not Given Tee or the Belt Mark Embroidered Patch. Pair it with a note about training together.
Do these gifts work for both Judo and BJJ black belts?
Yes. The designs speak to the rank and the training behind it rather than one style, so they fit a Judo shodan, a higher dan grade or a BJJ black belt.
What if the black belt is also my coach?
Many are. The gifts for Judo coaches and gifts for BJJ coaches collections add options like the dad hat and the hardcover journal.