Crafted by Hand, Driven by Purpose: The Story Behind the BULLDOG Weightlifting Belt
There’s something powerful about things made by hand.
In a world of shortcuts and mass production, I’ve always believed that real strength — like real craftsmanship — comes from time, care, and integrity. That belief is what led to the creation of our new BULLDOG Weightlifting Belt, a project that started not from a business plan, but from a genuine connection in the weightlifting community.
How It Started: A Chance Connection in Ohio
Back in 2023, I met Jerry Sanchez, a filmmaker from Southern California who was shooting content at the Arnold Convention in Ohio. We were introduced by Coach Christopher Francisco, a long-time supporter who had previously bought BULLDOG training plates for his gym in Long Beach, California.
That introduction planted a small seed. Jerry and I stayed in touch, sharing the same passion for Olympic lifting, gym culture, and the people behind it — athletes, coaches, and small brands that truly care about the sport.
Two years later, we met again at the Evo Sports Convention at the San Jose Convention Center. I flew into Los Angeles and drove up with Jerry to San Jose. For me, coming from BULLDOG Weightlifting Equipment LLC, based in Florida, and for Jerry, a SoCal weightlifting guy, it was a special experience.
We spent the weekend surrounded by lifters, taking pictures, and connecting with the NorCal community. It was a simple yet powerful moment — two people from opposite coasts, both chasing the same purpose: to build something authentic for the sport we love.
Meeting Danny from Onyx Weightlifting Co.
The story really took shape two years later at the USA Weightlifting Nationals in Colorado Springs, summer 2025.
That’s where Jerry introduced me to Danny Ear, founder of Onyx Weightlifting Co. — a California-based manufacturer of leather straps, belts, and accessories for weightlifters.
Danny isn’t just another gear maker; he’s a craftsman. He’s built Onyx from the ground up, partnering with USA Weightlifting and serving the community with integrity and passion.
When we met, Danny and I immediately clicked. He spoke openly about his process — his designs, materials, and challenges. What struck me most was his transparency. He wasn’t trying to impress; he was trying to preserve something: the craft of making things by hand, the heritage of American manufacturing, and the culture of doing things the right way.
It reminded me of what we’ve been doing at BULLDOG — creating premium, durable products that serve real athletes, not trends. His philosophy reflected ours: make things that last, respect the process, and stay true to the sport.
The Conversation That Sparked a Collaboration
That day, our conversation went deep.
We talked about everything — from import tariffs and supply chains to how the natural leather we use travels from North America to Turkey and back to the U.S.
We also talked about how hard it is today to keep traditional jobs alive — sewing, welding, vulcanizing — skills that once defined American craftsmanship and are now fading away.
Both of us realized we were part of a small group of companies still standing, still creating value through honest work. We both believe that products like rubber plates or leather belts aren’t just “items” — they’re tools for a lifetime of training, made with purpose.
By the end of the night, after riding scooters through downtown Colorado Springs and sharing dinner at a small Nepalese restaurant, we shook hands and decided to work together.
Bringing the BULLDOG Belt to Life
The idea was simple: take Onyx’s craftsmanship and BULLDOG’s vision, and create a belt that represents both — clean, bold, and built to perform.
We worked on a design that used two layers of full-grain leather instead of three, keeping the belt flexible yet supportive. We wanted a black matte finish, strong single-prong buckle, and a slim front cut for better comfort and mobility — ideal for Olympic lifts.
Each belt would be handcrafted in California, made from natural North American leather, and built to mold to the lifter’s body over time.
No gimmicks, no shortcuts — just real materials, real craftsmanship, and real character.
More Than a Belt
For me, this collaboration goes far beyond the product itself.
It’s about proving that small companies with shared values can come together and make something meaningful. It’s about honoring craftsmanship, preserving American manufacturing, and creating gear that’s built to last a lifetime.
The BULLDOG Belt isn’t just a piece of leather; it’s a statement of what we stand for — hard work, integrity, and community.
We may not be the biggest company out there, but every belt that leaves our hands carries a story: of lifters, makers, and people who believe that doing things right is still worth it.
A Handshake, A Belt, A Promise
That evening in Colorado Springs, I didn’t just meet a manufacturer — I met a friend, a fellow craftsman, and a believer in what we can build together.
So here we are — months later, ready to share this collaboration with you.
The BULLDOG Weightlifting Belt is our promise to keep building with purpose, to keep supporting those who lift, and to keep craftsmanship alive, one belt at a time.
Because strength isn’t just measured in kilos.
It’s measured in character, care, and the hands that build.
— Andres Castillo
Founder,
BULLDOG Weightlifting Equipment LLC