Highest Belt in Taekwondo: 9th-Degree Black Belt Explained

By Sarah Miller · April 4, 2043

The highest belt in Taekwondo is the 9th-degree black belt, awarded to Grand Masters who have demonstrated lifelong mastery, leadership, and contribution to the art.

Understanding Taekwondo Belt Rankings

Taekwondo uses a structured belt system to signify a practitioner's progression in skill, knowledge, and discipline. The journey begins with beginner ranks, typically white belt, and advances through a series of colored belts before reaching black belt levels. However, earning a black belt is not the end—within black belt ranks, there are multiple degrees that reflect deeper expertise.

Key Stages in the Taekwondo Ranking System

Color Belts (Geup Ranks): From white to red, indicating student progression.
Black Belt (Dan Ranks): 1st to 9th degree, earned over decades of training.

Titles and Recognition:

Differences Between Kukkiwon and ITF Systems

The two major Taekwondo organizations—Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo) and the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF)—have slightly different ranking structures, though both recognize the 9th-degree black belt as the pinnacle.

Kukkiwon (WT) System

Recognized globally and used in Olympic-style Taekwondo, Kukkiwon awards dan ranks with strict international standards. Promotion beyond 4th dan requires formal testing at the Kukkiwon headquarters in South Korea.

ITF System

The ITF also recognizes up to 9th dan, but promotion procedures can vary between federations. Some ITF branches allow for earlier attainment of higher dans compared to Kukkiwon.

What Does the 9th-Degree Black Belt Represent?

Earning a 9th-degree black belt is not merely about technical skill—it symbolizes a lifetime of dedication, teaching, leadership, and service to Taekwondo. Recipients are often referred to as Grand Masters and are revered for their philosophical understanding and influence on the martial art’s development.

Criteria for Achieving 9th Dan

Minimum of 40–50 years of continuous training and teaching
Significant contributions to Taekwondo through instruction, competition, or administration
Recommendations from senior masters and governing bodies
Formal evaluation by Kukkiwon or ITF councils

Dan Rank	Title	Average Age Attained (Kukkiwon)	Minimum Time from Previous Rank	Recognition Body
1st Dan	Black Belt (Beginner)	18–25	2 years	Kukkiwon / ITF
4th Dan	Master	30–40	3 years	Kukkiwon / ITF
6th Dan	Senior Master	45–55	4 years	Kukkiwon / ITF
8th Dan	Master / Grand Master	55–65	5 years	Kukkiwon / ITF
9th Dan	Grand Master	65+	5+ years	Kukkiwon / ITF

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that achieving the 9th-degree black belt typically requires practitioners to be over 65 years old, reflecting decades of sustained commitment. The increasing time intervals between higher dan ranks ensure rigorous evaluation and prevent rank inflation. Kukkiwon’s standardized global system enhances credibility and consistency in high-dan promotions.

Historical Figures with 9th-Degree Black Belts

Notable Grand Masters who hold or were awarded 9th dan include:

Choi Hong Hi – Founder of ITF Taekwondo
Lee Won Kuk – Founder of Chung Do Kwan, one of the original schools
Kim Un Yong – Key figure in Taekwondo’s Olympic inclusion and former Kukkiwon president

These individuals shaped modern Taekwondo through technical innovation, organizational leadership, and global outreach.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Highest Belt in Taekwondo

Is there a belt higher than black in Taekwondo?

No official belt ranks exist above the 9th-degree black belt. Some schools may use red-and-white or red belts ceremonially for senior masters, but these are symbolic and not standard competitive ranks.

How long does it take to get a 9th-degree black belt?

It typically takes 40–50 years of dedicated training, teaching, and service. Each dan promotion requires several years, with longer waiting periods at higher levels.

Can someone under 50 achieve a 9th-degree black belt?

Virtually impossible under Kukkiwon standards. Most 9th dans are awarded to individuals over 65 due to the minimum time-in-grade requirements and emphasis on lifelong contribution.

Do all Taekwondo styles recognize the 9th-degree black belt?

Most traditional and Olympic-affiliated systems do, including Kukkiwon and ITF. However, some non-standardized or commercial schools may award high ranks more freely, which lacks international recognition.

What happens after earning a 9th-degree black belt?

There are no further belt promotions, but Grand Masters often continue teaching, mentoring future leaders, authoring texts, or serving in advisory roles within national or international federations.