Belt colours and grades in YU Taekwondo
10th KUP
Purity, ignorance, emptiness – the beginning of the path.
9th KUP
The foundation (earth): The first techniques have been learnt; the seed has been sown.
8th KUP
The foundations for developing the basic techniques have been laid.
7th KUP
Fertile soil: The seeds are sprouting, and the first shoots are appearing.
6th KUP
First results: A detailed understanding of the techniques is developing.
5th KUP
Everything is geared towards growth; physical fitness is improving.
4th KUP
Sky/Water: Flowing movements, a focus on the essentials.
3rd KUP
Opposites still exist – water and fire. Fire is set to prevail, and the water to evaporate.
2nd KUP
Pure Fire: Danger and Power – realising one’s own strength.
1st KUP
The Embers: The raw material is prepared to become a ‘sword’.
1st POOM
Equivalent to 1st DAN. The ‘sword’ has been forged; the technical foundations for mastery are in place.
2nd POOM
Equivalent to 2nd DAN. The sharpness and hardness of the ‘sword’ are developed through continuous training.
3rd POOM
Equivalent to 3rd DAN. The student’s development is progressing; the young master is already demonstrating a deep understanding of the sequences of movements.
1st DAN
The apprentice is now a master, and the sword has been roughly forged. However, he starts again at the lowest master’s level. After a further two years, he can sit the next examination.
2nd DAN
Sharpening. The sword is hardened and honed. The focus is on consolidating knowledge, skill and character.
3rd DAN
The decoration. The blade and the hilt are finished. The master deepens his understanding of the complexity of the art.
4th DAN
A personal style. Having completed their technical training, the master begins to infuse the techniques with their own personality.
5th DAN
A one-of-a-kind piece. The sword has been tempered, polished and decorated. This is the first rank of the Grand Mastery.
6th DAN
Spiritual leadership. The start of the phase in which the focus is no longer solely on the technique, but on the dissemination and upholding of the principles.
7th DAN
The maturity of knowledge. The Grand Master acts as the guardian of the tradition and a mentor to the next generation.
8th DAN
Integration. The martial art is inextricably intertwined with the life and spirit of the Grand Master.
9th DAN
Perfection. A state achieved by very few people worldwide. It represents the perfect unity of body, mind and technology.
