Today, we’re crafting our way through the world of martial arts with a fantastic karate-themed craft project. This engaging activity is perfect for kids and is a wonderful way to introduce them to the art of karate, or celebrate their love of martial arts like Karate, Taekwondo, Kickboxing, Judo… or whichever martial art they love best.
Plus, it’s a great way to spend some quality time together, and the coolest thing about this craft is that the karate fighters really move. So – Let’s get started!
Materials Needed for your Paper Plate Karate Craft
Before we get into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather all the materials you’ll need for this craft. You can do this project with just a few basic supplies, and it’s not too messy.
- Paper plate
- Marker
- Construction papers (blue, red, black, light brown, and white)
- Scissors
- Popsicle sticks
- Double-sided tape
Karate and other martial arts like judo and jiu-jitsu are not just about physical activity; they teach discipline, respect, and perseverance.
While karate is a fantastic way to improve fitness and focus, it’s also a great introduction to the world of martial arts for kids.
Interestingly, judo, a similar martial art, is included in the Olympics, and Taekwondo has recently been added to the Olympics too, showcasing the global appreciation for these practices. So – if you have little martial artists in your family make sure to watch these in the Paris 2024 olympics coming up!
Our family has a passion for jiu-jitsu especially, but we love all martial arts for their rich history and the valuable life skills they impart.
Step-by-Step Instructions for your Karate Craft
Now, let’s create our karate craft! Follow these detailed steps to make your own karate match scene. It’s like your very own paper plate puppet theatre, with popsicle stick characters who really move.
This is such a fun idea for kids to make up their own stories and play them out using the characters.
Paper Plate Martial Arts Battle Craft for Kids
Create an action-packed karate scene with this fun and easy paper plate craft! Using simple materials like construction paper and popsicle sticks, your kids can make their own mini martial arts match.
Materials
- Paper plate
- Marker
- Construction papers (blue, red, black, light brown, and white)
- Scissors
- Popsicle sticks
- Double-sided tape
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Paper Plate
Take two paper plates. Cut a small part of the paper plate and attach it to another plate. Make sure to leave two spaces for the popsicle sticks to be inserted later.
Attach the cut piece to another plate: Using double-sided tape, attach the cut piece to another full paper plate. Make sure to leave two spaces at the bottom for the popsicle sticks.
- Step 2: Create the Background
Cut squares from blue and red paper: Cut a large square from blue construction paper and a slightly smaller square from red paper.
Stick the squares together: Using double-sided tape, attach the red square onto the blue square, then stick the combined piece onto the paper plate to form the background of the karate match.
- Step 3: Make the Audience
Cut a rectangle from black paper: Cut a rectangle from black construction paper.
Fold and cut the paper: Fold the rectangle four times to create equal sections, then cut out simple silhouettes of the audience members.
Attach these silhouettes to the bottom of the background using double-sided tape. 
- Step 4: Add the VS Sign
Write "VS": In the center of the red square, write "VS" using a marker to represent the competition.
- Step 5: Create the Karate Figures
Copy the shapes shown here onto white construction paper to make two figures.
Add black belts: Cut two long strips from black construction paper
and wrap them around the figures to create black belts. 
- Add details: Cut out hands, heads, and feet from light brown paper or the skin tone of your choice
and attach them to the karate figures. 
Then pose the karate martial artists how you like by folding the paper of their arms and legs 
- Step 6: Assemble the Craft
Attach figures to popsicle sticks: Use double-sided tape or glue to stick the karate figures onto popsicle sticks.
Insert the popsicle sticks: Slide the popsicle sticks into the spaces left at the bottom of the paper plate.
Your karate match scene is now complete!
You can mix things up by changing the belt color, or drawing faces on each fighter to show emotions. What would happen if you put a new white belt fighter against a black belt champion? Get the kids to act it out with the popsicle stick karate puppets!
Why Karate and Martial Arts are Great for Kids
Karate and other martial arts offer numerous benefits for children. They promote physical fitness, enhance concentration, and instill a sense of discipline. These activities also teach kids about respect and the importance of perseverance.
And, martial arts can be a fun and engaging way to learn self-defense while building confidence.
This karate paper plate craft is a fantastic way to combine creativity with an introduction to martial arts. It’s perfect for a karate-themed birthday party, a ninja-themed gathering (after visiting somewhere like Ninja Warrior?), or simply as a fun afternoon activity.
So gather your supplies and get ready to kickstart some crafty fun with your little ones! (pun intended 😉 )
Happy crafting!
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Loved this craft? Share our blog post with fellow parents and friends! We’d love to see your karate creations—tag us and let’s inspire more creativity together!
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
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