World Tang Soo Do Association Belt System
WTSDA Belt System
World Tang Soo Do Association 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:
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:
Yu Dan Ja (Dan Holder)
Yu Dan Ja means Black Belt Holder, and consists of 1st Dan, 2nd Dan, and 3rd Dan. |
Black represents maturity, calmness, dignity, and sincerity. The first degree of black belt is the final stage of one life cycle and the beginning of the next. Thus, we see that it is not only the end of one stage but, more importantly, the beginning of a path which leads up through the ranks of the higher black belts to true mastery.
Ko Dan Ja (Senior Dan Holder & Master)
Traditionally, full professorship of teaching the Art of Tang Soo Do was given to an individual who reached this level. The title in Korean is Sah Bum Nim. "Sah" literally translated means teacher, "Bum" means example, and "Nim" is a title of honor. This recognition is given to a profound and respected teacher. These high-ranking achievers train diligently and are dedicated to developing inner power (Nae Kong), meditation, and spiritual growth. A Masters belt consists of a red line through a black belt, which designates mastery of the requirements of every previous belt level and, most importantly, the mastery of Nae Kong (inner strength).
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. |