Philosophy of the Belt System
Our Tang Soo Do Gup belt system in its progress from white to black represents the cycle of the seasons. Each color stands for a specific stage of achievement. In this way, we realize an essential concept of oriental philosophy, i.e., that which is born must grow, reach maturity, die and leave behind seeds of a new birth.
White Belt-Beginner's Belt color. White represents a primitive stage of achievement. Thus, the seed as it lies dormant beneath the snows of winter.
Orange Belt-Orange represents new growth which appears in spring. Our Tang Soo Do knowledge begins to reveal itself.
Green Belt-Green represents the speedy development of youth as summer arrives.
Brown Belt-Brown represents power, stability, weight and wisdom. This stabilizing stage, both mentally and physically, analogous to the plants, which curtail their growth and prepare to flower in late summer.
Red Belt-Red represents blood, life energy, attention and control. The student’s power and techniques begin to bloom and ripen.
Dark Blue Belt-Dark Blue represents maturity, respect, and honor. Our dark blue belt is given to the Cho Dan Bo (Black Belt candidate). He must now prepare mind and body for the final step needed to attain Black Belt.
Black Belt-Black represents mastery, calmness, dignity, and sincerity. Black Belt is the final stage of one life cycle and the beginning of the next. Thus, we see that it is not only the end of one stage but, more importantly, the beginning of a path which leads up through the ranks of the higher Black Belt to true mastery.