The Philosophy

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

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
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
Green Belt
6th Gup		 Green Belt signifies the plant's growth as Taekwon-Do skills begin to develop.
Blue Stripe
5th Gup
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
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
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.