Belt System

Tae Kwon Do, like most Martial Arts systems today utilises a system of belt colours to signify rank. As a student's knowledge and ability grows they are examined (or "Graded") and awarded a new rank if appropriate. This is accompanied by the right to wear a belt signifying the higher rank.

Students initially start at the 10th Kup level which is represented by a White Belt. They then move onto 9th Kup which is traditionally represented by a white belt with yellow "tags" (a stripe on each end of the belt, usually coloured tape). At IMPACT we award a new belt at every Kup grade, using striped belts to signify the intermediate stages, as we believe the tag system undermines the students sense of achievement.

The Kup grades/belt colours are as follows:

The Kup grades are stepping stones on the way to the first Dan grade which is signified by the famous black belt. From 10th Kup to 1st Dan will take the dedicated student around three years (grading every three to six months). Subsequent Dan grades (all Dan grades where Black Belts) are achieved over a matter of years.

The significance of the belt colours are:

White Belt
Signifies innocence, as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Tae Kwon Do.

Yellow Belt
Signifies the earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the foundation of Tae Kwon Do is being laid.

Green Belt
Signifies the plant's growth as Tae Kwon Do skills begin to develop.

Blue Belt
Signifies the Heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Tae Kwon Do progresses.

Red Belt
Signifies Danger, cautioning the the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.

Black Belt
Opposite of white, therefore signifying the maturity and proficiency in Tae Kwon Do, also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear.