There are ten coloured belt grades in TaeKwon-Do, and six colours of belt that signify the wearer’s rank. The coloured belt grades are known as "kup" and the black belt is called a "Degree". The beginner starts their training as a 10th kup and will take their first grading after approximately 3 months (training twice a week), progressing to 9th kup. This is indicated by a yellow stripe on the white belt, as this is an intermediate grade between white and yellow belt.
The colours of the belts have a significance and this can be compared to the stages in life of a growing plant or tree, which symbolises the knowledge of TaeKwon-Do growing within the student.
The belt system progresses as follows;
white – yellow – green – blue – red –black.
White signifies innocence, as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwon-Do.
Yellow signifies the earth, from which a plant sprouts & takes root as Taekwon-Do foundation is being laid.
Green signifies theplants growth as Taekwon-Do skills begin to develop.
Blue signifies the heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwon-Do progresses.
Red signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.
Black opposite of white, therefore signifying maturity and proficiency in Taekwon-Do. It also indicates the wearers imperviousness to darkness and fear.
Patterns were developed to allow an individual to perfect their skills without fear of causing injury or death to an opponent. Patterns are a series of various fundamental movements set into a fixed and logical sequence representing, attacking and defensive techniques against one or more imaginary opponents. We learn patterns to show our progression in TaeKwon-Do and also to help to develop sparring skills, improve flexibility, master body shifting, develop muscles, balance and breath control.
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