Advancement in Teakwondo is represented by the different colored belts worn by the students. The novice begins with a white belt and advances through progressively darker belts until achieving the level of a black belt. More than simply indicating a student’s rank within the system however, the various belt colors also reflect the central philosophy of Teakwondo. Teakwondo seeks to attune itself with nature, and the philosophy of the art is based on the cycle of life. Essentially, the cycle of life is that living things are born, grow to maturity, leave behind the seed of new life, then move onto the next plane of existence. Each belt color symbolizes one of the stages in this process.

WHITE - Lack of color, signifying purity and innocence. No knowledge of Teakwondo.

YELLOW - The color of the rising sun which causes newly sown seeds to germinate and begin to grow. Basic techniques begin to be learned.

ORANGE - The sun deepening in color, rises in the sky, giving it’s energy to the new growth, techniques begin to take form.

GREEN - The color of growing things driving upward, power begins to be developed.

BLUE/PURPLE - The color of the sky toward which growing things are reaching, mental and physical power begins to stabilize.

BROWN - The color of earth in which growing things are rooted, mental and physical power stabilizes.

RED - The color of blood, the essential force of life, perfection of character begins to be exhibited by maturity, honor and respect.

BLACK - All colors combined, the final stage where mastery of techniques is reflected by calm dignity and sincerity.