Significance of Taekwon-Do Belts
There are six belts: white, yellow, green, blue, red and black. White is given to beginners, and black is given to students who have progressed through the grades and have a solid foundation for learning the techniques of Taekwon-Do.
The definition of the belts are as follows:
White Belt
Signifies innocence, as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwon-Do.
Yellow Belt
Signifies the earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the foundation of Taekwon-Do is being laid.
Green Belt
Signifies the plant's growth as Taekwon-Do skills begin to develop.
Blue Belt
Signifies the Heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwon-Do progresses.
Red Belt
Signifies Danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.
Black Belt
Opposite of white, therefore signifying the maturity and proficiency in Taekwon-Do. It also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear.
One of the greatest misconceptions within the martial arts is the notion that all black belt holders are experts. It is understandable that those unacquainted with the martial arts might make this equation. However, student should certainly recognize that this is not always the case. Too often, novice black belt holders advertise themselves as experts and eventually even convince themselves.
The first degree black belt holder has usually learned enough techniques to defend himself against a single opponent. He can be compared to a fledgling who has acquired enough feathers to leave the nest and fend for himself. The first degree is a starting point. The student has merely built a foundation. The job of building the house lies ahead.
The novice black belt holder will now really begin to learn technique. Now that he has mastered the alphabet, he can begin to read. Years of hard work and study await him before he can even begin to consider himself an instructor and expert. A perceptive student will, at this stage, suddenly realize how very little he knows.
The black belt holder also enters a new era of responsibility. Though a freshman, he has entered a strong honor able fraternity of the black belt holders of the entire world, and his actions inside and outside the training hall will be carefully scrutinized. His conduct will reflect on all black belt holders and he must constantly strive to set an example for all grade holders.
Some will certainly advance into the expert stages. However, far too many will believe the misconception and will remain novices, mentally and technically.