8th Kup – Yellow Belt Grading Requirements
🥋 8th Kup – Yellow Belt
At this stage, students build upon the foundations learned at 9th Kup. They begin practising Dan-Gun Tul, basic combinations, and 3-step sparring. Coordination, accuracy, and timing become more important. This grade marks real growth in ability and commitment.
Belt Meaning
Yellow: Signifies the earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as Taekwon‑Do foundations are being laid.
🏃♂️ Physical Requirements
- Walking stance + middle block, reverse punch (Gunnun Sogi Kaunde An Palmok Makgi, Bandae Jirugi)
- Walking stance + front smashing kick, punch (Gunnun Sogi Apcha Busigi, Ap Joomuk Jirugi)
- 3-step sparring – basic version
- Dan-Gun Tul – 21 movements
🧠 Theory & Terminology
- Meaning of Yellow Belt
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Pattern: Dan-Gun – 21 movements
Dan-Gun is named after the holy Dan-Gun, the legendary founder of Korea in 2333 BC. The pattern symbolises Korea’s ancient roots and the beginning of national identity. Movements reference striking to the face to symbolise courage and independence.
- Korean terms for basic techniques and stances:
- Niunja Sogi: L-Stance
- Yop Cha Jirugi: Side piercing kick
- Najunde Makgi: Low block
- Kaunde Jirugi: Middle punch
- Charyot: Attention
- Kyongye: Bow
- Sijak: Begin
- Baro: Return
- Goman: Stop
- Foot parts to know:
- Apcha Busigi: Front smashing kick
- Apkumchi: Ball of the foot
- Balkal: Footsword
- Dwichook: Back heel
- Baldung: Instep
- Counting in Korean (1–20):
- 1 – Hana
- 2 – Dul
- 3 – Set
- 4 – Net
- 5 – Dasot
- 6 – Yasot
- 7 – Ilgop
- 8 – Yodol
- 9 – Ahop
- 10 – Yeol
- 11 – Yeol Hana
- 12 – Yeol Dul
- 13 – Yeol Set
- 14 – Yeol Net
- 15 – Yeol Dasot
- 16 – Yeol Yasot
- 17 – Yeol Ilgop
- 18 – Yeol Yodol
- 19 – Yeol Ahop
- 20 – Sumul
- The Tenets of Taekwon‑Do
You can test your knowledge using the 8th Kup Theory Quiz.