Taekwondo Rank System
To see the Tigers & Dragons rank system click here.
Color Belt System: the ladder to black belt
Taekwondo has a 10-step color belt system that prepares the student to be a black belt. Each step should take one 3-month test cycle, except the last three which take two test cycles (6 months) each. Most students will take 3.5 to 4 years to reach their black belt test.
White Belt (10th Kub)
Yellow Belt (9th Kub)
Yellow Belt with Green Stripe (8th Kub)
Green Belt (7th Kub)
Green Belt with Blue Stripe (6th Kub)
Blue Belt (5th Kub)
Blue Belt with Red Stripe (4th Kub)
Red Belt (3rd Kub)
Red Belt with Black Stripe (2nd Kub)
Red Belt with Double Black Stripes (1st Kub)
Junior Black Belts (under 15)
Upon successfully passing the black belt exam, students under the age of 15 are awarded the Junior Black Belt, called a Poom. The Poom belt is 1/2 black and 1/2 red along its full length, representing the success of the student but also denoting that the student is still developing into an adult. The Poom belt holder also wears a dobok top with a 1/2 black and 1/2 red collar. The students will receive an embroidered 1st Poom belt and a uniform with the bi-color v-neck. The Kukkiwon certificate will be awarded 6 months after the test.
Provisional Junior Black Belt (Provisional – 6 months)
1st degree Junior Black Belt (1st Poom – 1 year minimum)
2nd degree Junior Black Belt (2nd Poom – 2 years minimum)
3rd degree Junior Black Belt (3rd Poom – 3 years minimum)
4rd degree Junior Black Belt (4th Poom – 4 years minimum)
Senior Black Belts (15+)
The Senior Black Belt, called a Dan, is awarded to students 15 and over. The Dan belt is a solid black color and is paired with a uniform with a solid black v-neck collar. The students will receive an embroidered 1st Dan belt and a uniform with a black v-neck. The Kukkiwon certificate will be awarded 6 months after the test.
Provisional Black Belt (Provisional – 6 months)
1st degree Black Belt (1st Dan – 1 year minimum)
2nd degree Black Belt (2nd Dan – 2 years minimum)
3rd degree Black Belt (3rd Dan – 3 years minimum)
4rd degree Black Belt (Master) (4th Dan – 4 years minimum)Requirements for 4th Dan:
Years of Training: By the time of testing, you should have completed a minimum of 3-5 years of dedicated practice as a 3rd Dan.
Advanced Techniques Mastery: You will need to demonstrate high proficiency in advanced Taekwondo techniques. This includes a range of forms (poomsae), sparring strategies (kyorugi), and breaking techniques.
Physical Fitness: A crucial aspect of the test will be to exhibit your physical fitness, showcasing your ability to perform techniques with power, precision, and agility.
Teaching Skills: As a prospective 4th Dan, your ability to instruct and mentor is paramount. You might be asked to conduct a brief session or demonstrate your teaching methodology.
Theoretical Knowledge: A comprehensive understanding of Taekwondo’s theoretical aspects, history, philosophy, and tenets is expected. Be prepared for oral or written assessments in this area.
Leadership and Character: Your conduct and character will be under observation, reflecting your leadership qualities and adherence to the moral values of Taekwondo.
Community Involvement: Your active involvement and contributions to the Taekwondo community are essential. Please be ready to discuss your participation in seminars, competitions, or community services.
Autobiography: Write about your journey!
Formal Testing: Lastly, the formal grading examination will encompass all the above aspects, testing your overall readiness for the 4th Dan.
Poom-to-Dan Conversions
When a Poom holder reaches the age of 15, he or she is eligible to test for a Poome-to-Dan conversion. This is a minor test that leads to converting the student’s Poom into a Dan of the same rank (e.g., 2nd Poom to 2nd Dan). Alternatively, if the student is adequately prepared and has the required time in grade, etc, he or she may be invited to test for the next Dan rank directly (e.g., 2nd Poom to 3rd Dan).