Taekwondo theory: the complete guide, white belt to black belt
Everything a Taekwondo student is asked at a grading, in one place: the meaning and number of movements of every pattern, the Korean terminology for each belt, the five tenets, the student oath, belt colour meanings and the history of Taekwondo. Every answer here is also a question in the free Theory Trainer quiz app, so you can read it and then test yourself.
Theory by belt
| Grade | Belt | Pattern | Movements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Kup | White belt | Sajo Jirugi No.1 and Sajo Jirugi No.2 | 15, 15 |
| 9th Kup | White belt, yellow tag | Chon-Ji | 19 |
| 8th Kup | Yellow belt | Dan-Gun | 21 |
| 7th Kup | Yellow belt, green tag | Do-San | 24 |
| 6th Kup | Green belt | Won-Hyo | 28 |
| 5th Kup | Green belt, blue tag | Yul-Gok | 38 |
| 4th Kup | Blue belt | Joong-Gun | 32 |
| 3rd Kup | Blue belt, red tag | Toi-Gye | 37 |
| 2nd Kup | Red belt | Hwa-Rang | 29 |
| 1st Kup | Red belt, black tag | Choong-Moo | 30 |
| 1st Dan | Black belt | Kwang-Gae, Po-Eun and Ge-Baek | 39, 36, 44 |
Topic guides
- Taekwondo patterns: what every pattern means, its number of movements and its ready stance.
- Korean terminology: counting, commands, stances, blocks, kicks, strikes and parts of the body, belt by belt.
- The tenets and student oath: the five tenets in English and Korean, and the full student oath.
- Belt colours and meanings: what white, yellow, green, blue, red and black belts signify, and the order of grades.
Common questions
What theory do you need to know for a Taekwondo grading?
At most gradings you can be asked the meaning of your pattern and its number of movements, the Korean names for the techniques and stances you use, counting in Korean, the five tenets, the student oath, what your belt colour means and some history of Taekwondo. Each belt page in this guide lists the questions for that grade, with answers.
How many patterns are there in Taekwondo?
There are 24 patterns (tul). The founder, General Choi Hong Hi, compared the life of a man with a day in the life of the earth, so the 24 patterns represent the 24 hours of a day.
Who founded Taekwondo?
Taekwondo was founded by Major General Choi Hong Hi (1918–2002), and was introduced to the world on 11 April 1955.
What does Taekwondo mean?
Taekwondo (Tae Kwon-Do) means "foot-fist-art", or the way of the foot and fist.
Is there a free Taekwondo theory quiz?
Yes. The Theory Trainer is a free quiz app with more than 750 questions from white belt to black belt. It works on any phone, tablet or computer, works offline and needs no sign-up.
Which style of Taekwondo does this guide cover?
It covers the traditional patterns devised by General Choi Hong Hi (often called the Chang Hon or ITF-style patterns), from Sajo Jirugi and Chon-Ji to Kwang-Gae, Po-Eun and Ge-Baek. Students of other styles will still find the tenets and much of the Korean terminology useful.
More Taekwondo theory
- Taekwondo theory: the complete guide
- Patterns: meanings and movements
- Korean terminology
- The tenets and student oath
- Belt colours and meanings