Introduction to Taekwondo Belt Order
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that emphasizes striking techniques, self-discipline, and continuous self-improvement. A key part of Taekwondo training is the belt ranking system, which represents a student's level of training and progression. From 10th Gup (급) (beginner) to 9th Dan (단) (Grand Master), each belt signifies increasing mastery of Taekwondo skills from self-defense to self discipline.
The Taekwondo belt order varies slightly between organizations like ITF Taekwon-Do (International Taekwondo Federation) and World Taekwondo Federation (WTF). However, most follow a structured progression from colored belts to black belt levels and beyond. Let’s explore the journey from first belt to final belt, including what it takes to achieve black belt level and higher.
The Taekwondo Belt Order: From Beginner to Master
Not all schools and associations follow the same levels. These are ranges that martial arts schools generally use.
Beginner Levels (10th Gup to 7th Gup) – The Starting Point
10th Gup (White Belt) – The first belt symbolizes a blank slate, representing innocence and the beginning of the journey.
9th Gup (White Stripe or Yellow Belt) – Introduces fundamental self-defense techniques and basic stances.
8th Gup (Yellow Belt) – Represents the first rays of knowledge in Taekwondo, where students learn essential kicks and blocks.
7th Gup (Yellow Belt with Green/Blue Stripe) – Marks the transition to intermediate steps, focusing on balance and agility.
Intermediate Levels (6th Gup to 4th Gup) – Building Strength
6th Gup (Green Belt) – Students develop power, coordination, and confidence while refining their techniques.
5th Gup (Blue Stripe) – More complex forms and self-defense movements are introduced, enhancing reaction speed.
4th Gup (Blue Belt) – Represents further growth, with an emphasis on sparring and strategic movement.
Advanced Levels (3rd Gup to 1st Gup) – Mastering Skills
3rd Gup (Red Stripe) – Focus shifts to advanced techniques and perfecting form execution.
2nd Gup (Red Belt) – Students prepare for the black belt test, emphasizing endurance, discipline, and self-control.
1st Gup (Brown Belt or Black Stripe Belt) – This final belt before black belt requires students to master all previous techniques with precision.
The Journey to Black Belt: 1st Dan and Beyond
1st Dan Black Belt – The First Degree of Mastery
Achieving 1st Dan Black Belt is a significant milestone, marking a student's transformation into a serious practitioner. This level tests a student's mastery of Taekwondo skills, self-defense, and discipline. However, earning a black belt is not the end of the journey—it is just the beginning of deeper training and understanding of the art of Taekwondo.
Higher Dan Ranks (2nd Dan to 3th Dan) – Developing Leadership
2nd Dan & 3rd Dan – At these ranks, practitioners refine their techniques and begin teaching others. Some become Assistant Instructors at their Martial Arts school.
Master Levels (4th Dan to 6th Dan)
Not all schools and associations follow the same levels. These are ranges that martial arts schools generally use to give the title of Master.
4th Dan: A master of Taekwondo and able to reward students with black belts to other students and often involved in curriculum development.
5th Dan & 6th Dan – Senior practitioners advance towards leadership roles, focusing on mentoring and competition coaching.
Grand Master Levels (7th Dan to 10th Dan)
Not all schools and associations follow the same levels. These are ranges that martial arts schools generally use to give the title of Grand Master.
7th Dan – These levels signify an expert martial artist, considered a Grand Master of Taekwondo. You are able to reward 4th degree black belts (Masters) to other students.
8th Dan & 9th Dan – These ranks recognize decades of dedication to Taekwondo.
10th Dan – The final belt, typically awarded posthumously or to pioneers of the martial art. Few practitioners ever reach this rank.
Taekwondo Belt System vs. Other Martial Arts
How Taekwondo Differs from Karate Belts and Jiu Jitsu
While Taekwondo follows a colored belts system leading to black belt levels, other martial arts have different structures:
Karate belts also progress through colors, but some styles include Purple Belt and Brown Belt.
Jiu Jitsu uses fewer belts but takes longer to achieve black belt level.
Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, introduced the Dan ranking system, influencing all modern martial arts.
Tips for Advancing Through the Taekwondo Belt Order
How to Prepare for Your Next Belt
Hard work and consistency – Training regularly is essential for mastering new techniques.
Physical fitness – Strength, flexibility, and endurance improve performance in belt tests.
Self-defense proficiency – A strong grasp of self-defense applications is crucial for belt progression.
Mental focus – Developing a disciplined mindset is key to achieving higher black belt levels.
The KTMA Belt System
King Tiger uses a different belt progression system. Rather than going through different colors, after white belt, we present an invitation to one of the following:
Blue Belt: Designed for students under 13, the forms are not required to learn but may challenge themselves to earn stars if learned
Students are free to learn forms (poomsae) at their own pace and earn stars.
Red Belt: Designed for students that are 13 or older and more advanced. Red belts are required to learn forms in order to get to their next stripe.
Students must learn the form (poomsae) for their level in order to progress
Students that earn their black belt through the Red Belt program earn their Kukkiwon-certified black belt.
Both programs are on a stripe system where after each testing, the students earn a stripe on their belt to show their progression.
The Lifelong Journey of a Taekwondo Student
Earning a black belt is not the end—it is a stepping stone to further mastery. From 1st Dan Black Belt to Grand Master, Taekwondo practitioners continue learning and teaching, embodying the values of respect, perseverance, and self-improvement. Whether you are a taekwondo student starting with 10th Gup or aiming for 9th Dan, the journey requires dedication and passion for the art of Taekwondo.
Are you ready to take the next step in your Taekwondo belt order journey? Visit your local martial arts school and start training today!
Comments