Taekwondo Belt Meanings

In Taekwondo belts reflect a member's proven level of competence and (just as importantly) the progression of colors reflects an inner journey that never truly ends. Each belt achieved is truly an accomplishment worthy of respect.

It is also worth noting that achieving a belt isn't just a matter of "spending enough time" in a previous belt. In order to achieve their next rank, a student must demonstrate their proficiency in their current belt's techniques.

White 
Signifies innocence, as that of a beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwondo.
 

Yellow 
Signifies the Earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as Taekwondo foundation is being laid.
 

Green 
Signifies the growth as the Taekwondo skills begin to develop like the green of a young plant.
 

Blue 
Signifies the Heaven, towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwondo progresses.
 

Red 
Signifies danger, cautioning the student to excersise control and warning the opponent to stay away.
 

Black 
Opposite of white, therefore, signifying the maturity and proficiency in Taekwondo. It also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear.