April 16, 2023

Taekwondo belt ranking has three useful layers to understand: color-belt Gup (Geup/Kup) grades, junior black-belt Poom ranks, and black-belt Dan degrees. The exact color-belt sequence can vary from one school to another, while Kukkiwon formally defines Poom and Dan promotion ranks.

Taekwondo belt ranking at a glance

Gup / Geup / Kup: color-belt grades before black belt.
Poom: junior black-belt ranks in the Kukkiwon promotion system.
Dan: black-belt degrees in the Kukkiwon promotion system.

If you are looking for the color sequence itself, see our separate guide to the Taekwondo belt order. This page focuses on how the ranking levels fit together.

1. Gup: the color-belt ranks

Students normally begin in the Gup grades. Schools use these grades to organize progress before black belt. The number of Gup levels, the colors used, and whether intermediate stripes are included can differ by club or association.

A common visual progression uses white, yellow, green, blue and red before the black-belt stage, but you should always follow your own school’s grading syllabus.

2. What is a Poom belt in Taekwondo?

Poom is a junior black-belt rank. In Kukkiwon’s promotion system, Poom ranks run from 1st Poom to 4th Poom. A Poom holder has reached the black-belt ranking stage while still falling under the age rules that apply to junior practitioners.

The Poom belt is commonly represented by red and black. It should not be confused with an ordinary intermediate color belt.

Poom vs Dan

Poom and Dan both belong to the advanced promotion system, but they are used for different age categories. Kukkiwon publishes age and time requirements for promotion and rules governing conversion from eligible Poom ranks to Dan ranks.

Historically, Kukkiwon documentation explains that eligible Poom holders can request conversion to the corresponding Dan rank when they meet the required age conditions. Because promotion regulations can be updated, practitioners should use the current Kukkiwon rules or their national association for a formal grading decision.

3. Dan: black-belt degrees

Kukkiwon’s current promotion system includes 1st Dan through 9th Dan. Each Dan is a degree within the black-belt ranking structure. Advancement to higher Dan ranks is governed by promotion requirements rather than simply changing belt color.

Reaching 1st Dan is therefore better understood as entry into the black-belt stage of training, not as the completion of Taekwondo.

How many Taekwondo belt levels are there?

There is no single worldwide answer if you include color belts, because clubs can divide their Gup curriculum differently. If you are talking specifically about Kukkiwon’s advanced ranking system, Kukkiwon states that it consists of 1st–4th Poom and 1st–9th Dan.

What is a junior black belt?

In Kukkiwon-style Taekwondo, the term usually refers to a Poom holder. The practitioner has progressed beyond the color-belt grades but is ranked under the junior Poom system rather than the adult Dan system.

Does every Taekwondo school use the same belts?

No. Color-belt curricula can vary considerably. One school may use five major colors; another may add orange, purple, brown, or striped intermediate belts. This is why comparing only belt color can be misleading when moving between clubs.

If you transfer schools, tell the instructor your previous organization, grade and training history. A good instructor can then explain how that rank maps to the new club’s curriculum.

Koryo students and belt progression

At Koryo Taekwondo Club, progression is treated as part of the learning process rather than a race through colors. Technique, consistency, coordination, discipline and readiness all matter. Families who are unsure about a child’s current level can speak with the instructor before joining a class.

Explore our Koryo Junior program, Koryo Senior program, or find a Koryo location near you from the main navigation.

Official reference

Kukkiwon states that its Poom and Dan promotion system consists of Poom ranks 1–4 and Dan ranks 1–9. For formal promotion requirements, use the Kukkiwon Promotion Test information and the current published promotion regulations.

Stress Reduction

Success and failure are not mutually exclusive. What is important is that you have the determination to persevere. We are all assaulted with challenges with our bustling daily routines, prompting us to miss deadlines. Consistently dealing with stress and worry might lead to heart problems.

On the other hand, Martial arts training can help you combat this. It incorporates cardio, which aids in the reduction of stress and anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, most of these training sessions involve breathing and meditation, which help alleviate tension.

Increased Stamina

Along with muscle changes, Taekwondo training can also help you enhance your stamina. It’s crucial to consider how long you’ll be able to perform different kicks, blocks, strikes, and other maneuvers when training in Taekwondo. You may struggle to catch your breath after just a few moves or minutes of sparring practice, but with enough practice, this feeling will fade.

Calls For Introspection

Martial arts training can assist you in overcoming the inner conflicts that you face daily. Martial arts classes teach you how to work on your internal energy and your physical strength. In addition, it has an inbuilt understanding that you will undoubtedly require reflection after enough practice.

This will help you identify any common mistakes and prompt you to ask yourself what went wrong, which is a great place to start when looking for solutions.

Greater Flexibility

You’ve undoubtedly noticed that the word “kicks” has already been referenced several times. Yes, they’re an essential aspect of Taekwondo (we published an entire post about them here), and doing them frequently and correctly improves flexibility. Some martial arts emphasize strength or endurance, while Taekwondo emphasizes flexibility. In Taekwondo, though, flexibility is equally important.

Better Concentration

Mental clarity is a byproduct of the discipline mentioned above. Whether you need to push through discomfort, focus your energy on breaking a board, or practice a problematic form that takes intense attention, Taekwondo will assist you since it involves mind-body control. Those who succeed are rewarded with clean, sharp approaches, and this focus flows over into everyday life.

Ability to Set and Achieve Objectives

Mentally strong people have well-defined goals and a plan to achieve them. Success in life comes from achieving a series of little goals to achieve a larger one. This is precisely how Taekwondo works: you practice technique after technique and are eventually rewarded with expertise.

To Sum Up

Those who have trained in Taekwondo for a long time know the mental benefits and how they aid them in everyday life. Give Taekwondo a try if you want to increase your memory and mental strength.

Taekwondo Belt Ranking: Gup, Poom & Dan Explained