Taekwondo Belt Order: Every Color, Rank & What Each Belt Means [2026]

For those beginning their Taekwondo journey, the progression of colored belts is a source of motivation and a roadmap to mastery. Each color represents a new stage of development, marking a student’s growth in skill, knowledge, and character. But what do the colors truly signify, and how does the system differ across the sport’s major organizations?

This guide explains the complete Taekwondo belt order, from the initial white belt through every colored rank to the advanced black-belt “Dan” levels. We’ll explore the history of the ranking system, the meaning behind each color, how the ITF, World Taekwondo, and ATA systems compare, how long each belt takes to earn, and what parents should know about Taekwondo belts for kids.

Key Takeaways

• A Structured Path: The Taekwondo belt system, adapted from Judo’s ranking method, provides a clear, motivating progression from complete beginner (10th Gup) to Grand Master (9th Dan).
• Two Stages of Ranks: The system is divided into “Gup” (or Kup) colored-belt ranks that count down from 10 to 1, and “Dan” black-belt ranks that count up from 1 to 9.
• Three Major Systems: The ITF, World Taekwondo (WT/Kukkiwon), and ATA (Songahm) organizations each use slightly different belt colors and progression orders, though the core journey from white to black is universal.
• Symbolic Colors: Each belt color has a symbolic meaning rooted in the growth cycle of a plant — from the purity of white (a seed under snow) to the maturity of black (a tree that has absorbed all light).
• More Than Just Fighting: Promotion requires demonstrating proficiency in forms (poomsae or tul), sparring (kyorugi), and breaking (kyukpa), as well as knowledge of Taekwondo philosophy and Korean terminology.
• 3 to 5 Years to Black Belt: Most students training 2-3 times per week reach 1st Dan in 3 to 5 years, though this is the beginning of mastery, not the end.

Taekwondo Belt Order: The Complete Progression

Before diving into the details, here is the standard Taekwondo belt order at a glance. While the exact colors vary slightly between organizations (more on that below), most schools follow a progression that moves from lighter colors to darker ones, symbolizing a student’s accumulating knowledge and experience.

The History of Taekwondo’s Belt Ranking System

The colored belt system that Taekwondo practitioners wear today has its roots in Japanese martial arts, not Korean tradition. Judo founder Jigoro Kano is credited with introducing the first colored belts to signify student rank in the late 19th century. When Korean martial arts masters — many of whom had trained in Japanese styles like Shotokan Karate during the Japanese occupation — began founding their own schools (called “kwans”) in the 1940s and 1950s, they adopted this belt-based ranking system.

The various Korean martial arts schools were eventually unified under the banner of “Taekwondo.” General Choi Hong Hi, a key figure in this movement and the founder of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) in 1966, formalized the colored belt system into the structured Gup and Dan ranking framework used today. However, political disagreements between Choi and the South Korean government led to a split. The Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) established the Kukkiwon in 1972 as the national academy, and in 1973 founded what is now World Taekwondo (WT) — the organization that governs Olympic Taekwondo. A third major body, the American Taekwondo Association (ATA), later developed its own “Songahm” style with a unique belt progression.

This three-way split is why Taekwondo belt orders can look different depending on where you train. The core philosophy remains the same across all organizations: belts represent a student’s journey from ignorance to mastery, with each color symbolizing a stage of growth.

Every Taekwondo Belt Color and What It Means

The path for a new student begins with the Gup (급) ranks, starting from 10th Gup (white belt) and counting down to 1st Gup (high red belt). The belt colors in Taekwondo follow a nature-based metaphor — each color represents the growth cycle of a plant from seed to mature tree. While the exact colors and number of intermediate belts vary between schools and organizations, the following is the standard progression used by most WT/Kukkiwon-affiliated schools.

White Belt (10th Gup) — “The seed is hidden under the winter’s snow.” White symbolizes purity, innocence, and a blank slate. The student has no prior knowledge of Taekwondo and begins with the most basic stances, blocks, punches, and front kicks. This is where every practitioner’s journey begins.

Yellow Belt (8th Gup) — “The seed begins to sprout as the sun warms the earth.” Yellow represents the earth where the seed of knowledge has taken root. The student has learned the fundamentals and is building a solid foundation. This is typically the first belt where students begin learning poomsae (forms), starting with Taegeuk Il Jang.

Orange Belt (7th Gup) — “The sun rises higher, and the plant strengthens.” Orange represents growing warmth and energy. The student is refining basic techniques and preparing for the intermediate program. This is the final belt in the beginner program at many schools, and students learn their second poomsae at this stage.

Green Belt (6th Gup) — “The plant sprouts from the earth and grows.” Green symbolizes growth and the beginning of the intermediate level. Students at this rank have typically been training for close to a year and have mastered all beginner techniques. This is a pivotal rank because it often marks the introduction of sparring (kyorugi) training.

Purple Belt (5th Gup) — “The path becomes steep as the plant pushes toward the mountain.” Purple represents struggle and perseverance. This is widely considered one of the most difficult phases of training — students have been at it for over a year, and motivation can dip. Instructors often note that students who push through purple belt rarely quit afterward.

Blue Belt (4th Gup) — “The plant reaches toward the sky.” Blue represents the sky and new heights. The student’s skills are reaching upward, and their understanding of Taekwondo is expanding significantly. This is the final belt of the intermediate program, and techniques become more complex as students prepare for the advanced level.

Brown Belt (3rd Gup) — “The tree is firmly rooted in the earth.” Brown represents the earth and signifies that the student has developed deep roots in Taekwondo. This is the first belt in the advanced program. Students typically experience a renewed sense of motivation here as they begin learning more complex and intense poomsae.

Red Belt (2nd Gup) — “The sun is setting. The first phase of growth is complete.” Red symbolizes danger, power, and caution. At this level, the student has significant skill and power, but must learn to balance that with control and humility. Red serves as a warning to opponents — and a reminder to the student that discipline must match ability.

Black Tip / High Red Belt (1st Gup) — “The dawn of a new day approaches.” This is the final step before the black belt. Some schools use a belt that is half red and half black (called a “Recommended Black Belt” or “Bo-Dan”) to indicate that the student is extremely close to earning their 1st Dan. Training becomes intensely focused as the student polishes every technique, reviews all previous poomsae, and prepares for the most demanding test of their career.

Note: Many schools use intermediate belts with stripes or “tips” (e.g., a yellow belt with a green stripe) to mark progress between solid colors. This is especially common in the ITF system, where each solid belt color has a corresponding “tip” belt representing the half-step between ranks.

ITF vs World Taekwondo vs ATA: Belt Order Comparison

One of the most common sources of confusion for new students (and parents) is that Taekwondo belt orders are not the same across all schools. The three major organizations — the ITF, World Taekwondo (via the Kukkiwon), and the ATA — each have their own belt color progressions. Here’s how they compare.

The ITF system uses five solid belt colors (white, yellow, green, blue, red) with a colored “tip” or stripe for each, creating 10 colored-belt ranks. The tip is the color of the next solid belt, representing the transition. Forms in ITF are called “tul” and are named after historical Korean figures and events.

The WT/Kukkiwon system traditionally uses the same five core colors but many schools add supplemental colors — orange, purple, and brown — especially for younger students. Instead of tips, WT schools often use “low” and “high” designations (e.g., low yellow, high yellow). Forms are called “poomsae,” and color belts learn the eight Taegeuk forms.

The ATA (Songahm) system is unique in two key ways. First, orange comes before yellow — an inversion of every other system. Second, the ATA includes a camouflage belt between yellow and green that no other organization uses. The ATA’s belt color meanings follow the same plant/nature metaphor but with more colors and therefore more nuance at each stage.

Despite these differences, all three organizations share the same fundamental structure: 10 colored-belt ranks (Gup/Geup/Kup) counting down from 10th to 1st, followed by Dan black-belt ranks counting up from 1st to 9th.

The Dan Ranks: The Path of the Black Belt

Earning a black belt is one of the most significant achievements in Taekwondo — but contrary to popular belief, it is not the end of the journey. The black belt, or Dan (단), signifies the completion of the basic student curriculum and the beginning of a new, more profound stage of learning. In the words of many masters, receiving a 1st Dan means you have finally learned how to learn.

1st Dan through 3rd Dan (Novice Black Belt): These ranks are considered the novice stages of black belt. A 1st Dan practitioner has a comprehensive understanding of Taekwondo’s fundamentals, but compared to higher-ranked practitioners, they are still very much a beginner. At 2nd and 3rd Dan, practitioners refine their skills further and typically begin assisting with instruction. In the ITF system, 2nd and 3rd Dan holders can serve as “Boo-Sabum” (Assistant Instructor).

4th Dan through 6th Dan (Expert/Master): At 4th Dan, the practitioner crosses the threshold into the expert class and earns the title of “Sabum” (Instructor) in the ITF, or “Master Instructor” in WT. These practitioners have the authority to promote students to black-belt level and are typically deeply involved in curriculum development, competition coaching, and the broader advancement of the art.

7th Dan through 9th Dan (Grand Master): These are the highest ranks in Taekwondo, representing a lifetime dedicated to the practice, preservation, and promotion of the art. The title of “Grand Master” (Sasung) is reserved for these elite practitioners. The significance of 9th Dan is rooted in Korean numerology — the number 9 is three multiplied by three, and in Eastern philosophy, three is the most esteemed of all numbers, representing heaven, mortals, and earth.

What is a Poom Belt? In the WT/Kukkiwon system, students under 15 years old who reach black-belt level earn a “Poom” (품) rank rather than a Dan rank. The Poom belt is half red and half black, split lengthwise down the middle. It recognizes that the student has met the technical and knowledge requirements, but may not yet have the physical maturity and self-defense capability of an adult black belt. Poom ranks convert directly to Dan ranks once the practitioner reaches age 15 — a 1st Poom automatically becomes eligible for 1st Dan.

How Long Does It Take to Earn Each Belt?

The time it takes to progress through the Taekwondo belt ranks depends on several factors: training frequency, the individual school’s curriculum, the student’s age and physical ability, and the governing organization’s minimum time-in-rank requirements. However, most schools follow a fairly consistent timeline for students who train 2 to 3 times per week.

The early belts typically progress more quickly — students can advance every 2 to 3 months at the beginner level. As the ranks increase, so do the time requirements. Brown, red, and high-red belts may each require 4 to 6 months or longer of dedicated training. Most students reach 1st Dan black belt in approximately 3 to 5 years.

After earning a black belt, the time between Dan promotions increases significantly. A 1st Dan must typically hold that rank for at least 1 to 1.5 years before testing for 2nd Dan. By the time a practitioner reaches the higher Dan ranks, the minimum time-in-grade requirements extend to 7 or 8 years between tests. Reaching 9th Dan — the highest achievable rank — represents decades of dedication.

Promotion Requirements: What to Expect at a Belt Test

To advance in rank, a student must undergo a formal testing process called a “shim-sa.” The requirements become more demanding at each level, but promotion tests generally evaluate the following areas:

Poomsae / Tul (Forms): Performing specific patterns of techniques with precision, balance, power, and correct breathing. Each belt level has an assigned form that the student must demonstrate. In WT, these are the Taegeuk poomsae; in ITF, they are called tul and are named after figures from Korean history.

Kyorugi (Sparring): Demonstrating effective offensive and defensive skills against a live partner. At lower belts this may be one-step or controlled sparring; at higher belts, full free-sparring is expected.

Kyukpa (Breaking): Breaking boards with specific hand and foot techniques to demonstrate power, accuracy, and proper form. The techniques required for breaking become more advanced at higher belts — early ranks may require a front kick break, while advanced ranks may demand spinning or jumping kicks.

Self-Defense Techniques (Ho Sin Sul): Demonstrating practical applications of Taekwondo techniques in self-defense scenarios, including grab escapes and counterattacks.

Theory and Knowledge: Answering questions about Taekwondo history, philosophy, the five tenets (courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit), and Korean terminology for techniques and commands.

Belt tests for lower ranks typically last 30 to 60 minutes. Higher-rank tests — especially the 1st Dan black belt test — can last 2 to 3 hours and are evaluated by a panel of senior instructors or master-level examiners.

Taekwondo Belts for Kids: What Parents Should Know

Taekwondo is one of the most popular martial arts for children worldwide, and the belt system plays a central role in keeping young students motivated. If you’re a parent considering Taekwondo for your child — or wondering what those belt colors your kid keeps bringing home actually mean — here’s what you need to know.

How the Belt System Works for Children

Children follow the same core belt progression as adults, but many schools use additional “stripe belts” (e.g., a white belt with a yellow stripe) to create more frequent milestones. Where an adult program might have 10 ranks, a children’s program might have 16 or more. This isn’t about lowering standards — it’s about matching the testing frequency to a child’s attention span and need for regular positive reinforcement. Younger children may test every 8 to 12 weeks, with each test covering a smaller portion of the curriculum.

Schools that serve very young children (ages 4-6) often offer separate “Dragons” or “Little Tigers” programs with simplified belt progressions that focus on gross motor skills, listening, and basic coordination before transitioning to the standard program.

The Poom Belt: Junior Black Belt

Under WT/Kukkiwon rules, children who earn black-belt rank before turning 15 receive a Poom rank rather than a Dan rank. The Poom belt is distinctively half red and half black. This distinction exists because while the child has demonstrated the required technical skill, they may not yet possess the physical maturity for the full self-defense applications expected of an adult Dan holder. A child’s Poom rank automatically converts to the equivalent Dan rank when they turn 15.

How to Choose a Good Dojo for Your Child

Not all Taekwondo schools are created equal. Here are some green flags and red flags to watch for:

Green flags: The school has a clearly posted curriculum with specific requirements for each belt. Testing fees are reasonable ($25-$75 per test is typical). Instructors hold verifiable Dan ranks from a recognized organization (WT/Kukkiwon, ITF, or ATA). The school emphasizes that belt advancement requires meeting standards, not just attending a set number of classes.

Red flags: Testing is mandatory on a fixed schedule regardless of the student’s readiness. Testing fees exceed $100 per test, or there are hidden “equipment upgrade” costs at each belt. The school guarantees a black belt within a specific timeframe (often called a “Black Belt Club” contract). Instructors cannot or will not verify their own credentials.

For more information about belt systems in other martial arts your child might explore, check out our guides to the karate belt order, the Judo belt ranking system, and the BJJ belt system explained.

Taekwondo’s Influence on Modern Combat Sports

While Taekwondo is practiced by millions primarily as a traditional martial art and Olympic sport, its techniques have had a significant impact on modern mixed martial arts (MMA). The art’s emphasis on fast, dynamic kicking — particularly spinning and head kicks — has proven devastatingly effective inside the cage when wielded by fighters with strong fundamental skills.

Several elite MMA fighters have used their Taekwondo backgrounds as a competitive advantage. Anthony “Showtime” Pettis showcased flashy Taekwondo kicks en route to the UFC Lightweight Championship. Yair Rodriguez is renowned for his spinning back kicks and creative striking combinations rooted in his TKD training. Valentina Shevchenko, one of the most dominant women’s fighters in UFC history, holds a Taekwondo background that contributes to her exceptional kicking accuracy and distance management. And perhaps most famously, Anderson Silva blended Taekwondo kicks with his Muay Thai to create one of the most feared striking arsenals in MMA history.

The growing presence of Taekwondo-trained fighters in MMA promotions worldwide speaks to the practical combat effectiveness of the skills developed through the belt system’s progressive training methodology.

To Sum It Up

The Taekwondo belt system is far more than a collection of colored fabric. It is a carefully structured roadmap for personal development — a journey that builds physical skill, mental discipline, and strength of character at every stage. From the purity of a white belt to the maturity of black, each rank represents real, earned progress.

Whether you’re a brand-new student tying on your first white belt, a parent watching your child earn their next stripe, or an experienced practitioner working toward your next Dan rank, remember that the belt itself is simply a marker. The true value lies in the person you become through the process of earning it. The path of Taekwondo is lifelong, and every practitioner — from 10th Gup to 9th Dan — is still a student.

Taekwondo Belts FAQs