Our Belt Progression System
Advancement in Taekwondo is symbolised by a series of increasingly darker coloured belts. At Taekwondo World, those belts are: white, yellow, blue, red and black. Each of our coloured belts also have a number of tip levels. Different martial arts school, and even some other Taekwondo Schools, may use different colours. The purpose, however, is the same: to provide students with a system for measuring progress through short term goals on the way to the long term goal of black belt. In order to progress through the belt system, students must memorize, practice and satisfactorily perform a number of requirements, including: kicks, blocks, punches, patterns (a choreographed sequence of movements) and sparring. There are also Korean terms required to be memorised.
1. White Belts
In our white belt program, students will build the foundation for more advanced skill to come.
Classes focus on building strength, flexibility and co-ordination, as well as teaching basic kicks, strikes and blocks with correct technique.
Children and adults have different strengths and weaknesses with regard to the requirements of Taekwondo. Some children’s bodies are able to adapt quite readily to the new physical techniques, while many adults are able to understand the theory of the movements more rapidly. In both cases, advancement is based on knowledge of curriculum and “personal best” performance.
2. Yellow Belts
Our Yellow Belt program introduces students to an important part of Taekwondo as a sport: sparring.
This is an opportunity for students to apply the techniques they have learned in a safe environment, under the watchful eye of our instructing team. Second Tip Yellow Belts will also begin learning Taekwondo “poomsae” or patterns. From Yellow Belt onwards, our curriculum is taught in “Theme Days”, where we consistently alternate the focus of classes between Patterns, Basic Technique and Sparring. To see what subject is taught on each day, please see the timetable for your branch.
Through diligence and dedication, Yellow Belt students have built a solid foundation upon which to build their ongoing Taekwondo skills. As a Yellow belt, one of the most important habits you should develop is a commitment to giving your best. Students should train with energy and intensity at every class.
3. Blue Belts
From blue belt, students begin to learn and practice more advanced Taekwondo techniques. This includes jumping kicks and combination hand techniques. At this level, students will often require more repetition to learn and improve these new skills. Commitment, determination and attention to detail are crucial to students ongoing progress. Hand and foot position, posture, and rhythm will all play a part in students ability to learn and perform their new skills.
As Blue Belts, students will often be able to see a considerable difference in their fitness level, as well as improved mood and concentration. At this stage, we also emphasise like skills such as co-operation and self-control. Partner drills will become a large part of many classes, as many skills are more fun, challenging, and exciting when practiced together. Students are encouraged to be a good partner, cultivating habits of respect, acceptance, communication and courtesy.
4. Red Belts
Red Belt introduces a wide range of new and difficult techniques, which require effort to master. The basic techniques learned in previous belts will form the basis of each student’s ability to perform these new skills. As a Red Belt, in many ways the little things ARE the big things. Students should persevere in their efforts, however the quest to refine and improve fundamental skills in ongoing.
Red Belt students are encouraged to set their goals to achieve their Black Belt. Students are help to a higher standard in every area of practice, and expected to show an advanced understanding of techniques of previous belt levels. Students at this stage may be invited to participate in our leadership program and are considered “senior students”. Emphasis is placed on humility, sincerity, learning to support others, and self-motivation.
5. Black Belts
At Taekwondo World we believe that a Black Belt is more than just a belt, it is a way of life. Black Belt students often find that their fellow students look up to them as role models. This provides extra motivation for Black Belt students to continue their efforts in self-improvement, develop greater skills and improve their communication and co-operation.
Taekwondo is a lifelong experience with lifelong benefits. Our Black Belt students build strong friendships through their years of training, along with developing their physical fitness. Strength, flexibility, cardio, mood – all of these aspects of health are improved by perseverance and dedication to training.
Black Belt is not the final stage of your Taekwondo journey; rather it is the first step to achieving your full potential. Students at this level will be taught advanced Taekwondo skills, as well as self-defence and skills from other martial arts. Taekwondo World provides a number of extended and specialised class options for students who have achieved their Black Belt, including specific Black Belt Classes and our Demonstration Team Training.
