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.
Tenets & Student Oath
Courtesy
To show respect, humility and good manners to all students, instructors and surroundings.
Integrity
To be honest with yourself and others, upholding strong moral principles at all times.
Perseverance
To continue despite difficulty, frustration or challenge — never giving up.
Self-Control
To maintain discipline of mind and body, both inside and outside the dojang.
Indomitable Spirit
To show courage and resilience in all circumstances.
Student Oath
I shall observe the tenets of Taekwon-Do.
I shall respect the instructor and seniors.
I shall never misuse Taekwon-Do.
I shall be a champion of freedom and justice.
I shall build a more peaceful world.
Tenets and Student Oath of ITF Taekwon-Do
Taekwon-Do Leicester teaches the five Tenets of ITF Taekwon-Do: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.
Students follow the official Student Oath: observing the tenets, respecting instructors and seniors, never misusing Taekwon-Do, supporting justice, and helping create a more peaceful world.
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