Belts
A rough guide to the expected standard for each grade is detailed below. We have linked to images and descriptions of all the patterns, there is also a video on youtube here
Yellow tag - most of the below.
Yellow belt - all of the below.
Correct execution of the following techniques:
Turning kick
Chopping kick
Back kick
Above kicks in simple combos
Punches in horseriding stance
High block in both horseriding and long stances
Low block in both horseriding and long stances
Inner Forearm block in both horseriding and long stances
Green tag - All of the requirements for Yellow Belt, plus most of the below. Pattern 1 (Taegeuk Il Jang)
Green belt - All of the requirements for Yellow Belt, plus all of the below. Pattern 2 (Taegeuk Yi Jang)
Yellow belt techniques, showing good balance and targetting for kicks.
Hopping while kicking
Attempt hooking kick
All blocks as above in combo with reverse punch
Blue Tag - All of the requirements for green belt, plus most of the below. Pattern 3 (Taegeuk Sam Jang)
Blue Belt - All of the requirements for Green belt, plus all of the below. Pattern 4 (Taegeuk Sah Jang)
Reliably good Hooking kick (on target, well balanced) on at least one leg
Side kick
Single and Double Knife-Hand blocks with Back Stance
Red Tag - All of the requirements for Blue Belt, plus most of the below. Pattern 5 (Taegeuk Oh Jang)
Red Belt - All of the requirements for Blue Belt, plus all of the below. Pattern 6 (Taegeuk Yuk Jang)
Good hooking kick on both legs
Double side kick on both legs
Hooking kicks in combo with other kicks
Back stance blocks and long stance punch combos
All of the requirements for Red Belt, plus all of the below. Pattern 7 (Taegeuk Chil Jang)
Demonstrated dedication to training
Tornado kick
Triple side kicks
Before being considered for a black belt grading, a student must be able to demonstrate all of the techniques listed above to a high standard.
AT LEAST 6 months training twice a week since black tag grading. At least one year if training once a week.
Demonstrating an understanding of the 5 tenets of taekwondo and applying it in training
Patterns 4 - 8 (4-7 instructions linked to above, also Pattern 8 (Taeguk Pal Jang)
Students under the age of 15 will be awarded a junior Poom grade. When they are 15 they will be invited to take an additional grading to convert their grade to an adult Dan grade. There will be a nominal fee and it will take place at the same time as other Poom/Dan gradings.
Poom grades are expected to start to take on some of the responsibilities associated with a Dan grade in preparation for gaining an adult black belt, (eg assisting in class with lining students up, contributing to teaching by demonstrating techniques, showing a good example to junior grades.)
There are ten coloured belts (their order below), then nine black belts.
| Grade | Colour |
|---|---|
| 10th Kup | White Belt |
| 9th Kup | Yellow Tag |
| 8th Kup | Yellow Belt |
| 7th Kup | Green Tag |
| 6th Kup | Green Belt |
| 5th Kup | Blue Tag |
| 4th Kup | Blue Belt |
| 3rd Kup | Red Tag |
| 2nd Kup | Red Belt |
| 1st Kup | Black Tag |
| 1st Dan | Black Belt |
| 2nd Dan | Black Belt |
| 3rd Dan | Black Belt |
| 4th Dan | Black Belt |
| 5th Dan | Black Belt |
| 6th Dan | Black Belt |
| 7th Dan | Black Belt |
| 8th Dan | Black Belt |
| 9th Dan | Black Belt |
