Ranks, Belts & Promotions

Tae Kwon-Do ranks are separated into "junior" and "senior" or "student" and "instructor" sections. The junior section consists of ten ranks indicated by the Korean word Kup. The junior ranks are identified by belts of the following colors, with between each full colour belt a coloured stripe denoting a hafl progression towards the next full colour belt. Students begin at tenth Kup (white belt) and advance toward first Kup ( red belt with a black stripe), the next grade being 1st Dan Black Belt.

 

White - Lack of colour - signifies innocence of the beginner who has no knowledge of Tae Kwon-Do.

 

Yellow – The colour of the rising sun, which causes newly sown seeds to germinate and begins to grow, as the seed of Tae Kwon-Do is planted, the foundation of Tae Kwon-Do is laid. Basic techniques begin to be learned.

 

Green – The colour of growing things, the Tae Kwon-Do skills and power begin to develop.

 

Blue – The colour of the sky towards which growing things are reaching.  Mental and physical power begins to stabilise.

 

Red – The colour of blood – the essential force of life.  Perfection of character begins to be exhibited by maturity, honour and respect.

 

Black - opposite to white and therefore signifies proficiency and maturity in Tae Kwon-Do Also signifies the wearer’s imperviousness to darkness and fear.  The mastery of technique is reflected by calm dignity and sincerity.

The senior section of Black Belts is made up of nine ranks. These ranks are called dan grades " (as in "third dan black belt "). Black belts begin at first dan and advance to second, third, and so on. The dan is often indicated on the belt itself with stripes, Roman numerals, or other methods; but sometimes black belts are plain and unadorned regardless of rank.

The average interval between kup grades is three to four months calculated on the basis of two training sessions per week.  Students of Kup grades learn the most basic techniques first, then move on to more advanced techniques as they approach first dan. Once Black Belt is reached, the progression continues but at longer intervals between successive dan grades. The theoretical highest dan grade which can be achieved is ninth dan.

To advance from one rank to the next, students complete gradings in which they demonstrate their proficiency in the various aspects of the art before a panel of 2 or 3 instructors. These gradings may include such elements as the execution of patterns, which combine various techniques in specific sequences; the breaking of boards, to demonstrate the ability to use techniques with both power and control; sparring and self-defense, to demonstrate the practical application and control of techniques; and answering questions on terminology, concepts, history, and so on, to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the art. For higher dan tests, students are sometimes required to take a written test or to submit a research paper in addition to taking the practical test.

In contrast, gradings from one dan to the next can take years. The general rule is that a black belt may advance from one rank to the next only after the number of years equivalent to the rank pursued. For example, a newly-promoted third-degree black belt may not be allowed to promote to fourth-degree until four years have passed. Black belt ranks from 4th Dan and above have titles associated with them of "master", and 8th Dan and above "Grand Master".