General overview of grades
This ladder is not yet attributed to a specific organisation. Federations differ in belt colours and time requirements.
10th Gup – White Belt
Basics of traditional ITF. Stances (Sogi), blocks, and Saju Jirugi (4-directional punch).
Innocence. Like pure snow with no tracks (having no previous knowledge).
9th Gup – White Belt (Yellow Stripe)
Chon-Ji Tul pattern (Heaven and Earth - 19 movements).
The first sunbeam that gives a seed life to grow.
8th Gup – Yellow Belt
Dan-Gun Tul pattern (Named after the mythical founder of Korea - 21 movements).
The Earth. From which a plant sprouts its roots and Taekwon-Do foundations are laid.
7th Gup – Yellow Belt (Green Stripe)
Do-San Tul pattern (Dedicated to a Korean patriot - 24 movements). Free sparring (Matsogi).
The plant stalk turns green and grows stronger toward the sky.
6th Gup – Green Belt
Won-Hyo Tul pattern (Named after a Buddhist monk - 28 movements).
Green symbolizes the growing Taekwon-Do art as skills begin to blossom.
5th Gup – Green Belt (Blue Stripe)
Yul-Gok Tul pattern (Korean Confucius - 38 movements).
The plant reaches toward the blue sky (the right direction of the Do).
4th Gup – Blue Belt
Joong-Gun Tul (Korean independence fighter - 32 moves). Jumping techniques (Twimyo).
The Heaven. The direction the tree grows. Higher skills of jumping kicks.
3rd Gup – Blue Belt (Red Stripe)
Toi-Gye Tul pattern (Scholar tribute - 37 moves). Advanced sparring endurance.
Sky darkens and sun's heat (red) approaches. Student enters senior Gups.
2nd Gup – Red Belt
Hwa-Rang Tul pattern (Named after elite youth group - 29 moves).
Danger. Skill is lethal and requires utmost self-control. A warning to opponents.
1st Gup – Red Belt (Black Stripe)
Choong-Moo Tul (Admiral Yi Sun-sin - 30 moves). Kyokpa (breaking).
Black darkness covers the heat. Student passed the trial by fire and heads to master ranks.
1st Dan – Black Belt (Boo-Sabum)
Assistant Instructor. New patterns Kwang-Gae, Po-Eun, Ge-Baek.
Black is opposite of white - signifies maturity and skill in Taekwon-Do, immunity to fear.
2nd Dan – Black Belt (Boo-Sabum)
Patterns Eui-Am, Choong-Jang, Juche. Development of ITF master breathing.
Strong responsibility to pass on the moral principles (Do).
3rd Dan – Black Belt (Boo-Sabum)
Patterns Sam-Il, Yoo-Sin, Choi-Yong. Highest assistant rank.
Strengthening inner energy in combat (Sine wave – ITF signature).
4th Dan – Black Belt (Sabum)
Full instructor (Sabum). Authorized to run own school and test students.
Independence, mastery in destruction techniques.
5th Dan – Black Belt (Sabum)
Patterns So-San, Se-Jong. Head coaches of national teams.
Absolute control of breathing and explosive muscle mass.
6th Dan – Black Belt (Sabum)
Highest instructor rank before Master title.
Examining commissioners with vast international experience.
7th Dan – Black Belt (Sahyum / Master)
Official Master title (Sahyum). Tong-Il pattern.
Recognized capacity maintaining the legacy and purity of original ITF.
8th Dan – Black Belt (Sahyum)
Senior Master. Model of the international organization.
Absolute harmony of body, mind, and spirit (Do).
9th Dan – Black Belt (Saseong / Grandmaster)
Grandmaster. Highest living representatives and committees.
Title awarded to the most legendary figures for global Taekwon-Do contribution.