The Belt
System
Progression
The journey from White Belt to Black Belt represents the transition from a seed to a tree, a path of technical mastery and moral cultivation.
White Belt
Signifies innocence, as that of a beginning student who has no previous knowledge of TaeKwon-Do.
- • Basic Stances (Sogi)
- • Saju Jirugi (Four Direction Punch)
- • Basic Blocks & Punches
Yellow Belt
Signifies the Earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the TaeKwon-Do foundation is being laid.
- • Chon-Ji Tul
- • Dan-Gun Tul
- • Three-Step Sparring (Sambo Matsogi)
Green Belt
Signifies the plant's growth as the TaeKwon-Do skill begins to develop.
- • Do-San Tul
- • Won-Hyo Tul
- • Two-Step Sparring (Ibo Matsogi)
Blue Belt
Signifies the Heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in TaeKwon-Do progresses.
- • Yul-Gok Tul
- • Joong-Gun Tul
- • Semi-Free Sparring (Ban-Jayu Matsogi)
Red Belt
Signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.
- • Toi-Gye Tul
- • Hwa-Rang Tul
- • Free Sparring (Jayu Matsogi)
Black Belt
Opposite of white, therefore, signifying maturity and proficiency in TaeKwon-Do. Also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear.
- • Choong-Moo Tul
- • Kwang-Gae / Po-Eun / Ge-Baek
- • Comprehensive Technical Excellence
The Path of The Gup
Novice Stage (10th - 7th Gup)
The foundation of coordination, balance, and basic technique. Focus is on understanding the fundamental mechanics of movement and the 5 tenets of TaeKwon-Do.
Intermediate Stage (6th - 3rd Gup)
Transition from technique to power and fluidity. Sparring application becomes more technical, and students begin to mentor junior ranks.
Advanced Stage (2nd - 1st Gup)
Refining character and technical precision. The student prepares for the heavy responsibility of Black Belt leadership.