Taekwondo is known for its belt system. Typically you start as a white belt, and the color of your belt changes as you progress through the system. If you stick with it, eventually you become a black belt. If you stay in taekwondo long enough you may wonder, what do the different colors mean? Well, here is a (very brief) introduction to the meaning behind each belt color, as I was taught. Enjoy!

The Standard Taekwondo Belt Order

When it comes to the taekwondo color belt system every school is different. They have different orders, different testing criteria, and different views of the color belts. However, the color belt system typically serves the same purpose. Each color belt represents not just a students ability, but the stage at which they are in their training and their growth towards becoming a black belt.

White Belt

White. The white belt represents novelty and innocence. It represents that you are new to the taekwondo community and are starting out on your new journey. Of all the steps one takes in their martial arts career, this is probably the biggest and the most exciting. You are about to enter a whole new world. Ready?

Yellow Belt

The yellow belt represents the sun rise. When the sun rises that means a new day begins. Recieving the yellow belt means the taekwondo athlete is experiencing the beginning of their taekwondo journey. They’ve completed the first steps and now see the rest of the path to follow.

Green Belt

The green belt represents grass and the ground. Learning is like a flower or a plant. It must begin from the ground and grow upwards towards the sun. A green belt has begun to grow into a martial artist as they start improving their basic techniques. This is the stage where students often begin to learn self-defense techniques and sparring drills.

Blue Belt

Blue represents the sky. The students are beginning to reach higher levels in their training, much like when a person looks up into the sky to see the clouds. With the blue belt you have begun to learn not just the techniques, but the application of the techniques. With a blue belt you see how much there is, how much you know, and you realize there is so much more out there.

Red Belt

Red is a warning. At the stage of red belt you have learned more advanced techniques, but must now focus on learning control and discipline.This is the stage at which you start to focus more on the mastery of specific techniques, and self-control. You need to learn when and how to use the information you have so thoroughly learned.

Black Belt

Black belt. This is the most sought after belt and for good reason. Black represent completion. For this reason some schools prefer to use navy blue. This is because, when you get your first degree black belt, you’re not done with your education. You’re just done with learning the basics. Now you will begin to learn the more advanced material. Congratulations and good luck.

How Belt Order Differs Between Schools and Organizations

In traveling among schools as much as I have, I have discovered that schools typically differ on their belt systems. Some have the above system, others have additions to the list. Examples include “high red” or “sr. Blue” or other colors, such as purple. A friend of mine once ran across a school that had a “camouflage” belt (She quickly left that school).

The color belt system, unlike the black belt system, in taekwondo is not universal. However, it does typically follow the same premise. Each of the belts represent a moment of progress in training. Each color represents a stage of learning. From taking your first steps to completing huge milestones. Each accomplishment is remarkable, and each accomplishment should be celebrated.

How Long Does Each Belt Take?

Just like with the belt systems, the amount of time it takes varies between schools. Typically in taekwondo it takes 2-4 years. The fastest I ever saw a student do it was in one year, but she trained for an hour every day and took private lessons. The fastest attempt I ever heard of was of a woman who tried to do it in 90 days. Between each belt it also varies depending on the school but, typically, it takes 2-6 months to get to your next belt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long did it take you to become a black belt?

It took me 4 years to get my 1st Dan black belt. It took me 16 to become a 4th Dan black belt.

What was the hardest thing you had to do for a belt test?

Honestly? The first board break I ever did was the hardest. Not because of the technique. It was challenging because I had never broken a board before. The challenge was in the mental hurdle.

How long was the longest test you ever took?

Time wise? 10 hours. But there were about 25 applicants for that test. So technically, the longest was probably my 4th Dan test, which was only 4 hours. At that testing, I was the only applicant.

Why are there color belts in the first place?

There are lost of reasons for why the color belt system exists. The one I find most convincing is that it helps dojangs make a structured curriculum for students. It’s also a way for students to be able to see their own progress.

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Disclaimer: This site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Color belt systems differ between schools. All martial arts techniques and exercises should be supervised by a trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. The information on these pages and videos is meant only to amuse, not replace, the instruction given at your martial arts classes. To properly understand these techniques, you need to learn them from a trained martial arts instructor who can provide you with an in-depth explanation of the technique, help correct your mistakes, answer your questions, and detail how the technique should be utilized. In addition, all martial arts techniques and training should be used safely and responsibly.