Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that has origins dating back thousands of years. An important part of taekwondo training and progress is the belt system, which provides structure and goals for students. The belt order starts with white belt for beginners and progresses through colored belts until finally reaching the coveted black belt for those who have achieved expert-level mastery. This comprehensive guide will explain the meaning behind each belt, the skills required to advance through the ranks, and what it takes to earn the black belt.
Historical Roots of the Taekwondo Belt Ranking System
The concept of using colored belts to denote rank originates from judo, which adopted the system in the 1880s. The founder of judo got the idea from the Japanese board game “Go”, where players progress from the lower ranks of white and yellow stones up to black stones for experts. When taekwondo was being formed in the 1950s from a combination of Korean martial arts schools known as “kwans”, it adopted the colored belt method as well. So while relatively modern, the roots of the ranking system used in taekwondo today stem from ancient Asian culture.
Overview of Taekwondo Belt Order
The standard belt order in taekwondo typically follows this sequence of colors:
- White Belt
- Yellow Belt
- Green Belt
- Blue Belt
- Red Belt
- Black Belt
However, there is some variation between schools and associations. Some use an orange belt between yellow and green. Often a purple belt is added between blue and red. Right before black, some organizations have a brown belt, while others use a “black tip” red belt. While the exact colors may differ, white belt always signifies a beginner and black belt mastery.
The colored belt system provides structure and measurable progress as taekwondo students develop their skills. Each color has meaning and the climb through the belt ranks gives martial artists goals to strive for on their path to black belt excellence.
Meaning of Each Taekwondo Belt Color
Each belt color in taekwondo symbolizes a stage along the journey:
- White Belt – Signifies innocence and a beginner student who has no prior knowledge of taekwondo.
- Yellow Belt – Represents the seed, like the sun’s rays beginning to nurture growth. The student now has basic foundational knowledge.
- Orange Belt – Symbolizes the sun and continuing to grow. Students are developing more advanced techniques.
- Green Belt – The lush green of plant growth, as students continue to progress rapidly.
- Purple Belt – Signifies the student achieves a calmness of mind and body through taekwondo practice. They are transitioning to advanced techniques.
- Blue Belt – Denotes the wide skies above, which are endless like the potential for further progress. Students now have expertise in fundamentals.
- Brown Belt – Represents the earth and being firmly grounded in taekwondo skills and knowledge. Students prepare for black belt.
- Red Belt – Signifies danger and stopping, like the red belt’s ability to block an attack. Students near completion of the colored belt levels.
- Black Belt – The opposite of white, it represents an expert student who has mastered taekwondo through countless hours of hard work and devotion.
Timeline for Earning Taekwondo Belts
The timeline for progression through the belt ranks can vary greatly depending on the student’s skill, frequency of training, and standards of the school. However, on average the timeline per belt is:
- White Belt – 2 months
- Yellow Belt – 2 months
- Green Belt – 3 months
- Blue Belt – 4 months
- Purple Belt – 5 months
- Brown Belt – 6 months
- Red Belt – 7 months
Again, this will range based on the student’s commitment level. By training regularly (2-3 times per week), dedicating time to practice forms at home, and demonstrating skill proficiency, advancement can happen more quickly.
Skills Needed for Each Belt Level
Each colored belt level in taekwondo comes with specific skills and knowledge required to progress to the next rank:
- White Belt – Basic punches, blocks and kicks. Beginner fundamentals.
- Yellow Belt – Simple poomsae (patterns/forms). Increased technique precision.
- Green Belt – More difficult poomsae, early sparring skills. Enhanced power and speed.
- Blue Belt – Complex poomsae, free sparring and self-defense. Well-rounded proficiency.
- Purple Belt – Advanced poomsae like Keumgang, sparring combinations. Skilled execution and fluidity.
- Brown Belt – Highest poomsae level, weapons training, leadership skills. Preparing for black belt.
- Red Belt – All previous techniques mastered to instructor-level. Ready for intense black belt training.
Taekwondo students should be mindful of the skills expected at each belt level, as that provides motivation for continual improvement on the path to mastery.
Black Belt Levels in Taekwondo
Earning a black belt is just the beginning. For 1st degree black belts there are ten levels within the rank, indicated by the embroidered dans on the belt. The 1st dan black belt is only a novice instructor, while a 10th dan is a true master.
Black belt ranks include:
- 1st dan – Student is instructor-level but still has much to learn.
- 2nd dan – More teaching experience with intermediate skills.
- 3rd dan – Fully capable instructor with full proficiency.
- 4th-6th dan – Increasing mastery and leadership responsibilities.
- 7th-10th dan – Highest master instructors who often open their own schools.
Taekwondo is a lifetime martial art, so attaining the black belt means dedication to continuous improvement without end.
Earning the Black Belt
It takes great commitment, discipline and perseverance to earn a black belt in taekwondo. Here are some requirements for black belt testing:
- Typically a minimum of 3-5 years training to acquire all the necessary skills.
- Must demonstrate advanced proficiency in all forms, self-defense and sparring.
- Character development and integrity are also evaluated.
- Testing often takes multiple hours and is both mentally and physically demanding.
- Students who pass the test often go through an instructor training period after receiving their black belt.
Dedicated students who put in long hours at the dojang and maintain their tenacity through many years of practice will reach the lifelong goal of black belt excellence.
The 1st Degree Black Belt
Once a student finally earns that first degree black belt, it is an incredible achievement. But in many ways, it’s just the beginning:
- They now have a “beginner mind” as an instructor with much knowledge still to learn.
- Training does not stop, but intensifies in many ways while they now teach others.
- They represent the art of taekwondo and must model the attitude and values of a black belt.
- Mentorship continues under the senior instructors as their journey progresses.
While achieving black belt is certainly a mark of dedication and persistence, there are always greater levels of skill to develop beyond 1st dan.
Conclusion
The belt system provides incentive and structure for continuous improvement on a taekwondo practitioner’s never-ending journey. The colored belt ranks each have significance that motivate students to reach the next level. For those with the determination and perseverance to endure the intense training required, being promoted up the belt ranks culminates in the greatest achievement of all – earning the coveted black belt. But the learning never truly stops, as those who reach black belt continue to progress even further in their quest for martial arts mastery.