The philosophy behind Taekwon-Do is based on traditional Asian spiritual beliefs such as Confuscianism. The Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do sets out these guidelines for students in Taekwon-Do to practice.
- Be willing to go where the going may be tough and do the things that are worth doing even though they are difficult.
- Be gentle to the weak and tough to the strong.
- Be content with what you have in money and position but never in skills.
- Always finish what you begin, be it large or small.
- Be a willing teacher to anyone regardless of religion, race or ideology.
- Never yield to repression or threat in the pursuit of a noble cause.
- Teach attitude and skill with action rather than words.
- Always be yourself even though your circumstances may change.
- Be the eternal teacher who teaches with the body when young, with words when old, and by moral precept even after death
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Student Oath
I shall observe the tenets of Taekwon-Do
I shall respect the instructor and seniors
I shall never misuse Taekwon-Do
I shall be a champion of freedom and justice
I shall build a more peaceful world
Tenets of Taekwon-Do
Courtesy
Integrity
Perseverance
Self-control
Indomitable Spirit
Ranks & Symbolism
White Belt 10th Gup |
White Belt signifies innocence, as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwon-Do. |
Yellow Stripe 9th Gup |
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Yellow Belt 8th Gup |
Yellow Belt signifies the earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the foundation of Taekwon-Do is being laid. |
Green Stripe 7th Gup |
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Green Belt 6th Gup |
Green Belt signifies the plant's growth as Taekwon-Do skills begin to develop. |
Blue Stripe 5th Gup |
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Blue Belt 4th Gup |
Blue Belt signifies the Heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwon-Do progresses. |
Red Stripe 3rd Gup |
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Red Belt 2nd Gup |
Red Belt signifies Danger, cautioning the the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away. |
Black Stripe 1st Gup |
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Black Belt 1st-9th Dan |
Black Belt is the opposite of white, therefore signifying the maturity and proficiency in Taekwon-Do, also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear. |