Grading Requirements

Progress in Taekwon‑Do is marked by a series of coloured belts, each with its own meaning, pattern, and expectations. Gradings are not just about learning something new — they are about doing what you already know correctly, with confidence, control, and understanding.

Read through your current grade carefully. If you’re not sure whether you’re ready to grade, ask in class. And remember — you’re not a Black Belt yet.

Belt Progression & Grading Requirements

10th Kup

White Belt

Signifies innocence — the student has no previous knowledge of Taekwon‑Do.

Pattern: Saja Jirugi (14 moves)

⏳ Min. time: 1 month

9th Kup

Yellow Tag

Signifies the earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the foundation of Taekwondo is being laid.

Pattern: Chon-Ji (19 moves)

⏳ Min. time: 1 months

8th Kup

Yellow Belt

Signifies the earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the foundation of Taekwondo is being laid.

Pattern: Dan-Gun (21 moves)

⏳ Min. time: 2 months

7th Kup

Yellow Belt with Green Tag

Signifies the growth of the plant — the student’s development begins.

Pattern: Do-San (24 moves)

⏳ Min. time: 2 months

6th Kup

Green Belt

Signifies the growth of the plant — the student’s development begins.

Pattern: Won-Hyo (28 moves)

⏳ Min. time: 3 months

5th Kup

Green Belt with Blue Tag

Signifies the Heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwondo progresses.

Pattern: Yul-Gok (38 moves)

⏳ Min. time: 3 months

4th Kup

Blue Belt

Signifies the Heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwondo progresses.

Pattern: Joong-Gun (32 moves)

⏳ Min. time: 4 months

3rd Kup

Blue Belt with Red Tag

Signifies danger — the student must apply control and caution.

Pattern: Toi-Gye (37 moves)

⏳ Min. time: 4 months

2nd Kup

Red Belt

Signifies Danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.

Pattern: Hwa-Rang (29 moves)

⏳ Min. time: 5 months

1st Kup

Red Belt with Black Tag

Signifies Danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.

Pattern: Choong-Moo (30 moves)

⏳ Min. time: 6 months

1st Dan

Black Belt

Opposite of white, therefore signifying the maturity and proficiency in Taekwondo, also indicates the wearer’s imperviousness to darkness and fear.

Pattern: Kwang-Gae (39 moves), Po-Eun (36 moves), Ge Baek (44)

⏳ Min. time: 18 months