Basic Meanings - Meanings of Belt Colors

The color of the belt is an indication of the skill level of a Tae Kwon Do student. Sometimes belts can be gained by winning competitions; the common way is by completing an exam.

WHITE - The White Belt represents that stage of training where the students are in their infancy in the training. The color white indicates that a person is "innocent", has no knowledge of the sport Tae Kwon Do. The white belt is automatically gained by taking Tae Kwon Do classes.

YELLOW – The Yellow Belt represents that stage of training where the student’s mind is opening up to the teachings. The color yellow indicates that the person is getting to know the basic techniques; this stadium is compared to a plant growing its roots.

GREEN – The Green Belt represents that stage of training where the students are as children and are beginning to find themselves. The color green indicates that a student is growing as a Tae Kwon Do student. The color of the belt is compared to a plant growing its leafs.

BLUE – The Blue Belt represents that stage of training where the students are in adolescence and are discovering their potential. The color blue indicates that a student is reaching higher, like a plant that is growing towards the blue sky.

BROWN – The Brown Belt represents that stage of training where the students have reached adulthood and are beginning to understand themselves and the art. It is analogous to the maturing of the plant and the formation of its adult features.

RED – The Red Belt represents that stage of training that holds the most danger to the students. They have attained the skills, but they must choose how they will use them. They may forget the important part of training and become prideful and cocky, or they may take their proper place in the world and fully accept the tenets of Tae Kwon Do.

BLACK – The Black Belt represents that stage of training where the student has attained not only the skills, but also the proper attitude and philosophy. Black is the opposite of white and means the maturity of the student in the art. Degree of black belt represents the different levels of mental intensity of an individual and the ability to use these for successful living.