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World Tang Soo Do Association Belt System
Below are the belts used in our Association and the philosophy behind the colors
 


 

 
 
White Belt: 10th and 9th Gup
The White belt represents purity and the blowing snow in winter before growth takes place.  The black stripe represents an advancement to the next level.  The yellow belt is a studio option that we use to recognize the next level, it is the same as the white belt with the black tip.
 
 
Orange Belt:  8th and 7th Gup
The Orange belt represents the sun shining in spring as the practitioner begins to gain knowledge of the Art.
The black stripe on the tip or through the center of the belt is a studio option that we recognize;  It is the same as the 7th Gup.
 
 
 
Green Belt:  6th and 5th Gup
The Green belt represents a plant beginning to grow in summer.  At this stage the practitioner begins to develop complex techniques and refine techniques already learned.
The black stripe on the tip or through the center of the belt is a studio option that we recognize;  It is the same as the 5th Gup.
 
 
Brown Belt:  4th and 3rd Gup
The Brown Belt represents a plant that curtails its growth in late summer in order to bloom in Autumn.   This stage is where a practitioner gains a better degree of balance and power in techniques.
The black stripe on the tip or through the center of the belt is a studio option that we recognize;  It is the same as the 3rd Gup.
 
 
Red Belt:  2nd and 1st Gup
The Red belt represents life's blood and energy.  This is where the practitioner is exposed to even more complex techniques and hyungs (forms). 
The black stripe on the tip or through the center of the belt is a studio option that we recognize;  It is the same as the 1st Gup.
 
 
Blue Belt or Cho Dan Bo
The Midnight Blue Belt, or Cho Dan Bo (Black Belt Candidate) is where the practitioner takes the final step towards Black Belt.  The practitioner enters a stage where all lower techniques are mastered and they prepare themselves both mentally and physically for the Black Belt test.
 
 
Probationary Black Belt (Dan)-{Pronounced Don}
The practitioner has passed the physical and written portion of the Black Belt test and enters a 6 month probationary period before being confirmed as a 1st Dan.  During this period, the practitioner exhibits leadership and the mastery of the basics.
 
 
1st Degree Black Belt Cho Dan {Pronounced Sho Don}
The 1st Degree Black Belt represents weight, wisdom, maturity, and mastery of the basics.  The practitioner begins to learn advanced techniques, and leadership skills are refined.
 
 
2nd Degree Black Belt E Dan
 The 2nd Degree Black Belt gains wisdom, maturity, and continues to show a mastery of the basics.  The E Dan should be a class instructor and take on  more responsibility as rank increases.  The E Dan focuses on the dojang, and lower ranking students.  As the lower belts gain confidence in their technique, so to does the E Dan gain confidence in their technique and teaching ability.
3rd Degree Black Belt Sam Dan
 The 3rd Degree Black Belt has wisdom, maturity, a leader in the dojangm and has exceptional character.  The practitioner is an assistant to the master at this stagem and should begin to help run the dojang and lead classes.   The Sam Dan has mastered basic techniques and most advanced techniques are learned as adaptations from lower techniques. 
 
4th Degree Black Belt Sah Dan
 The 4th Degree Master has advanced to the next stage in development and is preparing for the responsibility and weight of Master.  The Sah Dan has mastered the basics and has learned all required techniques for mastery, but needs "polishing" for the final step of becoming a Master of Tang Soo Do.
 
 
 
Masters Ranks
The Masters rank represents Mastery of himself and the art of Tang Soo Do.  The practitioner has developed a high sense of discipline and gone through the rigors of all colored ranks and black belts.  The Masters rank symbolizes the goal of all Tang Soo Do practitioners.  The Sah Dan Master runs their own school, and is an example to all lower ranks.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
There is no 10th Degree in the World Tang Soo Do Association.