Belt Progression and Meanings

The belt ranks are an integral part of Taekwon-Do’s progression system. Each belt color represents a different level of the practitioner's skills, knowledge, and experience in Taekwon-Do. The belt ranks start from white, symbolizing a beginner with no prior knowledge of Taekwon-Do, and progress through various colors until reaching black, which signifies a high level of expertise and mastery. Each rank requires the practitioner to learn and demonstrate specific techniques, forms, and principles of Taekwon-Do.

The belts are divided into two larger groups – “junior” and “senior.” The former includes colored belts, while the latter encompasses the degrees of black belts.

There are ten junior-level belts, and they are called “Gups”. For example, the very first junior-level belt is the 10th Gup or a white belt. The Gup system starts with the highest number -10 – and continues until the 1st Gup – the last-colored belt rank; a red belt with a black stripe.

Next in a Taekwon-Do practitioner’s journey is attaining a black belt. The 1st Dan (or 1st degree) is a basic black belt. The black belt ranking starts at 1st Dan and continues until the final and highest rank of 9th Dan is attained. The 9th Dan rank also has the title of Grandmaster.

According to General Choi’s Taekwon-Do Textbook, there are six orders (types) of belts, each represented by six colors. The colors were specifically chosen and are steeped in Korean history and tradition.

The Belt Colors and Ranks

Belt Color (Order)	Rank
Black Belt	First to Ninth Dan (Degree)
Red belt with black stripe	First Gup
Red Belt	Second Gup
Blue belt with red stripe	Third Gup
Blue Belt	Fourth Gup
Green belt with blue stripe	Fifth Gup
Green Belt	Sixth Gup
Yellow belt with green stripe	Seventh Gup
Yellow Belt	Eighth Gup
White belt with yellow stripe	Ninth Gup
White Belt	Tenth Gup

Each belt color has a specific meaning.

White – Signifies innocence or a beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwon-Do. White belt students learn the first basic stances, punches, and blocks that are the foundation for all future belt ranks.

Yellow – Represents Earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root. At this belt level, beginning students lay down their Taekwon-Do foundation. They will focus on mastering the basics and enhancing their techniques.

Green – Denotes a plant’s growth. This is the same for the initiate Taekwon-Do students as they begin to develop their skills. Students will learn more advanced techniques and expand their knowledge. They will grow in their capabilities as Taekwon-Do martial artists.

Blue – Indicates the Heaven that the plant grows toward as it “matures into a towering tree.” At this belt level, a Taekwon-Do student is progressing in his/her training and is becoming more proficient. Their blue belt is a reminder that with a constant pursuit of excellence, they, too, can reach new heights and grow beyond their previous levels.

Red – Signifies danger, which serves as a reminder to both the student and opponent of the student’s growing proficiency. This is the stage in a student’s training where his/her skills have become formidable, demanding mental and physical discipline and control. At this level, it becomes crucial that the students learn to apply their skills wisely and appropriately.

Black —Denotes the practitioner has reached maturity and proficiency in Taekwon-Do. A black belt represents the pinnacle of achievement because of the student’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to Taekwon-Do for many years. The belt also symbolizes technical competence and a profound level of maturity and character development.