BELT SYSTEM

In Taekwon-Do, character development, fortitude, tenacity, and technique are graded as well as individual capacity. The promotional scale is divided into nineteen ranks-10 grades (Gups) and nine degrees (Dans.) The former begins with 10 th grade (Gup) the lowest and end at first grade. Degrees begin with the first degree (Dan) and end with the ultimate, ninth degree.

There is, of course, certain significance in the numbering system. With degree, the number 9 I no only the highest one among one digit numbers but also is the number of 3 multiplied by 3. In the orient, three is the most esteemed of all number. The Chinese character representing three is written. The upper line symbolizes the heaven, the middle line, mortals, and the button line, earth.

It was believed that the individual who was a successful in promoting his country, fellowmen and God, and able to reach an accord with all three would aspire to become King, which was written thusly: The Chinese character for three and King are nearly synonymous. When the number three is multiplied by itself, the equation in nine. The highest of the hight; therefore, ninth degree is the high ranking of the belts.

It is also interesting to more that when the numeral 9 I multiplied by another single digit number and the resultant figures are added together, the answer always equals 9, i.e. 9x1=9; 9x2=18; 9x3=27; and so on up to 9x9=81; 8+1=9. Since this is the only single digit number having this property, it again points to the number 9 as being the, most positive of figures.

Taking the use of the number three one-step further, the degrees are further divided into three distinct classes. First through third degree is considered the novice

stages of black belt. Students are still merely beginners in comparison to the higher degrees. At fourth degree, the student crosses the threshold of puberty and enters the

expert class. Seventh to ninth is composed of Taekwon-do Masters-the elite who fully understands all the particulars of Taekwon-do, mental and physical.

There is perhaps one question that remains; why begin with the lowest of the two digit numbers, "10" why not begin with the lowest one digit number and proceed from first grade to ninth grade, and then begin again for degrees? Though it would certainly be more logical, the 10 to 1 and 1 to 10 numerical system in the Orient is ageless. It would be impossible, if not even a bit impertinent, to attend to change a practice that is even carried into children's games

Perhaps there was an initial logical reason for it; however, it seems to have been lost in antiquity. Anyhow, the number "10" I the lowest existing two digit number; consequently, y a beginner must star at this number rather than 11 or 12 which an numerical higher

(Taken of condensed book of Taekwon-do: Art of self defense, General Choi Hong HI. Pag 726)

Meaning of Belt color:

White: signifies innocence, as that of a beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwon-do

Yellow: Signifies the Earth from which a plant sprouts and takes roots as the Taekwon-do foundation is being laid.

Green: Signifies the plant's growth as the Taekwon-do skill begins to develop.

Blue: Signifies the Heaven, towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwon-do progress.

Red: Signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.

Black : Opposite of white, therefore, signifying the maturity and proficiency in Taekwon-do. It also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear.

The main purpose of the belt in this particular art of self-defense is to represent the philosophical significance of Taekwon-do in (Taekwon-do practitioner) as well as to distinguish the rank. Therefore, it was decided at the special meeting of directors held on July 1 st , 1985 that the belt should be wrapped around the waist only once instead of twice as previously practiced.

One or Il ( as in once around the waist) symbolizes:

Ohdoilkwan ( pursue one goal whatsoever, once it is determined )

Ilpyondanshim ( serve one master with unshakable loyalty)

Ilkyokpilsung (gain a victory in one blow )

Taken of condensed book of Taekwon-do: Art of self defense, General Choi Hong HI. Pag 373)

*tkd-itf.org

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