Taekwon-Do I.T.F. Belt System
Belt System :
In Taekwon-Do, character development, fortitude, tenacity, and technique are graded as well as
individual capacity.
The promotional scale is divided into nineteen ranks-10 grades (Gups) and nine degrees (Dans.)
The former begins with 10th grade (Gup) the lowest and end at first grade. Degrees begin with the
first degree (Dan) and end with the ultimate, ninth degree.
There is, of course, certain significance in the numbering system. With degree, the number 9
is no only the highest one among one digit numbers but also is the number of 3 multiplied by 3.
In the orient, three is the most esteemed of all number.
The Chinese character representing three is written. The upper line symbolizes the heaven, the middle line,
mortals, and the button line, earth.
It was believed that the individual who was a successful in promoting his country, fellowmen and
God, and able to reach an accord with all three would aspire to become King, which was written
thusly: The Chinese character for three and King are nearly synonymous. When the number three is
multiplied by itself, the equation in nine. The highest of the hight; therefore, ninth degree is
the high ranking of the belts.
It is also interesting to more that when the numeral 9 I multiplied by another single digit number and
the resultant figures are added together, the answer always equals 9, i.e. 9 x 1 = 9; 9 x 2 = 18; 9x3=27;
and so on up to 9 x 9 = 81; 8 + 1 = 9. Since this is the only single digit number having this property,
it again points to the number 9 as being the, most positive of figures.
Taking the use of the number three one-step further, the degrees are further divided into three
distinct classes. First through third degree is considered the novice stages of black belt.
Students are still merely beginners in comparison to the higher degrees. At fourth degree, the student
crosses the threshold of puberty and enters the expert class.
Seventh to ninth is composed of Taekwon-do Masters; the elite who fully understands all the particulars
of Taekwon-do, mental and physical.
There is perhaps one question that remains; why begin with the lowest of the two digit numbers,
"10" why not begin with the lowest one digit number and proceed from first grade to ninth grade,
and then begin again for degrees? Though it would certainly be more logical, the 10 to 1 and 1
to 10 numerical system in the Orient is ageless. It would be impossible, if not even a bit impertinent,
to attend to change a practice that is even carried into children's games. Perhaps there was an
initial logical reason for it; however, it seems to have been lost in antiquity. Anyhow, the number
"10" I the lowest existing two digit number; consequently, a beginner must star at this number
rather than 11 or 12 which a numerical higher.
SIGNIFICANCE OF BELT COLOURS
There are six belts: white, yellow, green, blue, red and black. White is given to beginners and black is given to students who have progressed through the grades and have a solid foundation for learning the techniques of Taekwon-Do.
The definitions of the belts are as follows:
1. White Belt Signifies innocence, as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge
of Taekwon-Do.
2. Yellow Belt Signifies the earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the foundation of
Taekwon-Do is being laid.
3. Green Belt Signifies the plant's growth as Taekwon-Do skills begin to develop.
4. Blue Belt Signifies the Heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training
in Taekwon-Do progresses.
5. Red Belt Signifies Danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent
to stay away.
6. Black Belt Opposite of white, therefore signifying the maturity and proficiency in Taekwon-Do,
also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear.
Meaning of why the belt is wrapped around the waist once
1. One or IL (as in once around the waist) symbolizes:
2.
Ohdoilkwan (pursue one goal whatsoever, once it is determined)
3.
Ilpyondanshim (serve one master with unshakable loyalty)
4.
Ilkyokpilsung (gain a victory in one blow)