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Good To Hold Your Pants Up

9/29/2012

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A Guide to the Taekwondo Belt System

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If you're thinking of taking Taekwondo lessons, one of the first things you should know is you're going to get a lot of belts.

Belts don't make you a better fighter. They won't make you love martial arts any more or less, and you certainly don't need them to hold your pants up because most uniforms come with an elastic waist and drawstrings.

The benefit to a belt system has nothing to do with utility and everything to do with mindset. They're essential to help you focus during what is often repetitive and rigorous training.

Keep Your Eye On The Prize

Belts are goals practitioners set and then work hard to achieve. Each level pushes the martial artist harder both mentally and physically, and by the time you've reached the higher belts you're stronger, more disciplined, and in the best shape of your life.

Studying martial arts takes patience and time, and Taekwondo is no exception. Earning a black belt doesn't happen over night. It can take anywhere from 3-6 years, depending on the quality and philosophy of the Dojang.

Whether they rush you through or actually make you learn the stuff, earning a black belt is a commitment and it helps to have some brightly colored goals to help you stay on the path.

Junior Levels

The junior level has 10 ranks (gup) that are referred to as the "color belts."

Typically students start out at tenth gup (or white belt) and work their way to first gup (often a red belt with two black stripes but sometimes a black and red striped belt).

The range of colors differ for each Dojang. The traditional belt colors are white, yellow, green, blue, and red, with each belt requiring two stripes before advancing to the next color level.

Some Dojangs offer additional colors to keep their students moving (and to keep testing fees rolling in). In addition to traditional colors, the orange, purple, and brown belts might also be required before students are eligible for senior levels. The additional colors don't extend the training period. It just requires practitioners to test more frequently.

Senior Levels

The senior level has nine ranks (dan) that are referred to as the black belts or degrees. Before earning a first-degree black belt (or first dan), practitioners under the age of 15 must first become a junior black belt. In many Dojangs all practitioners must achieve junior black belt status before advancing regardless of their age. 

Junior black belts are red and black striped belts. Once you've earned the junior black belt, you then have to wait anywhere from 4-6 months before becoming a full black belt.

Testing

To move up a belt level in Taekwondo you have to complete a series of tests, each one building on the other. Tests require you to master a variety of kicking and basic exercises, as well as the more complex form sets. There's also a board breaking requirement, and in certain Dojang's a boxing element.

The amount of time between tests in the junior level is minimal compared to the senior level. At junior level, depending on your gup, you'll have to wait anywhere from 1-4 months between tests.

At senior level the time that must pass between each test increases greatly. Practitioners at the senior level can be waiting anywhere from 1-2 or more years between tests.

The Sign of Hard Work

Working your way through the Taekwondo belt system takes patience and endurance. It helps to have goals which is why belts are needed. It's not a perfect system and some Dojangs abuse it, but overall belts are a good idea to keep you focused. Plus, once you've advanced, you can get a display and hang your old belts on the wall. Just as it's important to set and work towards goals, it's equally important to sit back from time to time and admire the fruits of your labor.
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    About The Dojo

    The Dojo is Mooseville's premier martial arts training center. We push our athletes to reach their fullest potential both physically and mentally. Founded by Moose Lee, The Dojo offers a variety of classes in all things martial arts.


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    Martial Arts Fun

    This Bruce Lee MIMOBOT from Mimoco is a 16GB Flash Drive complete with the tiger claw cuts, yellow tracksuit, and matching nunchucks. The bad guys won’t get near your data with this little gem.

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    About Moose Lee

    Moose Lee's fascination for martial arts began at a young age. At 4, Lee watched Enter the Dragon in the back of her parent's station wagon at the drive-in. It was an experience that has shaped the martial artist today.

    Lee's appreciation for martial arts has developed into a passion. Currently she studies a variety of forms including Taekwondo, Jeet Kun Do, Jujitsu, Silat, and boxing.

    Moose Lee's philosophy is simple: to get the most from martial arts you have to work hard, treat your body right, and push yourself, not just in workouts but in life in general.

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    Current Level: 2 Dan

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    Featured Weapon

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    Fenix LD-12

    The Flashlight

    Simple, effective, easy, and readily available, don't underestimate the power of a good flashlight when considering what to include in your mobile arsenal.

    PROS
    • Easy to Use
    • Readily Available
    • Effective Tool To Impair Vision
    • Can Cause Attacker To Hesitate
    • Can Be Used For Additional Weapon
    CONS
    • Requires Close Contact To Use
    • Requires Remembering To Bring It
    • Can be a bulky for certain outfits

    Tip: It's good to have a few things in your hands when walking to and getting out of your car. Keys, cell phones, flashlights, and other items can be thrown at an attacker to give you a few moments to get distance, but you don't want to be overloaded. Too many things in your hand can render both you and your projectiles impotent.

    In daylight we recommend: keeping your phone and keys in your hand with a flashlight in your front or back pocket.

    In the dark, we recommend: putting your cell phone in your pocket and keeping your keys and the flashlight in hand.

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