10 degrees of studying – 10th to 1st Geup
The symbolism of the colored belts
In Taekwon-Do, students are periodically examined to demonstrate their skills and progress. With each test, the student receives one more grade, which is indicated by a specific belt color. There are ten levels of student, called “Geup”, and beginners start with the 10th Geup and work their way up to the 1st Geup on a test-by-test basis.
Traditionally, DAN holders are also called “Kyosanim”, i.e. “master”. A kyosanim traditionally enjoys a high level of respect. A black belt is not simply a “trainer”. Traditionally, his instructions as a teacher are not to be questioned, but followed. It is a cultural norm and courtesy.
10th Geup/Kup
White belt
Pure and without the knowledge of Taekwon-Do. As with the pine tree, the seed must be planted and nurtured to develop strong roots. The student has no knowledge of Taekwon-Do and starts with a clean (pure) slate.
The color white usually signifies purity.
8th Geup/Kup
Yellow belt
The seed begins to see the sunlight. The student begins to understand the fundamentals of Taekwon-Do.
The sun appears to be Yellow.
6th Geup/Kup
Green belt
The tree is beginning to develop and gain strength”. The student’s technique is developing power. The components of the basic techniques begin to work in unison.
As the tree develops, green leaves sprout.
4th Geup/Kup
Blue Belt
The tree reaches the sky towards new heights”. Once the middle point is passed, the student concentrates his energy upwards, towards the black belt.
The sky appears blue.
2nd Geup/Kup
Red belt
The sun is setting. The first phase of growth has been completed”. The first day (the period of time from white belt to red belt) of growth is coming to an end. Physical prowess has developed, but lacks control; therefore, physical and mental discipline must now be achieved.
Variations of red are among the many colors of sunset.
1st DAN
Black Belt
The tree has reached maturity and has overcome the darkness… now it must ‘plant seeds for the future’”. The color black is created when all the colors of the light spectrum have been absorbed by an object. That object has “taken control” of the colors and retained them. If a color were to “escape,” the object would no longer be black, but would appear as that color. The student has mastered the nine geup (grades) of Taekwon-Do. He has “absorbed” all the knowledge of the color ranges and has surpassed or “mastered” that level or training.
The colors of the spectrum are united and are not reflected in an object, resulting in the absence of color that we call Black.