The Belt system in ITF Taekwon-Do
The complete beginner who has not yet graded is called a 10th kup and wears a White belt.
10th kup / White belt - White signifies innocence, the beginner who has no knowledge of Taekwon-do
9th kup / Yellow tag
8th kup / Yellow belt - Yellow signifies the earth in which the seed is planted as the foundations of Taekwon-do are laid.
7th kup / Green tag
6th kup / Green belt - Green signifies the plant's grwth as the skills of Taekwon-do develop
5th kup / Blue tag
4th kup / Blue belt - Blue signifies the heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwon-Do progresses.
3rd kup / Red tag
2nd kup / Red belt - Red signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control, & warning the opponent to stay away.
1st kup / Black tag
Black Belt - Black is the opposite to white, therefore signifying maturity and proficiency in Taekwon-Do. It also indicates the wearers imperviousness to darkness and fear.
A student who achieves Black Belt is called a 1st Dan. There are 9 Dan grades in Taekwon-Do but all wear a black belt. The 'Dan' or 'Degree' of the holder is worn as Roman numerals on the end of the belt
At 4th Dan or above, a Black belt holder can become an
International Instructor. A 7th Dan holder has the title of
Master, and an 8th Dan is known as
Senior Master. The 9th Dan holder is a
Grand Master, the highest grade that can be achieved in ITF Taekwon-Do.
