In Tang Soo Do training we have different belt ranks that measure the caliber of a student based on what they've demonstrated through their Tang Soo Do journey. As students progress through these ranks they quite often use the goal of 'the next belt' as something to look forward to achieving. While this is OK and an effective way to motivate students to progress, students should also look beyond the belts for higher learning and self cultivation.
Each rank has a different meaning behind it and it's important that as students achieve these ranks they should take the time to understand the meaning behind the belt as well as the moves required for that level. The belts used in the WTSDA system represent the cycle of the seasons or the cycle of life and depicts the growth and development of individuals. You may notice the cycle of life will involve death which doesn't mean your training is over but instead represents the recycling and rebirth into a new cycle moving into higher learning. This rebirth into a new cycle shows us that no matter how high our rank is we are all still students with more to learn which is why we wear the 'white' Do Bohk to remind us of this.
"A Black Belt is a White belt that never quit."
WTSDA Belt Meanings:
WHITE - 10th (Begginer) & 9th Gup - Beginner's belt colour. White represents a primitive stage of achievement. Thus, the seed as it lies dormant beneath the snows of winter.
ORANGE - 8th & 7th Gup - Orange represents new growth which appears in spring, Our Tang Soo Do knowledge begins to reveal itself.
GREEN - 6th & 5th Gup - Green represents the speedy development of youth as summer arrives.
BROWN - 4th & 3rd - Brown represents power, stability, agility, weight, and wisdom. This is a stabilizing stage, both mentally and physically, and is analogous to the plants which curtail their growth and prepare to flower in late summer.
RED - 2nd & 1st - Red represents blood, life, energy, attention, and control. The student's power and techniques begin to bloom and ripen.
DARK BLUE - Cho Dan Bo - Dark Blue represents maturity, respect, and honour. Our Dark Blue belt is given the name Cho Dan Bo (Black Belt Candidate). The student must now prepare mind and body for the final step needed to attain Black Belt.
BLACK - Yu Dan Ja (Dan Holder) - Black represents mastery, calmness, dignity, and sincerity. Black Belt is the final stage of the previous life cycle and, more importantly, the beginning of a path which leads up through the ranks of the higher Black Belts to true mastery.
Reading and memorizing the meanings of the belts is one thing, but understanding and putting it into practice is another.
For example: at brown belt level it talks about; power, stability, and agility; these are things that can be applied to your training so making your movements more powerful, being much more balanced and stable when you perform techniques and stances, being able to change direction much more quickly and effectively. By applying these attributes at the right level you’ll find your overall progression will be much greater.
While you're learning your new criteria for the next belt look at the meaning of your belt and how it can be applied to your training. By applying this knowledge you'll understand more about your strengths and weaknesses and can accurately assess where and how you can improve. Understanding your own self both mentally and physically is an important part of becoming a Black Belt.
Tang Soo!!!
Master R Tyler