top of page

Belt and Collar Ranking System

Each of the affiliated schools follow this main ranking system.  However, individual schools have the ability to customize their ranking system to include kid belts, half belts, quarter belts, and belt stripes. These customization may vary from one school to the next.

 

Belts indicate rank and Collars indicate teaching certification.  The MTA tests for teaching certification separately from rank. Color belts are typically tested within the schools.  Organization-wide Black Belt and Collar testings are held twice a year in April and September.  

 

Collar teaching certification requires an in-depth written and practical test demonstrating knowledge of technique, forms, one-steps, sparring, board breaks, self-defense, teaching ability, and technique application. Green through Red Collars are certified assistant instructors. Black Collars are full instructors. Fourth Degree Black Collars are Master Apprentice instructors.  Seventh Degrees are  Master Instructors.

 

 

 

White

Form: Courtesy

The color white signifies innocence, as that of a beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwondo.

 

 Courtesy means showing respect and kindness to others.

 

 

Yellow Recomended

Form: Integrity

The color yellow signifies Earth, from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the Taekwondo foundation is being laid. Yellow also means to proceed with caution.  

 

Integrity means to do what's right at all times, even if no one is looking. 

Yellow Decided

Form: Perceverance

The color yellow signifies Earth, from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the Taekwondo foundation is being laid. Yellow also means to proceed with caution.

 

Perseverance means never giving up no matter how hard something becomes.

Green Recommended

Form: Self Control

The color green signifies a plant’s growth, as Taekwondo skills begin to develop. We begin to see focus and coordination of technique. Green represents drive or determination, a new desire to learn.

 

Self-control means always being in control of one's actions, emotions, and words, and never losing your temper.

 

Green Decided

Form: Indomitable Spirit

The color green signifies a plant’s growth, as Taekwondo skills begin to develop. We begin to see focus and coordination of technique. Green represents drive or determination, a new desire to learn.  

 

Indomitable spirit means believing in someone or something so strongly that no matter what anyone says, your belief cannot be shaken

Blue Recommended

Form: Confidence

The color blue signifies the sky or heaven. Like a tall plant or tree growing towards the blue sky, your Taekwondo skills are growing strong.

 

Confidence means self-reliance in one's own abilities and power of judgment.

​

Blue Decided

Form: Allegiance

The color blue signifies the sky or heaven. Like a tall plant or tree growing towards the blue sky, your Taekwondo skills are growing strong.

 

Allegiance means be loyal to one's country, instructor, family, and friends. 

Red Recommended

Form: Assertiveness

The color red signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away. The student has now attained speed and strength in unison. It is now time to work on accuracy.  

 

Assertiveness means dominating with a positive statement, attitude, or manner, allowing no denial or opposition when you are right or innocent

accuracy.

Red Decided

Form: Serenity

The color red signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away. The student has now attained speed and strength in unison. It is now time to work on accuracy.

 

Serenity  means obtaining tranquility with oneself, clear and calm inner feelings, at peace with oneself.

Black Recommended

Form: Kwang Gae

Black is the opposite of white, therefore signifying a maturity and proficiency in Taekwondo. It also indicates the holder’s imperiousness to darkness and fear.

 

Kwang Gae is named after the famous Gwang-Gae-Toh-Dae-Wang, the 19" King of the Koguryo Dynasty of Korea, who regained all the lost territories, including the greater part of Manchuria. The diagram represents the expansion and recovery of lost territory. The 39 movements refer to the first two figures of AD 391, the year he came to the throne.

Black Belt

Forms: Po Eun, Ge Baek, Eui Am, Choong Jang, Ju-Che, Sam Il, Yoo Sin, Choi Yong, Yon Gae, Ul Ji, Moon Moo, So San, Se Jong. Tong Il

Black is the opposite of white, therefore signifying a maturity and proficiency in Taekwondo. It also indicates the holder’s imperiousness to darkness and fear.

 

1st Degree

Po Eun

Ge Baek

 

2nd Degree

Eui Am

Choong Jang

Ju-Che

 

3rd Degree

Sam Il

Yoo Sin

Choi Yong

 

4th Degree

Yon Gae

Ul Ji

Moon Moo

 

5th Degree

So San

Se Jong

​

6th Degree

Tong Il

Please reload

Belts

Collars

Green Collar

Assistant Instructor under the age of 12

Blue Collar

Assistant Instructor under the age of 16

Red Collar

Assistant Instructor ages 16 and up

Black Collar

Full Instructor

Please reload

Courtesty - Integrity - Perseverance - Self Control - Indomitable Spirit - Confidence - Allegiance - Assertiveness

Organization based in Missouri - President Dwayne Doran - (417) 872-5910

© 2023 by Rising Sun Taekwondo for Midwest Taekwondo Association.

bottom of page