The concept of belts and rank is probably one that most people associate with Taekwondo and martial arts in general, even if they only have a passing interest in the subject.

In Songahm Taekwondo, our belts reflect a member's proven level of competence and (just as importantly) the progression of colors reflects an inner journey that never truly ends. Each belt achieved is truly an accomplishment worthy of respect.

It is also worth noting that achieving a belt isn't just a matter of "spending enough time" in a previous belt. In order to achieve their next rank, a student must demonstrate their proficiency in their current belt's techniques, to include Basic Moves, Sparring, and Forms.

Listed below are the belts color, philosophy, and Poom-sae(form).

"A gem is not polished without rubbing, nor a man perfected without trials"
- Chinese Proverb -

White Belt
"Pure and without the knowledge of Songahm Taekwondo. As with the Pine Tree, the seed must now be planted and nourished to develop strong roots."

The student has no knowledge of Songahm Taekwondo and begins with a clean (pure) slate.

Poome-sae(form) - Songahm Il-Jahng (1)

Orange Belt
"The sun is beginning to rise. As with the morning's dawn, only the beauty of the sunrise is seen rather than the immense power."

The beginner student sees the beauty of the art of Taekwondo but has not yet experienced the power of the technique.

Poome-sae(form) - Songahm Ee-Jahng (2)

Yellow Belt
"The seed is beginning to see the sunlight."

The student begins to understand the basics of Taekwondo.

Poome-sae(form) - Songahm Sahm-Jahng (3)

Camouflage (Camo) Belt
"The sapling is hidden amongst the taller pines and must now fight its way upward."

The student begins to realize his/her place in the world's largest martial art. The student must now
begin to spar in order to promote in rank.

Poome-sae(form) - Songahm Sah-Jahng (4)

Green Belt
"The pine tree is beginning to develop and grow in strength."

The student's technique is developing power. The components of the basic techniques are beginning to work in unison.

Poome-sae(form) - Songahm Oh-Jahng (5)

Purple Belt
"Coming to the mountain. The tree is in the mid-growth and now the path becomes steep."

The student has crossed over over into a higher level of Songahm Taekwondo. The techniques, poom-sae (forms), and level of gyeo-roo-gi (sparring) becomes more difficult, creating a "mountain" that
must be overcome.

Poome-sae(form) - In Wha Il-Jahng (1)

Blue Belt
"The tree reaches for the sky toward new heights."

Having passed the mid-way point, the student focuses his/her energy upward toward black belt.

Poome-sae(form) - In Wha Ee-Jahng (2)

Brown Belt
"The tree is firmly rooted in the earth."

At this point the student has mastered the basics and developed deep roots in Taekwondo.

Poome-sae(form) - Choong Jung Il-Jahng (1)

Red Belt
"The sun is setting. The first phase of growth has been accomplished."

The first day (the period of time from white belt to red belt) of growth is coming to an end. The physical skill has been developed but lacks control; therefore, physical and mental discipline must now be achieved.

Poome-sae(form) - Choong Jung Ee-Jahng (2)

1st Degree Black Belt Recommended
"The dawn of a new day. The sun breaks through the darkness."

The previous day has ended, giving way to a new dawn. The student must begin a new phase of
training; that of being a black belt.

Poome-sae(form) - Choong Jung Ee-Jahng (2)

1st Degree Black Belt Decided
"The tree has reached maturity and has overcome the darkness... it must now 'plant seeds for the future.'"

The color black is created when all the colors of the light spectrum have been absorbed into an object. That object has "taken control" of the colors and retained them. If one color was to "escape", the object would no longer be black but would appear as that color. The student has mastered the nine geup (grades) of Taekwondo. He/she has "absorbed" all the knowledge of the color ranks and overcome or "mastered" that level or training.

Poome-sae(form) - Shim Jun