In taekwondo, advancement is measured on a regular basis. The different levels are called geups and are symbolized by different colored belts. Different schools use varying colors of belts, but in most taekwondo schools there are 9 geups. Lion Taekwondo uses these colors: white, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, red 1 stripe, red 2 stripe, red 3 stripe, black-red. Once you reach black belt, ranks are measured in Dans (or Pooms if the student is younger than 16).
The two main factors in promotion are time and knowledge. There is a minimum of three months between belt tests. There are also 26 classes in a three month period and a student must attend 20. This equates to about 30 hours of training between belts. There are also three skills that are considered for advancement: forms (poomse), sparring (kyorugi), and breaking (kyukpa), but forms are most important. Only green-belt and above break. The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) (now WT) originally used the palgwe forms for advancement, but switched to taegeuk in the early 70s. Some schools, including Lion Taekwondo, uses both. Taegeuk and palgwe have 8 forms each.
We will hold test once a month. In order to test on a particular month that student must meet both the time requirements and skills requirements.
Everyone starts as a white belt. Once you sign up for the class you will meet the requirements and be allowed to wear the uniform and white belt. You will be a 9th Geup white belt.
8th Geup – White to Yellow Belt Requirements
Taegeuk 1 Jang is a series of actions applying the principles of Keon of 8 symbols. Keon represents heaven and light. Heaven gives us rain and the sun gives us light and makes things grow. Therefore, Keon is the beginning of everything on earth and the source of creation. Keon symbol is the powerful and manly symbol. It can be compared to a dragon going up to Heaven from its living place on Earth. In analogy, Taegeuk begins with Keon, namely the Heaven.
Blocks
- Low Block
- Middle Block
- High Block
Stances
- Attention (charyeot)
- Ready (Junbi)
- Walking
- Full
- Fighting
Strikes
- Middle punch
- High punch
- Knife hand
- Spear hand
- One-Two Punch
Kicks
- Snap Kick
- Side kick
- Roundhouse
- Swing Kick
Combos
- Snap Kick / Middle Punch
Defense
- Throat
- Wrist (1)
- Cross Wrist (1)
- Collar Grab
Forms
7th Geup – Yellow to Orange Belt Requirements
Taegeuk 2 Jang is a series of actions applying the principles of Tae of 8 symbols. Tae means joyfulness. This is the state in which one’s mind is kept firm and ostensively appears gentle so that smile and virtue prevail. Accordingly, this action should be performed gently but forcefully.
Must remember all they’ve learned in prior belts plus:
Blocks
- Knife Hand Middle Block Back Stance
- Knife Hand Low Block Back Stance
Stances
- Back Stance
Strikes
- Reverse Punch
- Blocking Spear Hand
Combos
- Snap Kick – High Punch
- Snap Kick – Outside to Inside Crescent Kick
- Roundhouse – Reverse Sidekick
- Snap – Roundhouse – Reverse Sidekick
- 45 – Roundhouse
Kicks
- Crescent Kick
- Jump Roundhouse
Defense
- Throat
- Wrist (2)
- Back Attack (1)
- Overhand Knife Attack
Forms
6th Geup – Orange to Green Belt Requirements
Taegeuk 3 Jang is a series of actions applying the principle of Ri of 8 symbols. Ri means fire and the sun. What distinguishes man from animal is that man knows how to use fire. Burning fire gives man light, warmth, enthusiasm and hope. Taegeuk 3 Jang actions, accordingly, should be performed with variety and with passion.
Must remember all they’ve learned in prior belts plus:
Strikes
- Back Stance Backfist
- High Block Knife Hand Strike
- Back Stance Knife Hand Strike
Kicks
- Exchange Kick
- Axe Kick
Defense
- Hair Grab Front
- Wrist (step back)
- Pressure Points (7)
- Underhand Knife
- Arm Grab (chicken wing)
Forms
5th Geup – Green to Blue Belt Requirements
Taegeuk 4 Jang is a series of actions applying the principle of Jin of 8 symbols. Jin symbolizes thunder. Thunder and lightning are the objects of fear and trembling. This principle suggests to us that we should act calmly and bravely even in the face of danger and fear. Then the blue sky and bright sunlight will appear again.
Must remember all they’ve learned in prior belts plus:
Kicks
- Reverse Side Kick
- Push Kick
- Slide Back – Reverse Side Kick
- Step Reverse Side Kick
Defense
- Hair Grab Back
- Push (grab hands)
- Push (turn sideways – strike)
Forms
Breaking
- Hammer Fist
- Outer Knife-hand (pinky side)
4th Geup – Blue to Purple Belt Requirements
Taegeuk 5 Jang is a series of actions applying the principle of Jeon of 8 symbols. This symbol is wind. These are such horrible winds as typhoons, storms, and tornados. But the nature of wind is gentle. Spring breezes caress weeping willows. Wind symbolizes a humble state of mind. It expresses repetitive good-natured actions. Actions proceed sometimes gently and monotonously as breezes, and sometimes as forcefully as storms.
Must remember all they’ve learned in prior belts plus:
Blocks
- High Block – Middle Block – Back Stance
Stances
- Horse riding
Kicks
- Jump front raising kick
- Tornado Kick
- Tornado Roundhouse
- Spin Heel Kick
Strikes
- Elbow strike
Defense
- Neck behind
- headlock
- All escapes (body grab, head lock)
- Knife – hand slice
- Knife – straight stab
Breaking
- Fore Fist (knuckles)
- Side Kick
Forms
3rd Geup – Purple to Red Belt – 1 stripe Requirements
Taegeuk 6 Jang is a series of actions applying the principle of Kam of 8 symbols. This means water. Water is liquid and formless. Water never loses its nature. It always flows downward. This principle teaches the lesson that we can overcome difficulties and hardships if we go forward with self-confidence.
Must remember all they’ve learned in prior belts plus:
Blocks
- Scissor block
- Palm block
- Double forearm middle block
- Low spreading block
- High side block
Stances
- Crane
Breaking
- Snap Kick
- Inner Knife Hand
Strikes
- side kick back fist strike
- Reverse knife hand strike
Forms
2nd Geup – Red 1 to Red Belt – 2 stripe Requirements
Taegeuk 7 Jang is a series of actions applying the principle of Kan of 8 symbols. Kan means “top stop.” It symbolizes a mountain. We should stop when we should and we must go forward when we must; moving and stopping should match with time in order to achieve things. A mountain never moves. Man must learn the stability of a mountain. We should not act in a hasty manner. This principle is well adapted to Taekwondo. Though fast actions seem fine, we should know where and when to stop.
Must remember all they’ve learned in prior belts plus:
Blocks
- Middle spreading block
Stances
- Cat
Strikes
- Knife hand high block palm strike
- Back fist
- Overturn punch
- Knee strike
- Target kick
Breaking
- Push Kick
- Axe Kick
Defense
- Gun Attacks (2x)
Remember Form
New Forms
1st Geup – Red 2 – Red Belt – 3 stripe Requirements
Must remember all they’ve learned in prior belts plus:
Breaking
- Palm Strike
- Jump Front Snap Kick
- Jump Front Raising Kick
Remember Forms
New Form
Red 3 to Bo-Dan Requirements
Taegeuk 8 Jang is a series of actions applying the Kon principle of of 8 symbols. Kon symbolizes the earth. The earth is the source of life. Things take life from it and grow on it, drawing limitless energy from it. The earth is where the creative force of heaven is embodied. The earth is always Wordless; it hugs and grows everything. The 8 Jang is the grader’s last round of training, and a stepping stone to the way of a Dan-holder. Here you brush up fundamental actions and review them.
Must remember all they’ve learned in prior belts plus:
Stance
- X-stance
Strikes
- Jump front kick
Breaking
- Reverse Side Kick
- Flying Side Kick
- Spin Heel Kick
Leadership
- Leading warm-ups regularly
Remember Forms
New Form
Bo-Dan to 1st Dan Requirements
Strikes
- High back fist
Breaking
- One Cement Block
- 4-Way Break (student choice)
Remember Forms
Forms
Black Belt Forms
Optional Training
Weapons (each has their own set of ranks)
- Nunchaku (Purple and up)
- Bo-Staff (Purple and up)
- Escrima Sticks (Red and up)
- Korean Sword (Red and up)
Student of the Month (based upon various criteria)
Patches
- Demonstration Team (Yellow)(regularly performs at tournaments, festivals, school events, parades)
- Competition Team (Yellow)(regularly performs – Sparring, breaking, or forms at tournaments)
- STORM club (Blue)(Special Team of Role Models)
- SWAT (Purple)(Skilled Weapons Action Team)
- Black Belt Junior Club (Red 1) (by invitation only)
- Splits Club (White)(Can physically do the splits)
- Academic Achievement Star (White)(bring in report cards – all As & Bs or overall improvement)
- School Achievement Star (White)(various achievements like: student of the month, good performance, invite a student)
Belt Ribbons (wrap around any color)
- Focus
- Teamwork
- Discipline
- Balance
- Control
- Memory
- Coordination
Instructor Team
- Instructor I (black belt forms + white + yellow)
- Instructor II (black belt forms + white + yellow + Orange + Green)
- Instructor III (black belt forms + white + yellow + Orange + Green + Blue + Purple)