Taekwondo belt colours and what they mean

Each belt colour in Taekwondo has a meaning, and together they describe a student's growth: from a seed in the earth to a towering tree. You are often asked what your belt means at a grading.

White belt

White signifies innocence, as that of a beginning student, who has no previous knowledge of Tae Kwon-Do.

Yellow belt

Yellow signifies the Earth, from which a plant sprouts and takes root, as Tae Kwon-Do foundation is being laid.

Green belt

Green signifies the plant's growth as Tae Kwon-Do skills begin to develop.

Blue belt

Blue signifies the heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Tae Kwon-Do progresses.

Red belt

Red signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.

Black belt

Black is opposite to white, therefore signifying maturity and proficiency in Tae Kwon-Do. It also represents the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear.

The order of grades

Coloured belt grades are called Kup and count down from 10th Kup; black belt grades are called Dan and count up from 1st Dan. A tag is the halfway step towards the next colour.

Common questions

More Taekwondo theory

• Taekwondo theory: the complete guide
• Patterns: meanings and movements
• Korean terminology
• The tenets and student oath
• Belt colours and meanings

Theory by belt

• 10th Kup: White belt
• 9th Kup: White belt, yellow tag
• 8th Kup: Yellow belt
• 7th Kup: Yellow belt, green tag
• 6th Kup: Green belt
• 5th Kup: Green belt, blue tag
• 4th Kup: Blue belt
• 3rd Kup: Blue belt, red tag
• 2nd Kup: Red belt
• 1st Kup: Red belt, black tag
• 1st Dan: Black belt