The World Tang Soo Do Association Belt System
Philosophy of the Belt System
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The Belt (Dee) is one of three parts of the Uniform (Dobohk). The belt system consists of seven colors, with each color designating the degree of proficiency possessed by the one wearing the belt. As a practitioner progresses, a color belt is worn which represents not only their degree of achievement, but exhibits their authority and dignity as well.
Our Tang Soo Do belt system represents the cycle of the seasons. Each color stands for a specific stage of achievement. In this way we realize an essential concept of oriental philosophy: that which is born must grow, reach maturity, die, and leave behind the seeds of a new birth. |
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Color Belt Holders (Yu Gup Ja)
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White Belt (Sip Gup) & White Belt with Stripe (Ku Gup)
White is the color of Purity and Initiation. It represents a primitive stage of achievement such as the seed as it lies dormant beneath the snows of Winter. |
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Orange Belt (Pahl Gup) & Orange Belt with Stripe (Chil Gup)
Orange signifies Hope, Happiness, Expectation, and Challenge. It represents new growth which appears in Spring. Our Tang Soo Do knowledge begins to reveal itself. |
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Green Belt (Yuk Gup) & Green Belt with Stripe (Oh Gup)
Green signifies Youth, Excitement, Prosperity, and Growth. It represents the speedy development of youth as Summer arrives. |
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Brown Belt (Sah Gup) & Brown Belt with Stripe (Sam Gup)
Brown signifies Power, Stability, Agility, Weight, and Wisdom. It represents a stabilizing stage, both mentally and physically, and is analogous to the plants which curtail their growth and prepare to flower in late Summer. |
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Red Belt (E Gup) & Red Belt with Stripe (Il Gup)
Red signifies Blood, Life, Energy, Attention, and Control. It represents the student’s techniques beginning to bloom and ripen. Blue Belt (Cho Dan Bo) - Instructor Trainee (Jo Kyo Sah Nim)
Blue signifies Maturity, Respect, and Honor. The Blue Belt is given to the Black Belt Candidate. Blue Belt (Cho Dan Bo) must prepare mind and body for the final step needed to attain the Black Belt (Dan). |
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Black Belt Holders (Yu Dan Ja)
Black signifies Mastery, Calmness, Dignity, and Sincerity. The Black Belt represents the final stage of one life cycle and the beginning of the next. This is not only the end of one stage, but more importantly, the beginning of a path which leads up through the ranks of the higher Black Belts and true mastery.
First Degree Black Belt (Cho Dan)
Class Instructor (Boo Kyo Sah Nim) |
Second Degree Black Belt (E Dan)
Head Instructor (Kyo Sah Nim) |
Third Degree Black Belt (Sam Dan)
Chief Instructor (Boo Sah Bum Nim) |
Fourth Degree Black Belt (Sah Dan)
Master Instructor (Sah Bum Nim) |
Master Belt Holder (Ko Dan Ja)
Traditionally, full professorship of teaching the Art of Tang Soo Do was given to an individual who reached this level. The title in Korean is Sah Bum Nim. “Sah” literally translated means teacher, “Bum” means example, and “Nim” is a title of honor. This recognition is given to a profound and respected teacher. These high-ranking achievers train diligently and are dedicated to developing Tang Soo Do through a lifelong commitment to training and teaching.
Fourth Degree Black Belt (Sah Dan)
Master Instructor (Sah Bum Nim) |
Fifth Degree Black Belt (Oh Dan)
Senior Master Instructor (Sunim Sah Bum Nim) |
Sixth Degree Black Belt (Yuk Dan)
International Master Instructor (Kookjae Sah Bum Nim) |
Seventh Degree Black Belt (Chil Dan)
Senior International Master Instructor (Sunim Kookjae Sah Bum Nim) |
Eighth Degree Black Belt (Pahl Dan)
Assistant GrandMaster (Boo Kwang Chang Nim) |
Ninth Degree Black Belt (Ku Dan)
GrandMaster (Kwang Chang Nim) |
Tiny Tigers Belts
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Tiger White Belt Tiger Orange Belt Tiger Green Belt Tiger Brown Belt Tiger Red Belt Tiger Blue Belt |
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Little Dragons Belts
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Dragon White Belt Dragon Yellow Belt Dragon Orange Belt Dragon Green Belt Dragon Brown Belt Dragon Red Belt Dragon Blue Belt Orange Belt |