How many belts in taekwondo?

By HotBotUpdated: August 14, 2024

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Introduction to Taekwondo Belts

Taekwondo, a Korean martial art, is not only about physical prowess but also about discipline, respect, and personal growth. One of the most recognizable aspects of Taekwondo is its belt system, which signifies a practitioner's rank and level of expertise. Understanding the belts in Taekwondo involves delving into the history, the meaning behind each color, and the progression from beginner to master.

The Belt Colors and Their Meanings

In Taekwondo, the belt colors are more than just a visual indication of rank; they symbolize the student's journey and progress. Here are the common belt colors and their meanings:

White Belt: Represents purity and the beginning of the journey. It signifies that the student is a blank slate, ready to learn and absorb knowledge.
Yellow Belt: Symbolizes the earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root, indicating the student’s growth and foundation in basic techniques.
Green Belt: Represents the growth of the plant as it reaches upward, signifying the advancement in skills and knowledge.
Blue Belt: Denotes the sky towards which the plant grows, symbolizing progress and the broadening of horizons in Taekwondo techniques.
Red Belt: Indicates danger, warning the student to exercise control and caution. It also represents the student's growing strength and ability.
Black Belt: Represents maturity, proficiency, and expertise. It is considered the opposite of the white belt and signifies the student's transformation and mastery of Taekwondo.

Progression Through the Ranks

The journey from white belt to black belt in Taekwondo is structured through various intermediary ranks, often known as "geups" or "gups" (grades). Each school or organization may have slight variations in the number of ranks and the belt colors used, but the general progression is as follows:

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10th Geup - White Belt
9th Geup - Yellow Stripe Belt
8th Geup - Yellow Belt
7th Geup - Green Stripe Belt
6th Geup - Green Belt
5th Geup - Blue Stripe Belt
4th Geup - Blue Belt
3rd Geup - Red Stripe Belt
2nd Geup - Red Belt
1st Geup - Black Stripe Belt

After achieving the 1st Geup, students progress to the ranks of the black belt, which are referred to as "Dan" ranks.

Black Belt Degrees

The black belt itself is not the end but rather the beginning of a new level of mastery. The degrees of black belts, known as Dans, denote higher levels of expertise and dedication. These ranks typically range from 1st Dan to 9th Dan, with each level representing years of practice, teaching, and contribution to Taekwondo.

1st Dan: The first level of black belt, indicating a solid foundation and understanding of Taekwondo.
2nd Dan: Demonstrates further development and deeper knowledge of techniques.
3rd Dan: Represents an advanced level of skill and often the beginning of teaching others.
4th Dan: Indicates a high level of mastery and the ability to instruct students independently.
5th Dan: Recognizes significant contributions to the art and often involves a leadership role within the Taekwondo community.
6th Dan: Demonstrates a lifetime of dedication and mastery, often accompanied by research and development of new techniques.
7th Dan: Indicates a grand master, someone who has made substantial contributions to Taekwondo globally.
8th Dan: Represents a very senior grand master with decades of experience and influence.
9th Dan: The highest level, often reserved for those who have dedicated their entire lives to Taekwondo and have had a profound impact on the art.

Variations Across Organizations

Different Taekwondo organizations may have variations in their belt systems. For instance, the World Taekwondo (WT) and the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) have slight differences in the progression and the colors of the belts:

World Taekwondo (WT):

Often includes additional stripes and interim levels between the main belt colors.
Focuses heavily on Olympic-style sparring and competition.

International Taekwondo Federation (ITF):

Maintains a more traditional approach with fewer interim levels.
Places a significant emphasis on patterns (forms) and self-defense techniques.

Historical Context and Evolution

The belt system in Taekwondo has evolved over time, influenced by various factors. Historically, martial arts in Korea did not use colored belts. The adoption of the belt system came from Japanese martial arts during the 20th century. This system was further refined and adapted to suit the philosophies and teachings of Taekwondo.

Understanding the belt system in Taekwondo offers a glimpse into the rich tradition and structure of this martial art. Each belt represents a step in the journey of personal and technical growth, culminating in the pursuit of mastery. The variations across different schools and organizations add a layer of complexity, reflecting the diverse interpretations and emphases within Taekwondo. This journey through the belts is not just about achieving a rank but about embodying the principles and spirit of Taekwondo in every aspect of life.