Belt/Ranking System
The different belt colors symbolize the various stages of physical and spiritual development in the Martial Art. The following is a list of belts and their color interpretations. The term GUP is recognized as rank. There are 10 ranks before Black Belt. Different schools recognize different belt colors, but the GUP is universal.
| Rank | Belt Color | Tae Geuk | Tae Geuk meaning | Meaning of belt color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th GUP | White | Tae Geuk 1 | Heaven | A student who has no knowledge of the art but has begun the journey. White, being a non-color, expresses a void, no action. |
| 8th GUP | Yellow | Tae Geuk 2 | Still Lake | Development has slowly begun, yellow represents caution, careful slow movements. |
| 7th GUP | Purple | Tae Geuk 3 | Fire | The student receives his first dark color, representing his desire to learn and concentration. |
| 6th GUP | Green | Tae Geuk 4 | Thunder | The student has begun to ascend to a higher plane of concentration; focus and coordination of technique. |
| 5th GUP | Blue | Tae Geuk 5 | Wind | The student has begun to amass skill. He is developing confidence |
| 4th GUP | Brown | Tae Geuk 6 | Water | The student has begun to coordinate his skill with confidence |
| 3rd GUP | Red | Tae Geuk 7 | Mountain | The student now is developing speed. His techniques have flowing motion. |
| 2nd GUP | Red with black Stripe | Tae Geuk 8 | Earth | The student is combining speed with strength resulting in power. He has begun to work on accuracy. |
| 1st GUP | Deputy Black | Koreo | Old Name of Korea | The student now has successfully combined power with accuracy. The black color signifies maturity and no fear, self-confidence as well as self-discipline has helped the student to overcome himself. |
| 1st DAN | Black | Keumgang | Diamond | All has come together in harmony. The student has obtained self-confidence and maturity. The student has graduated to a degree in the Martial Arts. There are nine degrees of Black Belt. |