Taekwondo color and Black Belt ranks
How can you tell the deference between all the ranks and titles?
White Belt
Represents purity and humility; It represents the open-mindedness that a student must have to learn anything new; to be able to understand the myriad of complexities of daily life.
The white belt is symbolic of an empty cup that has nothing in it but is always ready and able to receive. The white belt has no preconceived though to hinder any new thought being absorbed. There is abundant room for learning. A white belt is like a piece of white paper allowing anything to be written on it. There is total trust and faith in the Master that he will guide the student towards optimal development. In order to learn anything in life, an individual must possess the curiosity, openness and intensity of a white belt.
Yellow Belt
Is representative of gold, which means truth; It is important that an individual be truthful with himself as it eliminates egotism and creates personal contentment.
The concept of the seed is additionally symbolized by the color yellow. It is only a quality seed that can grow into a quality plant. However, the foundation has to be solid so that future growth is possible. The planted seed cannot expect to grow into something that it is not. An apple seed cannot grow into an orange tree – we have to accept who we are as individuals and try to excel to the best of our abilities.
Green Belt
The green belt signifies growth. Since we live for the future, growth is necessary and essential for living. Growth is normally associated with changes and we must accept those changes even though they may cause feelings of insecurity.
Memory of our own achievements in Taekwondo serves many functions. As a green belt, it must serve as a reference for our development, but must not hinder our progress. For example, being a gold medalist in last year’s competition should not deter you from training even harder for the next competition, so that your performance will be more polished and refined than when the gold medal was won. Therefore, growth is reflected in the individual.
Blue Belt
The blue belt is symbolic of the sky.
The color of blue representatively depicts the mind and the mental depth or maturity potential of an individual. Like the sea, we cannot see how deep the water is or the continuously moving current underneath the calm surface. It is our determination that gives us the ability to conquer difficult tasks. Therefore, we should train ourselves to be strong mentally as well as physically. Tough times don’t last, but a tough mind does.
Red Belt
The red belt represents the sun – the brightness and the energy that it projects – and the physical acts of the individual. It is only through physical activity that an individual is given identity through his or her mental depth and capabilities. It is through the physical training in Taekwondo that an education of the mind and re-evaluation of self occurs. By overcoming physical setback through perseverance and determination, the development of the indomitable spirit takes place – the ultimate goal of Taekwondo.
Acquiring the indomitable spirit through the art’s physical training and the internalization of the individual’s mental attitude enables the student of Taekwondo to deal with setbacks and difficult situations. Through our indomitable spirit, we are capable of evaluating, conquering and bouncing back from disillusion or disappointments. The red belt also represents limitation, which is the opposite of the limitless blue belt. In contrast, limitation permits the individual to evaluate their progress. It prepares us to reach our short term goals which, in turn, lead to achieving an ultimate goal.
Black Belt
The black belt combines all of the belt colors and thus represents all of the different concepts of the proceeding colors. It represents the commitment to the value system of the colors and dignity, which comes from pride in oneself. However, pride in oneself is achieved only by overcoming difficult tasks through physical achievement, mental determination or a combination of both.
What does a Black Belt represent?
Your initial ultimate martial goal is to attain the rank of black belt. A black belt is a symbol of excellence in martial arts and is an important tool for developing desire and tenacity. Passing the first level of black belt (or chodan) examination is a distinguished achievement that reflects years of dedication and hard training. When you earn your first degree black belt at The Martial Way, you enter a second stage of training in developing an in-depth understanding of your technical expertise and a more proficient grasp of advance application.
How and when do I earn rank?
Your instructor should approach you and ask you to test for your next belt when he/she thinks you are ready. However, if you believe you can meet the qualifications of the next belt and you are properly prepared, you may approach the instructor and discuss your next test. Remember the higher the rank, the more you are required to know.
Our different levels of Black Belt
1st Degree, Cho Dan; Kyo Sa Nim 1st Dan Probationary
A 1st Dan is either an associate assistant instructor or black belt student (Yoo Dan Ja) and has just started their journey within the ranks. 1st Dans are referred by Mr./Mrs./Miss and their first name or “Sun Sang Nim”. A probationary belt with a solid white stripe is worn for a minimum of 6 months before full rank and titles are official
- A minimum of 1 to 2 years must be acquired before promotion to 2nd Dan.
2nd Degree, Ee Dan; Kyo Sa Nim 2nd Dan Probationary
A 2nd Dan is a full assistant instructor or black belt student (Yoo Dan Ja) and must be referred by Mr./Mrs./Miss and their first name. A probationary belt with a solid yellow stripe is worn for a minimum of 6 months before full rank and titles are official.
- A minimum of 2 to 3 years must be acquired before promotion to 3rd Dan
3rd Degree, Sam Dan; Boo Sa Bum Nim 3rd Dan Probationary
A 3rd Dan has acquired the title of full Instructor or black belt student (Yoo Dan Ja) and is also referred by Mr./Mrs./Miss and their first name. A probationary belt with a solid green stripe is worn for a minimum of 6 months before full rank and titles are official
- A minimum of 3 to 4 years must be acquired before promotion to 4th Dan
4th Degree Sah Dan; Sa Bum Nim
A 4th Dan has obtained the title of “Jr. Master” and is referred by either “Master” and their last name or “Sa Bum Nim”. A minimum of 12 total years experience and an age of 18/21 is required.
- A minimum of 4 to 5 year must be acquired before promotion to 5th Dan;
5th Degree, Oh Dan; Sa Bum Nim
A 5th Dan has the title of full “Master” and holds a leadership role within The Martial Way. 5th Dans are referred by either “Master” and their last name or “Sa Bum Nim”. A minimum of 16 total years experience and an age of 30 is required.
- A minimum of 5 to 6 years must be acquired before promotion to 6th
6th & 7th Degree, Yook & Chil Dan; Kwan Jang Nim
A 6th Dan hold the title of “Chief Master” and 7th Dan holds the title of junior “Grand Master” and presently hold a senior Taekwondo rank position within The Martial Way. 6th& 7th Dans are referred by either “Master” & “Grand Master” and their last name or “Kwan Jang Nim”.
- A minimum of 6 to 7 years must be acquired before promotion to 7th Dan and 8 to 9 years for the rank of 8thDan. A minimum of 32 total years experience and an age of 36 is required for 7th Dan and a minimum of 40 years experience and a minimum age of 44 is required for the rank of 8th Dan “Grand Master”.
8th & 9th Degree, Pahl & Koo Dan; Sa Boo Nim
The rank of 8th & 9th Dan holds the title of full “Grand Master” or “Sa Boo Nim”. Grand Masters’ George Bell & Scott Feagan hold the rank of 8th Dan & Founder with Modern MooSaDo which is also operates as Moo Sa Kwan Hapkido.
- A minimum of 9 years is required to promote to 9th Dan. A minimum age of over 53 is required.
The rank of 10th Dan in Taekwondo is normally honorary, but is more common in other martial arts. Modern MooSaDo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 10th Dans are reserved for the founders and a select few others. When the rank of 10th Dan is acquired it requires a minimum age of 65 years old or the person is the founder or inheritor of an art form.
TMW 