Belt colors show status and ability
10 student grades - from 10th to 1st Kup
The ascending DAN grades 1 to 5 are awarded – like the student grades – after passing technical exams, but with very high standards. The 4th DAN is “technical master”. The 5th DAN is the first grandmaster grade. The higher grades are also considered “spiritual” mastery – therefore, in some martial arts, these grades are not only awarded based on technical ability and knowledge, but also based on special achievements for and in Taekwondo.
Finally black belt - what that means
This is followed by the examination to become a master – a DAN holder and thus a black belt. DAN holders are traditionally addressed as “Kyosanim” – as “master”. A Kyosanim traditionally enjoys a high level of respect. A black belt is not just a “trainer”. A master’s orders are traditionally not to be questioned, but to be followed. This is a rule and cultural politeness that is often met with incomprehension by laypeople in the “West”, but represents one of the traditional foundations of all martial arts known as “Budo”
Master grades - from 1st DAN to "Grand Master"
In traditional Taekwondo there are nine master grades, nine “DAN”. Although every black belt is already called a “master”, among the DAN holders themselves the 1st DAN is again considered a “student”. Only now does the person have the necessary foundations to achieve true mastery of the martial art. The title of “grandmaster” is only acquired with the 5th DAN. The highest grade is the 9th DAN, which, however, is only ever achieved by very few grandmasters in the world.
Grandmaster grades - from 5th Dan to 9th Dan
The ascending DAN grades 1 to 5 are awarded – like the student grades – after passing technical exams, but with very high standards. The 4th DAN is “technical master”. The 5th DAN is the first grandmaster grade. The higher grades are also considered “spiritual” mastery – therefore, in some martial arts, these grades are not only awarded based on technical ability and knowledge, but also based on special achievements for and in Taekwondo.
Belts are symbols of maturity
The belt colors of the student grades not only indicate the student’s status and ability, but also carry a symbolic message. In traditional martial arts, respect is therefore paid to the belt by carefully folding it up and storing it away after use. Under no circumstances may the student treat the belt carelessly. Tying the belt outside of a cloakroom or even in front of a master would be considered just as impolite as fastening trousers in public or in the presence of superiors.
The symbolism of the colored belts
The beginnings - white to yellow
10th Kup – WHITE: stands for purity, ignorance, emptiness. The beginning.
9th Kup – WHITE-YELLOW: Basis, earth – the student knows and masters the first basic techniques, the first furrows are dug for the seeds.
8th Kup – YELLOW: The basis for the development of the basic techniques is there, a lot of training is required.
From yellow-green to red-black
7th Kup – YELLOW-GREEN: fertile earth, the first seeds have been sown and the first green is appearing from the seeds.
6th Kup – GREEN: first fruits, the student shows his first detailed knowledge of individual techniques.
5th Kup – GREEN-BLUE: everything is geared towards growth, physical fitness noticeably increases.
4th Kup – BLUE: water, sky – blue stands for the ability to perform movements without thinking, for the symbolic flow of movement, for the view of essential things in the environment.
3rd Kup – BLUE-RED: opposites still exist – water and fire. Fire should gain the upper hand, the water should evaporate.
2nd Kup – RED: the student is pure fire, symbolizes danger – the student becomes a weapon, must become aware of his power.
1. Kup – RED-BLACK: the black raw material for the sword is placed in the red embers, the student perfects his knowledge and skills – gets ready to become “heavy”, to become a master.
The symbolism of black belts
From Master to Grandmaster
1st DAN: The student is now a master, the sword is roughly forged. But he starts again at the lowest master level. After two more years he can take the next exam.
2nd DAN: The sword is sharpened and becomes hard and sharp. The master now spends another three years working on himself, his knowledge, skills and personality.
3rd DAN: The sharp weapon now receives decorations on the blade and handle. Four years until the next test.
4th DAN: The master has passed the exam to become a “technical master” and has found his individual style.
5th DAN: The sword is hardened, ground and decorated – a unique piece! The first grandmaster degree has been achieved.
