How many belts are there in taekwondo?
Updated: September 5, 2024The Purpose of Belt Rankings in Taekwondo
The belt system in Taekwondo serves as a method to recognize a practitioner's level of skill, knowledge, and commitment to the martial art. It offers a clear progression path that motivates students to strive for higher levels of achievement. Each belt color represents a specific stage in a student's journey, symbolizing growth and mastery.
The Color Belt System (Gup Levels)
Taekwondo utilizes a color-belt system known as "Gup" levels, which are the ranks leading up to the black belt. The number of belts and their corresponding colors can vary depending on the Taekwondo organization, but the most common sequence includes:
1. White Belt (10th Gup)
The white belt symbolizes innocence and a new beginning. It indicates that the student is a novice with no prior knowledge of Taekwondo.
2. Yellow Belt (9th Gup)
The yellow belt signifies the earth, from which a plant sprouts and takes root. It represents the foundation of basic techniques and the first step in the student's training.
3. Orange Belt (8th Gup)
Not all schools use the orange belt, but when they do, it signifies the first rays of sunlight, symbolizing new growth and the development of fundamental skills.
4. Green Belt (7th Gup)
The green belt represents the growth of the plant as the student's skills begin to develop and improve. It signifies progress and growing competence in Taekwondo techniques.
5. Blue Belt (6th Gup)
The blue belt symbolizes the sky, towards which the plant continues to grow. It represents a higher level of knowledge and proficiency in Taekwondo.
6. Purple Belt (5th Gup)
Some schools include a purple belt, which signifies the deepening of skills and the transition towards more advanced techniques and understanding.
7. Brown Belt (4th Gup)
The brown belt represents maturity and the ripening of the student's abilities. It indicates a readiness to refine and perfect techniques.
8. Red Belt (3rd Gup)
The red belt signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and awareness. It represents a high level of proficiency and the potential for greater power.
9. Red Belt with Black Stripe (2nd Gup)
This belt is often considered a preparatory stage for the black belt. It symbolizes a transition period where the student is refining their skills and preparing for the final test.
10. Black Belt Candidate (1st Gup)
In some schools, there is a belt that signifies the student is ready to test for their black belt. This belt shows that the student has mastered the necessary skills and techniques to advance.
The Black Belt System (Dan Levels)
Achieving a black belt is a significant milestone in Taekwondo, but it is not the end of the journey. The black belt system, known as "Dan" levels, represents advanced stages of training and mastery. The Dan levels include:
1. First Dan (Il Dan)
The first Dan black belt signifies that the student has achieved a high level of competence and is now a serious practitioner of Taekwondo. It is often considered the beginning of true mastery.
2. Second Dan (Ee Dan)
The second Dan indicates further development and refinement of skills. It often requires additional years of training and a deeper understanding of Taekwondo principles.
3. Third Dan (Sam Dan)
The third Dan represents a high level of expertise and the ability to teach and mentor lower-ranking students. It demonstrates a significant commitment to the art.
4. Fourth Dan (Sa Dan)
Achieving the fourth Dan is a major milestone, often signifying that the individual is recognized as a master instructor. It requires a comprehensive knowledge of Taekwondo techniques and philosophy.
5. Fifth Dan (Oh Dan)
The fifth Dan is a mark of seniority and respect within the Taekwondo community. It indicates a long-term dedication and contribution to the martial art.
6. Sixth Dan (Yuk Dan)
The sixth Dan demonstrates a profound understanding of Taekwondo and a high level of technical and theoretical knowledge. It is often awarded to those who have made significant contributions to the art.
7. Seventh Dan (Chil Dan)
The seventh Dan is a prestigious rank reserved for individuals who have dedicated their lives to Taekwondo. It reflects a deep commitment to teaching and preserving the art.
8. Eighth Dan (Pahl Dan)
The eighth Dan is an exceptional rank that recognizes individuals with unparalleled expertise and influence in Taekwondo. It is often awarded to those who have significantly impacted the martial art on a global scale.
9. Ninth Dan (Koo Dan)
The ninth Dan is one of the highest ranks achievable in Taekwondo, symbolizing a lifetime of dedication and mastery. It is often awarded to grandmasters who have made extraordinary contributions to the art.
10. Tenth Dan (Sip Dan)
The tenth Dan is an honorary rank, rarely awarded, and usually given posthumously to individuals who have left an indelible mark on the world of Taekwondo. It represents the pinnacle of achievement and legacy.
Variations in Belt Systems
Different Taekwondo organizations may have variations in their belt systems. For instance, the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) and the World Taekwondo (WT) may have slight differences in the number of Gup levels and the colors they use. Some schools may also incorporate additional belts, such as the orange or purple belts, to provide more frequent milestones for students.
Special Belts and Honors
In addition to the standard Gup and Dan levels, some Taekwondo schools and organizations may award special belts or honors to recognize specific achievements or contributions. These may include honorary black belts for individuals who have significantly supported the Taekwondo community or special belts for outstanding competition performance.
The Philosophical Significance of Belts
The belt colors in Taekwondo are not just arbitrary markers of progress; they carry deep philosophical significance. Each color represents various stages of growth, from innocence and potential to maturity and mastery. This progression mirrors the life cycle of a plant, emphasizing the natural and gradual development of skills and understanding.
As you delve into the world of Taekwondo, the belt system offers a structured path to follow, but ultimately, it is your personal journey, dedication, and passion that define your progress.
Related Questions
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Ask HotBot: How many belts in taekwondo?