Belts & Grades
Tae Kwon Do implements a system of grades similar to that in most forms of
Martial Art. It is based on a series of coloured belts that correspond to
different grades of Kups. Each belt colour has a significance and associated
meaning.
The beginner is classed as a 10th Kup or white belt. As each grading is
achieved, the Kup grade decreases through to 1st Kup (Red belt, black tag). The
student can then progress onto Black belt grades or Dans. The first level of
black belt is 1st Dan rising to a Grand Master at 9th Dan.
Kup Grades
 |
|
Kup |
Belt Colour |
Meaning |
| 10th |
White |
Signifies innocence, that of a beginning student with no previous
knowledge of tae Kwon Do |
| 9th |
Yellow Tag |
|
| 8th |
Yellow |
Signifies the earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root
as the TaeKwon-Do foundation for Tae Kwon Do is being laid. |
| 7th |
Green Tag |
|
| 6th |
Green |
Signifies the plant's growth as Tae Kwon Do skills begin to
develop |
| 5th |
Blue Tag |
|
| 4th |
Blue |
Signifies the Heaven towards which the plant matures into a
towering tree as training in Tae Kwon Do progresses |
| 3rd |
Red Tag |
|
| 2nd |
Red |
Signifies Danger, cautioning the the student to exercise control
and warning the opponent to stay away |
| 1st |
Black Tag |
|
|
Dan Grades
|
|
Dan |
Belt Colour |
Meaning |
| 1st |
Black |
Opposite of white, therefore signifying the maturity and
proficiency in Tae Kwon Do, also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to
darkness and fear |
| 2nd |
Black |
|
| 3rd |
Black |
|
| 4th |
Black |
|
| 5th |
Black |
|
| 6th |
Black |
|
| 7th |
Black |
|
| 8th |
Black |
|
| 9th |
Black |
|
|
|
|
