Taekwondo Gradings
Taekwondo uses a structured ranking system to recognise progress, skill, and personal development. Students begin at 10th Kup (White Belt) and work their way toward Black Belt through regular gradings.
What does a grading assess?
Poomsae
Kicking & Hand Techniques
Sparring & Application
Theory & Korean Terminology
Your Journey to Black Belt
Students progress from 10th Kup to 1st Kup through the coloured belt ranks. After achieving 1st Kup, they enter Black Belt Candidate level before undertaking their Dan Grading Assessment. Successful candidates are awarded 1st Dan Black Belt, a major milestone that reflects dedication, maturity, and technical proficiency.
Belt Order
The belt system provides clear milestones that mark a student’s development at every stage of training. Between each belt colour, students earn a tag (stripe) to show they are progressing toward their next full belt.
Below is the complete belt order through to Black Belt. Grading examinations take place every three months.
White Belt
Signifies innocence and a fresh start, representing the student who is beginning their taekwondo journey with no prior knowledge.
Yellow Belt
Signifies the earth in which a plant takes root, representing the foundation of taekwondo knowledge beginning to form.
Green Belt
Signifies the plant beginning to grow, representing the student’s taekwondo skills starting to develop and take shape.
Blue Belt
Signifies the heavens, toward which the plant grows, representing the student’s taekwondo progressing to greater heights.
Red Belt
Signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.
Black Belt
Opposite to white, therefore signifying maturity and proficiency in taekwondo. Also, indicates the wearer’s imperviousness to darkness and fear.
Taekwondo Tots Gradings
Designed especially for younger students, our Taekwondo Tots class helps children develop focus, respect, and coordination while progressing through their own tailored belt pathway.
Black Belt: Dan Ranks
Black Belt ranks progress from 1st Dan to 9th Dan. Dan grades recognise advanced skill, leadership, and contribution to taekwondo.
All Wessex Taekwondo members who achieve 1st Dan and above receive official certification from the Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters in South Korea. Registration with the Kukkiwon is required for Olympic-level competition.
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Book a free trial session and see what taekwondo at Wessex can do for you.
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