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In the world of Tae Kwon Do, the journey toward mastery is a long and fulfilling process. Among the many milestones practitioners can achieve, the black belt stands out as a symbol of skill and dedication. Achieving a black belt is a remarkable achievement for anyone, and is something to be proud of! A black belt not only is a great achievement in a school, but it can also open several gates for you in your Tae Kwon Do career. Should you choose to step out the front door into competitions and conferences, it’s important to understand what a black belt is. One of these things is what type of black belt you have. Do you have a Poom black belt or a Dan black belt? Does it matter?

What is a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do?

Before we explore the specifics of Poom and Dan black belts, it is important to understand what a black belt signifies in Tae Kwon Do. A black belt represents a high level of proficiency and commitment to taekwondo. Rather than being an endpoint, it marks the beginning of a deeper exploration into advanced techniques and philosophies. An excellent comparison is that getting your first black belt is like graduating high school. You know the basics and it seems like you’re done, but then you go to college and realize how much you don’t know.

In the taekwondo community black belts come in two main categories: Poom and Dan. These ranks are for a difference in age. This is important because people of all ages start doing taekwondo and some people are simply too young to accomplish some of the requirements that their older colleagues can fulfill. As an example, who is going to ask a 12 year old to run 10 miles in one hour? That’s crazy (and a criteria I’ve run across frequently). So as a result, the testing criteria occasionally differ between age groups to ensure the test is challenging for all applicants, but not impossible.

Note: before we continue, it’s important to remember that both Poom and Dan black belts are both black belts and both deserve respect, so you should respect that! (Obviously)

Understanding Poom Black Belt

The Poom black belt is awarded to younger practitioners, typically those under 15 years old. This level acts as a stepping stone between colored belts and Dan ranks. To earn a Poom black belt, students must demonstrate proficiency in fundamental techniques, forms, sparring, and theoretical knowledge. For example, an accomplished Poom student might execute advanced blocks in sparring sessions and perform complex forms with precision, similar to their Dan colleagues. This recognition signifies a commitment to training, as well as the potential for further growth.

That’s why Poom black belts only go as far as a 3rd Poom. After a student recieves their 3rd Poom black belt, they to wait until they meet the age criteria to become a 4th Dan. This is because a 4th Dan earns one the title of “Master” and any master should be both mature and skilled.

It’s vital to note that a Poom black belt is not less valuable than a Dan black belt. Instead, it serves as motivation for young athletes. Achieving this rank can boost their enthusiasm and drive, encouraging them to aim for higher Dan rankings as they grow more skilled and experienced. In fact, most Poom black belts are often very talented and passionate students, so their knowledge and experience can be very helpful for their Dan colleagues.

Understanding Dan Black Belts

The Dan black belt is awarded to individuals who have reached the age of 15 and have showcased a more advanced level of skill and understanding within Tae Kwon Do. In Korean, “Dan” means “degree,” referring to the degree to which someone has learned taekwondo. These are often indicated with bars on the black belt. The number of bars matches the Dan (ex. 3 bars means they are a 3rd Dan black belt).

Dan rankings begin at 1st Dan and extend up to 10th Dan. Achieving a 1st Dan requires not just technical skills but often also comprehension of Tae Kwon Do’s philosophy and its application in real-life scenarios alongside the forms, techniques, and physical aptitude tests. This rank reflects a dedicated commitment to continuously learning and developing in the art.

Acquiring a Dan black belt signifies a knowledge of the basics and preparation for further training. Most people stop training after getting their 1st Dan. For those who choose to continue, students at this level often engage in more complex techniques and contribute to their communities through martial arts programs such as demonstration teams. Students who choose a career in taekwondo after becoming a black belt often help their communities with anti-bullying programs in schools, community events, and even fundraisers for local charities!

A Deeper Understanding of the Ranks

Grasping the distinctions between Poom and Dan black belts is essential for any Tae Kwon Do practitioner on the path to advancement. Those who have an interest in getting a black belt in taekwondo should learn about what a black belt means. Poom and Dan are different types of black belt, but are both acknowledgements of great progress on a long journey. Ultimately, both ranks are valuable, enriching the broader traditions of Tae Kwon Do such as respect, perseverance, and indomitable spirit.