World Tang Soo Do Association Belt System
WTSDA Belt System
The dee (belt) is one of three parts of the do bohk (uniform). The belt system consists of seven colors, with each color designating the degree of proficiency possessed by the one wearing the belt. As a practitioner progresses, a color belt is worn which represents not only their degree of achievement, but exhibits their authority and dignity as well.
Our Tang Soo Do belt system, in its progress from white to black, represents the cycle of the seasons. Each color stands for a specific stage of achievement. In this way we realize an essential concept of oriental philosophy: that which is born must grow, reach maturity, die, and leave behind the seeds of a new birth.
Yu Gup Ja (Gup Student)
Gup levels consist of ten grades, plus Cho Dan Bo level:
 | WHITE, 10th & 9th Gup |
 | White is the color of purity and initiation. It represents a primitive stage of achievement such as the seed as it lies dormant beneath the snows of winter. |
 | ORANGE, 8th & 7th Gup |
 | Orange signifies hope, happiness, expectation and challenge. It represents new growth which appears in spring. Our Tang Soo Do knowledge begins to reveal itself. |
 | GREEN, 6th & 5th Gup |
 | Green signifies youth, excitement, prosperity, and growth. It represents the speedy development of youth as summer arrives. |
 | BROWN, 4th & 3rd Gup |
 | Brown represents power, stability, agility, weight, and wisdom. This is a stabilizing stage, both mentally and physically, and is analogous to the plants which curtail their growth and prepare to flower in late summer. |
 | RED, 2nd & 1st Gup |
 | Red represents blood, life, energy, attention, and control. The student's power and techniques begin to bloom and ripen. |
 | DARK BLUE, Cho Dan Bo (Black Belt Candidate) The student must now prepare mind and body for the final step needed to attain black belt. |
Yu Dan Ja (Dan Holder)
Yu Dan Ja means Black Belt Holder, and consists of 1st Dan, 2nd Dan, and 3rd Dan. |
 Cho Dan |  Sam Dan |
Ko Dan Ja (Senior Dan Holder & Master)
  | Sah Dan, 4th Dan Instructor & 4th Dan Master Instructor Sah Dan Instructor and Sah Dan Master. The distinction between the two is that a Sah Dan Master is a professional who has registered studio ownership. Sah Dan Masters are distinguished by a black belt with a red stripe through the middle. Sah Dan Instructors are distinguished by a black belt with four stripes at the end. |
 | Oh Dan, 5th Dan, Senior Master Instructor Title: Sah Bum (Nim) Minimum Required Time: 5 years after 4th Dan Belt: Black Belt with one central red line |
