What Can I Make with Old Karate Belts?

If you have been practicing karate for a while, you may find yourself with a collection of old karate belts. Instead of letting them collect dust in a drawer, there are many creative ways to make use of them. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best ways to repurpose old karate belts.

Create a Decorative Wall Hanging

One of the easiest and most popular ways to reuse old karate belts is by creating a decorative wall hanging. Start by laying out your belts in a pattern. You can alternate colors or arrange them according to rank. Once you have a design you like, use a hot glue gun to attach the belts to a piece of cardboard or poster board. Once the glue is dry, hang it on the wall for a unique piece of martial arts decor.

Create a Karate Belt Wreath

Another way to repurpose your old karate belts is by creating a karate belt wreath. To make this, you will need a wreath form, some wire, and your old karate belts. Start by tying the belts around the wreath form, making sure to leave some space between each belt. You can choose to alternate colors or arrange them according to rank. Once you have all the belts tied on, use wire to secure any loose ends. Hang your new wreath on your front door or inside your home for a unique martial arts touch.

Make a Martial Arts Belt Display

If you have a collection of belts from various martial arts, you can use your old karate belts to create a display. Start by attaching your belts to a wooden board or plaque. You can arrange them by color or rank, or make a more intricate design with multiple belts. Once you have attached all of your belts, you can hang your display on the wall for a unique and personal piece of martial arts decor.

Create a Martial Arts Accessory

For something more wearable, you can repurpose your old karate belts into a martial arts accessory. One easy way to do this is by braiding the belts together to make a bracelet or a necklace. You can also use your old belts to create a personalized keychain or zipper pull.

Donate Your Old Karate Belts

Finally, if you no longer have use for your old karate belts, consider donating them to a good cause. There are many organizations that collect gently used martial arts gear and donate it to students in need. Your old belts could help inspire and motivate someone else on their martial arts journey.

What Can You Make with Old Karate Belts?

If you or someone you know has old karate belts lying around the house, you may be wondering what you can do with them. Karate belts are a symbol of hard work and dedication to the martial arts, but there comes a time when you may need to retire your old belts. Fortunately, there are many creative ways to repurpose old karate belts that are both functional and decorative.

1. Belt Display Case

Perhaps the most common use for old karate belts is to display them in a case. A belt display case is a great way to showcase your martial arts accomplishments and add a decorative element to your home or dojo. You can find belt display cases in a variety of styles and sizes, or you can even make your own with a shadow box and some craft supplies.

2. DIY Bracelets

Another great way to repurpose old karate belts is to turn them into DIY bracelets. All you need is a pair of scissors and some basic jewelry-making supplies, and you can transform your old belts into stylish and unique accessories. Simply cut the belt to the desired length and attach a clasp or closure of your choice.

3. Keychains and Bag Charms

If you’re looking for a simple and easy way to repurpose old karate belts, consider making keychains or bag charms. These small accessories are perfect for showing off your martial arts pride and make great gifts for fellow karate enthusiasts. You can use the same jewelry-making techniques as with the bracelets or simply tie the belt into a knot and attach it to a keyring or clip.

4. DIY Yoga Strap

Karate belts are also useful for yoga enthusiasts who need a strap to help with flexibility and stretching. Simply tie the belt into a loop and use it to support your poses and stretches. You can also make a yoga mat strap by attaching two belts together and adding a handle.

5. DIY Dog Collars

For pet owners, repurposing old karate belts into DIY dog collars is a fun and practical project. You can use the same techniques as with jewelry-making to create a custom collar for your furry friend. Not only is it a great way to show off your love for the martial arts, but it’s also a sustainable and eco-friendly option for pet accessories.

6. Bookmarks

Another simple yet functional use for old karate belts is to turn them into bookmarks. Cut the belt to the desired length and add a tassel or charm for a decorative touch. Not only is it a great way to use up old belts, but it’s also a convenient way to keep your place in your favorite book.

How to Repurpose Your Old Karate Belts

If you’re someone who has been practicing martial arts for a while, you’ve probably accumulated a lot of old karate belts. You might be wondering what to do with them now that you have upgraded to a new belt or just no longer practice martial arts. Don’t throw them away! In this guide, we will show you how to repurpose your old karate belts into practical and beautiful items.

1. Create a Karate Belt Keychain

One of the easiest things you can do with your old karate belts is to create a keychain. First, cut your belt to the desired length. Then wrap the belt around a keyring, double it over, and tie both ends together into a knot. You can also make a tassel from the end of the belt and attach it to the keyring. It’s a simple project that takes very little time, and you’ll have a unique keychain that shows off your martial arts passion.

2. Make a Unique Karate Belt Bracelet

Karate belt bracelets are probably the most popular use of old karate belts. To make one, measure your wrist and cut the belt accordingly. You can then add decorations to your wristband by engraving your name or initials on the leather, sewing on patches or insignias or using paints to personalize it. Then, tie a knot at one end of the belt and proceed to braid the rest of the belt. Once you reach the end, tie another knot and smooth out any bumps on the braid. The bracelet can also feature a buckle, which can be taken from another leather item, and then stitched into the karate belt.

3. Transform the Belt into a Headband

You can use a karate belt as a charming headbands by wrapping it around your head and knotting it. It’s best to use an old karate belt that is comfortable to wear, doesn’t rub on your scalp or curls up. If your karate belt is too long, you can double the fabric for a perfect look. You can also use fabric glue or hot glue to add decorations to your new hair accessory.

4. Use Old Karate Belts as Martial Arts Themed Room Decorations

You can also use your karate belts to decorate any room in your house. You can hang them vertically as a tapestry or horizontally as a room divider. To do this, you would need to tie each belt to another in a knot, making sure to maintain correct contrast, so your display looks balanced. If your karate belts are torn, you can attach them around other objects like picture frames, mirrors or lampshades, turning them into unique room furnishes.

5. Repurpose Karate Belts into Dog Leashes

Your dog is a man’s best friend, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t involve it in your karate belt recycling efforts. The best way to turn your belt into a leash is by using sharp scissors to cut it to the desired length. You can then braid your karate belt together, or loop it through a snap-hook or clip. If you prefer something fancier, you can add charms or ribbon to the karate belt before attaching the snap-hook or clip.

6. Sell Your Old Karate Belts

If you have lots of old karate belts and no interest in repurposing them yourself, you can sell them to other karate enthusiasts. Chances are many people would be more than happy to buy them. You can do this by advertising on online marketplaces, such as eBay or Amazon, or on martial arts forums and groups on social media sites. Consider donating the profits to a local martial arts school to support the practice.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, old karate belts have a lot of possibilities when it comes to repurposing them. You can choose to make a keychain, bracelet, headband, room decor or dog leash. You can also resell the belts if you’re not keen on using them anymore. No matter which option you choose, you’ll have an amazing product that represents your martial arts journey with style. So, go ahead, dust your old belts and start creating something unique today!