How Many Belts Are There in Taekwondo? Full Breakdown

By Sarah Miller · September 24, 2039

In Taekwondo, there are typically 10 colored belt ranks leading up to black belt, followed by 9 dan (degree) black belt levels, making a total of 19 distinct belt ranks in the traditional system used by most schools and organizations.

Belt System Overview in Taekwondo

Taekwondo uses a structured ranking system that reflects a practitioner's skill, knowledge, and experience. This system is divided into two main categories: geup (or gup) ranks, which are the color belt levels, and dan ranks, which are the black belt degrees. The geup ranks usually begin with white belt and progress through various colors before reaching black belt. After achieving 1st Dan, practitioners can advance through higher dan levels, often requiring years of dedication and mastery.

Common Belt Colors and Order

The exact order and colors may vary slightly between schools and federations, but the general progression is consistent. Below is a typical sequence:

White Belt – 10th Geup
White-Yellow Belt – 9th Geup
Yellow Belt – 8th Geup
Yellow-Green Belt – 7th Geup
Green Belt – 6th Geup
Green-Blue Belt – 5th Geup
Blue Belt – 4th Geup
Blue-Red Belt – 3rd Geup
Red Belt – 2nd Geup
Red-Black Belt – 1st Geup
Black Belt – 1st Dan and above

Differences Between WT and ITF Systems

The World Taekwondo (WT), formerly WTF, and International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) represent two major styles of Taekwondo, each with slight variations in belt systems.

World Taekwondo (WT) Style

WT-style dojangs (training halls) commonly follow the 10 geup to 9 dan structure. The focus is on Olympic-style sparring, and promotion tests emphasize forms (poomsae), breaking, sparring, and theoretical knowledge.

International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) Style

ITF schools also use a similar geup/dan system but may differ in belt color sequences and terminology. For example, some ITF schools use a plain black belt from 1st Dan onward, while others incorporate stripes or bars to denote higher dans.

Belt Rank	Geup/Dan	Typical Age Group	Estimated Training Time	Focus Areas
White	10th Geup	All Ages	Beginner (0–3 months)	Basic stances, etiquette
Yellow	8th Geup	All Ages	6–12 months	Front kick, basic blocks
Green	6th Geup	All Ages	1.5–2 years	Turning kicks, poomsae
Blue	4th Geup	All Ages	2.5–3 years	Jumping kicks, advanced forms
Red	2nd Geup	All Ages	3.5–4 years	Sparring strategies
Black	1st Dan	Adult/Teen	4+ years	Mastery, teaching, leadership
Black	9th Dan	Senior Master	40+ years	Philosophy, legacy

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table illustrates the progressive nature of Taekwondo training, where higher ranks require not only technical proficiency but also deeper understanding of discipline and philosophy. While time estimates vary, consistent training accelerates advancement. The jump from color belts to black belt typically takes 3–5 years with regular attendance and successful test performance.

Promotion and Testing Requirements

Each belt level requires passing a formal test that evaluates several components:

Techniques: Stances, strikes, kicks, blocks
Poomsae (Forms): Pre-arranged movement patterns
Sparring: Controlled combat application
Breaking: Demonstrating power and precision
Theory: Knowledge of terminology, history, and tenets
Attitude and Discipline: Respect, focus, and effort

Testing frequency depends on the school, but students typically wait 3–6 months between geup ranks. Black belt (1st Dan) testing is more rigorous and may require a minimum age of 15–18, depending on the organization.

Children vs. Adult Ranking Systems

Many schools use a separate juvenile rank system for children under 15, allowing them to earn multiple color belts with smaller skill increments. These junior black belts are often designated as “Poom” (e.g., 1st Poom), and they convert to full “Dan” status upon reaching adulthood.

Poom: Awarded to practitioners under 15
Dan: Full black belt rank for those 15+

For example, a 13-year-old earning 1st Degree Black Belt receives 1st Poom. At age 15, it automatically converts to 1st Dan without retesting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taekwondo Belts

How many colored belts are there in Taekwondo?

Most Taekwondo schools have 10 colored belt ranks (from white to red-black) before achieving black belt. Some schools combine colors (e.g., blue-red), but the standard is 10 geup levels.

What do the different belt colors mean in Taekwondo?

Each color symbolizes a stage of growth: white for purity and beginning, yellow for earth where seeds are planted, green for growth, blue for heaven as the plant reaches upward, red for danger (awareness), and black for mastery and darkness overcome.

How long does it take to get a black belt in Taekwondo?

On average, it takes 3 to 5 years of consistent training to achieve 1st Dan black belt. Factors include attendance, natural ability, age, and school requirements.

Are all Taekwondo belt systems the same?

No, while most follow a 10 geup / 9 dan structure, variations exist between organizations (WT vs. ITF), countries, and individual schools. Some use fewer colors or different names, but the progression principle remains.

Can you skip belts in Taekwondo?

Serious schools do not allow skipping belts, as each level builds essential skills. However, some less reputable “McDojos” may offer fast-track programs, which are generally not recognized by official bodies like WT or ITF.

What comes after black belt in Taekwondo?

After 1st Dan black belt, practitioners can advance to 2nd Dan and beyond, up to 9th Dan. Higher dans (4th+) are often awarded for contributions to the art, teaching, and leadership, not just technical skill.