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General overview of grades

This ladder is not yet attributed to a specific organisation. Federations differ in belt colours and time requirements.

Subak is an ancient Korean unarmed martial art recorded in historic annals of the Goguryeo and Joseon dynasties. The complete hierarchy of 10 student Gups and 1st Dan Chodan evaluates Su-byeok palm conditioning, wrestling leg trips, headbutts, traditional Subak-hui routines, and short stick combat.

10th Gup – White Belt

10급Rank #1
Typical gap since previous grade: 3 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Basic stance, Su-byeok palm conditioning, and ancient Korean kicks.

Symbolism & Meaning

Ancient Korean unarmed martial art from Goguryeo and Joseon dynasties.

9th Gup – White-Yellow Belt

9급Rank #2
Typical gap since previous grade: 3 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Su-byeok palm combinations, leg sweeps, and balance drills.

Symbolism & Meaning

Deepening full-body flexibility in traditional Korean flow.

8th Gup – Yellow Belt

8급Rank #3
Typical gap since previous grade: 3 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Subak-hui forms, headbutts, and close-quarters takedowns.

Symbolism & Meaning

Deepening historical link between Subak, Taekkyon, and Ssireum wrestling.

7th Gup – Orange Belt

7급Rank #4
Typical gap since previous grade: 6 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Advanced spinning kicks, wrist joint locks, and punching control.

Symbolism & Meaning

Developing rapid reaction to opponent's strikes.

6th Gup – Green Belt

6급Rank #5
Typical gap since previous grade: 6 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Subak-hui forms with elbow joint locks and controlled sparring.

Symbolism & Meaning

Preparation for promotional examinations under Korean Subak Preservation Association.

5th Gup – Green-Blue Belt

5급Rank #6
Typical gap since previous grade: 6 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Flying kick combinations, takedowns, and weapon defense.

Symbolism & Meaning

Unifying unarmed combat with weapon self-defense.

4th Gup – Blue Belt

4급Rank #7
Typical gap since previous grade: 6 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Rapid spinning kicks, wrist/elbow joint locks in sparring, and conditioning.

Symbolism & Meaning

Tactical preparation for full-contact Subak competition.

3rd Gup – Blue-Brown Belt

3급Rank #8
Typical gap since previous grade: 6 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Subak-hi forms with short stick, ground pins, and full sparring.

Symbolism & Meaning

Deepening versatility in historic Korean weaponry.

2nd Gup – Brown Belt

2급Rank #9
Typical gap since previous grade: 9 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Subak-hi knife forms, acrobatic jumps, and opponent neutralization.

Symbolism & Meaning

Pre-master rank requiring knowledge of ancient Korean military manuals.

1st Gup – Cho Dan Bo

1급Rank #10
Typical gap since previous grade: 12 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Comprehensive testing across all Subak modules & Chodan exam prep.

Symbolism & Meaning

Cho Dan Bo = Black belt candidate prepared for master exam.

1st Dan – Chodan (Black Belt)

1단Rank #11
Typical gap since previous grade: 24 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Full master Chodan rank. Certified instructor for teaching Subak-hui tradition.

Symbolism & Meaning

Chodan = Black belt confirming registration in national intangible heritage registry.