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Ranks, belts and promotion
Taekwondo ranks are typically separated into “junior” and “senior” sections. The junior section typically consists of ten ranks indicated by the Korean word “geup.” The junior ranks are usually identified by belts of various colors, depending on the school, so these ranks are sometimes called “color belts”. Students begin at tenth geup (often indicated by a white belt) and advance toward first geup (often indicated by a red belt with a black stripe).
The senior section is typically made up of nine ranks. These ranks are called dan and are also referred to as “black belts” or “degrees” (as in “third dan” or “third-degree black belt”). Black belts begin at first degree and advance to second, third, and so on. The degree is often indicated on the belt itself with stripes, Roman numerals, or other methods. To advance from one belt rank to the next, students participate in promotion tests in which they demonstrate their proficiency in the various aspects of the art before a panel of judges or their teacher. Promotion tests include such elements as the execution of patterns, which combine various techniques in specific sequences; breaking boards or bricks, to demonstrate the ability to use techniques with both power and control; and sparring and self-defense to demonstrate the practical application and control of techniques.