Taekwon-Do was created by General
Choi Hi (11/09/1918 - 06/ 15/2002) with the
purpose of developing a new martial art for Korea. Taekwon-Do
was formally named on 04/11/1955. He created the
martial art Taekwon-Do to be used for self defense and
only in the case of justice. Today Taekwon-Do is practiced
in over 150 countries worldwide. His legacy continues
worldwide through his practitioners.
Tae – Stands for jumping or flying, to kick or smash with the foot
Kwon – Denotes the fist, chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist
Do – Means an Art or Way
Taekwon-Do is a form of Martial Art which is designed for the purpose of self defense. It combines intensive technique and mental training. Its discipline, technique and mental training are the foundation for building a strong sense of justice, fortitude and humility. Taekwon-Do is called an "art of self defense", as it implies a way of thinking about life, instilling spirit and moral. Taekwon-Do is derived from the traditional, ethical and moral principles of the orient, from General Choi Hong Hi and his personal philosophy.
There are six belts: white, yellow, green, blue, red and black. White is given to beginners and black is given to students who have progressed through the grades and have a solid foundation for learning the techniques of Taekwon-Do.
Students must grade through the following belts in the following order:
White belt given to the beginner (10th gup)
White belt Yellow stripe (9th gup)
Yellow Belt (8th gup)
Yellow belt Green stripe (7th gup)
Green belt (6th gup)
Green belt Blue stripe (5th gup)
Blue belt (4th gup)
Blue belt Red stripe (3rd gup)
Red belt (2nd gup)
Red belt Black stripe (1st gup)
Through to Black Belt (1st dan/degree)
White Belt: Signifies Innocence, as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwon-Do.
Yellow Belt: Signifies the Earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the foundation of Taekwon-Do is being laid.
Green Belt: Signifies the Plant's Growth as Taekwon-Do skills begin to develop.
Blue Belt: Signifies the Heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwon-Do progresses.
Red Belt: Signifies Danger, cautioning the the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.
Black Belt: Opposite of White, therefore signifying the Maturity and Proficiency in Taekwon-Do, also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear.
Reproduced, with permission,from
Taekwon-Do(TheKoreanArtofSelfDefense)
also known as The Condensed Encyclopedia.
Fifth Edition 1999, All rights reserved.
Copyright 1988, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1999 General Choi, Hong Hi.
