Grading Examinations
System of Rank
In keeping with our Military Origins and other Martial Arts, there exists in TaeKwon-Do a System of Rank or Seniority which, in broad terms, correpsonds to either the Experience or Ability of the Practitioner. The Junior or Colour Belt Section typically consists of 10 ranks indicated by the Korean word geup (also known as gup or kup). Theses Students are identified by belts of various colours and Stripes (See Below). Students begin at 10th Kup (indicated by a white belt), advaning towards the more senior 1st Kup Grades. The Black Belt or Senior section is made up of 9 full ranks of black belt. These are referred to as Degree (Not Dan which is a Japanese term and thought too vulgar to be used by practitioners of Korean Martial Arts) Grades. The degree is often indicated on the belt itself with Roman Numerals.To advance from one Degree rank to the next, students typically complete Grading Examinations seperate to Kup Gradings Examinations, in which they demonstrate their proficiency in the various aspects of their Training. The general rule is that a black belt may advance from one rank to the next only after the number of years equivalent to the rank. For example, a newly-promoted third-degree black belt may not be allowed to promote to fourth-degree until three years have passed. The NTX Schools System of Rank is summarised below:
Belts must be worn when earned at a Grading Examination and the Student’s previous Belt must not be used again. A Training Suit (Called a DoBok) must be worn after reaching the Grade of 9th Kup.