Taekwon-Do Theory
This page contains the basic theory to get from white belt to black belt. It is by no means a complete list of theory and students are always encouraged to seek advise from other sources.
A basic theory sheet handed out to all new students can be found here.
Theory pages
Counting in Korean
| Number | Korean | - | Number | Korean |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One | Hana | Eleven | Yǒl Hana | |
| Two | Tul | Twelve | Yǒl Tul | |
| Three | Set | Thirteen | Yǒl Set | |
| Four | Net | Fourteen | Yǒl Net | |
| Five | Tasǒt | Fifteen | Yǒl Tasǒt | |
| Six | Yǒsǒt | …. | ||
| Seven | Ilgop | Twenty | Sŭmul | |
| Eight | Yǒdǒl | Twenty-One | Sŭmul Hana | |
| Nine | Ahop | …. | ||
| Ten | Yǒl | Thirty | Sǒrŭn | |
Meaning of Belt Colours
| Belt | Meaning (Significance) | |
|---|---|---|
 | White signifies innocence, as that of a beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwon-Do | |
 | Yellow signifies the Earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the Taekwon-Do foundation is being laid | |
 | Green signifies the plant's growth as the Taekwon-Do skill begins to develop | |
 | Blue signifies the Heaven, towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwon-Do progresses | |
 | Red signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away | |
 | Black Opposite of white, therefore, signifying the maturity and proficiency in Taekwon-Do. It also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear | |
System of Rank
In Taekwon-Do, there are 10 different Colour Belt grades and 9 different Black Belt degrees:
| Colour Belt Grades | |
|---|---|
| 10th Kup | White Belt |
| 9th Kup | White Belt / Yellow Tag |
| 8th Kup | Yellow Belt |
| 7th Kup | Yellow Belt / Green Tag |
| 6th Kup | Green Belt |
| 5th Kup | Green Belt / Blue Tag |
| 4th Kup | Blue Belt |
| 3rd Kup | Blue Belt / Red Tag |
| 2nd Kup | Red Belt |
| 1st Kup | Red Belt / Black Tag |
| Black Belt Grades | |
| 1st to 3rd Degree | Novice / Assistant Instructor Boosabum |
| 4th to 6th Degree | Expert / International Instructor Sabum |
| 7th and 8th Degree | Master Sahyun |
| 9th Degree | Grandmaster Saseong |
Training secrets of Taekwon-Do
Students should keep in mind the following nine secrets:
- To study the Theory of Power thoroughly.
- To understand the purpose and method of each movement clearly.
- To bring the movements of eyes, hands, feet and breath into a single coordinated action.
- To choose the appropriate attacking tool for each vital spot.
- To become familiar with the correct angle and distance for attack and defense.
- Keep both arms and legs bent slightly while the movement is in motion.
- All movements must begin with a backwards motion with very few exceptions. However, once a movement is in motion it should not be stopped before reaching the target.
- To create a sine wave during the movement by utilizing the knee spring properly.
- To exhale briefly at the moment of each blow except a connecting motion. (Breath Control)
