The color of the belt is an indication of the skill level of a Taekwondo student.  In WTF Taekwondo there are 10 Gups, starting from the 10^th gup (a white belt) and ending with the 1^st Gup (Black Stripe belt).  The term “Gup” means degree and the term “Dan” means phase.  There are technically 9 Dan degrees, starting with the 1^st and ending with the 9^th.  All Dan-degrees are represented by a black belt.  The 10^th degree is awarded to a Grand Master after devoting a life time to the Martial Art and is honorarily awarded upon passing away. 

 

White Belt – The color white indicates that a person is “innocent”, has no knowledge of Taekwondo.  The white belt is automatically gained by taking Taekwondo classes. 

 

Yellow Belt – The color yellow indicates that the person is getting to know the basic techniques; this level in indicative to a plant growing its roots. 

 

Green Belt – The color green indicates that a student is growing as a Taekwondo student.  The color of the belt is compared to a plant growing its leaves.

 

Blue Belt – The color blue indicates that the student is reaching a higher skill level, such as a plant growing towards the sky. 

 

Red Belt – The color red indicates danger.  The student is warned to practice control of his/her techniques in class.  The color red is also indicative of warning an opponent. 

 

Black Belt – Black, being the opposite of white, means the maturity of the student in Taekwondo.  It also is an indication of being fearless of darkness and life’s challenges.