INTERNATIONAL TANG SOO DO FEDERATION CERTIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS

BELT RANKING SYSTEM

Traditional Tang Soo Do develops the student through balance of the mind and body by developing not only their physical abilities but strengthening their spirit and attitude as well. Although there are specific technical requirements for promotion from one rank to another, which must be earned, promotions are not granted on technical ability alone. To earn a promotion the student must also demonstrate their spirit and attitude through their discipline, spirit and respect.

All students begin with a white belt. It will take the student approximately 4 years to earn their black belt.

After white belt (10th gup), the student will be tested, upon the instructor's recommendation, for yellow belt. The amount of time required depends on the student's ability and their regular class attendance.

After yellow belt (9th gup), the student will be recommended to test for orange belt. This typically requires about 1-2 additional months of training but again, depends on the instructor's recommendation and regular class attendance.

A minimum of three months between belts is required until red belt. After being awarded orange belt (8th gup), a stripe will be added to the belt (7th gup) after approximately 3 months of additional training and recommendation of the instructor. Promotions are granted every three months thereafter with the instructor's recommendation and regular class attendance. The progress continues with green belt (6th gup), green belt with one red stripe (5th gup), green belt with two red stripes (4th gup) and red belt (3rd gup).

A minimum of 6 months is required after red belt for each promotion. A total of 4 stripes are added to the red belt before the student is eligible for promotion to black belt. To achieve a black belt, a minimum of 4 years of regular class attendance is required.

After black belt the minimum requirement for promotion is the number of years of training to the next degree. For example, it will take approximately 2 years to be promoted from Cho Dan (1st degree black belt) to E Dan (2nd degree black belt), 3 years from E Dan to Sam Dan (3rd degree black belt) and so on. A Master's degree is earned upon the award of 4th dan.

A special test is also required for Kyo Sa (certified instructor). A student is required to be at least E Dan (2nd degree black belt), 18 years of age, and have displayed the ability and desire to instruct.

Of special note is that the traditional Tang Soo Do "black" belt is, in fact, midnight blue. This is based on the philosophy that black is the symbol of an end or death. It is the belief that midnight blue symbolizes the midnight sky and learning is an eternal process that continues throughout one's life. The award of a black belt is actually a new beginning and, therefore, the learning process continues.

Summary:

White belt (10th gup) (upon enrollment)
Yellow belt (9th gup) (approximately 3 months after enrollment)
Orange belt (8th gup) (approximately 1-2 months additional training after yellow belt)
Orange belt with one green stripe (7th gup) (3 months additional training after 8th gup)
Green belt (6th gup) (3 months additional training after 7th gup)
Green belt with one red stripe (5th gup) (approximately 3 months additional training after 6th gup)
Green belt with two red stripes (4th gup)(approximately 3 months additional training after 5th gup)
Red belt (3rd gup) (approximately 3 months after 4th gup)
Red belt with one blue stripe (2nd gup) (approximately 6 months after 3rd gup)
Red belt with two blue stripes (1st gup) (approximately 6 months after 2nd gup)
Red belt with three blue stripes (approximately 6 months after 1st gup)
Red belt with four blue stripes (approximately 1 year after 1st gup)
Midnight blue (black – Cho Dan) belt – approximately 4 years

Cho Dan to E Dan (2nd degree black belt) – minimum of 2 additional years
E Dan to Sam San (3rd degree black belt) – minimum of 3 additional years
Sam Dan to Sa Dan (4th degree black belt – Master) – minimum of 4 additional years
Sa Dan to O Dan (5th degree black belt) – minimum of 5 additional years
O Dan to Yuk Dan (6th degree black belt) – minimum of 6 additional years