Belt Testing & Advancement
Every belt reflects disciplined effort and character growth. Requirements below cover promotion testing for all color belt (Gup) ranks, 10th Gup White through 1st Gup Red/Black.
Am I Eligible to Test?
Color belt promotion testing is by invitation. Before you can test, you must meet the requirements below — your instructor confirms readiness before a test is scheduled.
Three Readiness Stripes
You must earn 3 stripes on your current belt to be eligible to test for your next color belt promotion. Stripes are awarded by your instructor as you demonstrate proficiency.
Rank Requirements
Each belt rank has its own specific requirements — poomsae, kicks, one-steps, board breaking, and terminology. Open your current rank's requirement sheet below to see exactly what is expected.
Instructor Approval
Your instructor must sign off on your readiness stripes and confirm your testing fee is submitted before test day. Testing is by invitation — never assume you are on the list.
Required Documents
Bring these completed and signed to test day. Print what you need below — every form is also available at the dojang.
Color Belt Testing Form
The official promotion examination application. Complete it in full, have your instructor sign off, and submit it with your testing fee before test day.
Korean Terminology Sheet
Complete Korean terminology required for your rank — commands, stances, techniques, and counting. Every testing student is expected to know the terms for their level.
School Rules & Conduct
The Dojang Rules & Regulations every student is expected to uphold — etiquette, respect, and personal discipline both on and off the mat. Review before testing.
Need your current rank's requirements? Find your belt in the Color Belt Rank Progression below and open its requirement sheet (PDF).
Color Belt Rank Progression
The journey from White Belt to Black Belt is broken into progressive color belt (Gup) milestones. Open your current rank's requirement sheet to see exactly what is expected at your next test:
White Belt
Fundamental stances, front kicks, basic blocks, etiquette and bowing.
White Belt w/ Black Stripe
Introduction to basic striking combinations, balance, and basic footwork.
Yellow Belt
Taegeuk Il Jang, roundhouse kicks, combinations, and introduction to one-step sparring.
Orange Belt
Taegeuk Ee Jang, low-block combinations, and controlled target kicking.
Green Belt
Taegeuk Sam Jang, side kicks, defensive stepping, and free sparring fundamentals.
Purple Belt
Taegeuk Sa Jang, double kicking combinations, dynamic distance control.
Blue Belt
Taegeuk Oh Jang, spinning kicks, advanced one-steps, and board breaking techniques.
Brown Belt
Taegeuk Yuk Jang, speed counter-striking, and complex footwork patterns.
Red Belt
Taegeuk Chil Jang, high-altitude board breaking, and continuous sparring.
Red / Black Belt
Taegeuk Pal Jang, pre-black belt testing preparation, leadership, and teaching assistance.
Color Belt Testing Fees
Fees are set by rank and due before test day. Bring your completed form and fee to the dojang.
Important: Testing fees are paid at your present rank — not the rank you are testing for. For example, a 9th Gup testing for 8th Gup pays the 9th Gup fee.
Dojang Rules & Regulations
All students are expected to uphold these traditional codes of etiquette, respect, and personal discipline both inside and outside the academy.
Respect to Master & Flags
Whenever entering or leaving the Dojang, execute a bow of respect to the Master and the displayed national flags.
Greeting Instructors
Execute a bow of courtesy upon meeting an Instructor or Black Belts.
Uniform in Public
Don't wear your uniform or belt in public, unless you have permission from the Master (Outdoors).
Dobok Cleanliness & Attire
The Dobok must always be clean and complete at all times. White T-Shirt only under Dobok or none. Only Instructor or Master makes exceptions.
Jewelry Policy
Remove all jewelry (rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, etc.) prior to class.
Personal Hygiene
All students are expected to observe a high degree of personal hygiene. Toenails and fingernails must be kept neatly trimmed, and no strong perfumes are to be worn in class.
Office Protocol
All students entering the office must knock at the door, be recognized, bow and enter. When leaving bow and exit.
Class Opening & Closing
All classes must begin and close formally with bows to the flag and Instructor.
Punctuality & Class Entry
Students are expected to be on time for all classes, and must ask for permission to enter or leave a class.
Conduct & Discipline
Profanity, loss of temper, horseplay, loud laughing, and talking or lack of discipline of any type will not be tolerated.
Prohibited Items & Environment
There will be no smoking, chewing gum, eating or drinking in the training area. All Dojang members are responsible for maintenance of a clean and safe environment.
Loitering Policy
No loitering. All students in the training area are expected to be either in practice or in class.
Techniques & Testing Invitations
Students must practice only those techniques that the Instructor teaches them. Do not try to skip ahead. Instructor will test students for belt promotion only upon invitation. Students with prior martial art experience will wear no belt, until Instructor determines the level of knowledge.
Words of Respect & Titles
Students must always use words of respect when addressing Black Belts, the Instructor or Master such as: 'No Sir', and 'Pardon Sir'. The proper title to address the Master is Sah Bun Nim.
Role Modeling
All advanced students are expected to set good examples for the new and beginner students.
Use of Martial Arts
Tae Kwon Do techniques are not to be applied out of the Dojang unless under strict circumstances involving your safety or the safety of others.
Respecting Instructor's Word
Never question or contradict the word of your Instructor.
Approaching Sah Bun Nim
Whenever the Sah Bun Nim is conducting class, no student will approach him directly. Approach the senior Black Belt holder and first ask his permission.
The 5 Tenets of Tae Kwon Do
The ethical foundation guided by Grandmaster Sheroan for all students in everyday life.
Courtesy
Politeness, mutual respect, humility, and consideration towards parents, teachers, seniors, and classmates.
Integrity
Knowing right from wrong, honesty in actions and words, and taking accountability for one's choices.
Perseverance
Overcoming challenges through continuous patience and effort. Never quitting when training or life gets difficult.
Self-Control
Mastery of one's physical actions, emotional impulses, and words both on the dojang mat and in everyday life.
Indomitable Spirit
Courage to stand up for justice and truth without fear, upholding honor no matter the adversity.
Black Belt Promotion Testing
Earning a Black Belt is a two-stage journey — first your School Black Belt, then your Federation Dan rank through the USTW (a minimum of 6 months after your School promotion). See applications, fees, and membership forms on the Black Belt Testing page.