The Belt System

Progress is measured by the award of a color belt or stripe through our unique ranking system in accordance with the knowledge, skill, time and effort a student has dedicated.  The time requirements below are based on consistent training at a Certified Federation Studio.

Gup Member - "Grade" Holder
  Rank Belt Information
  10th Gup

9th Gup
  8th Gup

7th Gup
  6th Gup

5th Gup

4th Gup
  3rd Gup

2nd Gup

1st Gup

 

Dan Member - "Degree" Holder
  Rank Belt Information

 

 1st Dan (Cho Dan)

2nd Dan (E Dan)

3rd Dan (Sam Dan)
 
Senior Dan Holder (Master)
4th Dan (Sa Dan)
5th Dan (O Dan)
6th Dan (Yuk Dan)
7th Dan (Chil Dan)
8th Dan (Pahl Dan)
9th Dan (Gu Dan)

 

Why doesn't a Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Dan Member wear a black belt?

The term "Dan" is proper for those who have attained Black Belt status, except in our style.
In most Asian cultures, black is typically a color reserved for perfection or holiness, and we humbly use the darkest midnight blue to demonstrate that we are not perfect, but striving toward that goal in a mature,

peaceful and educational manner.
Additionally the term for "First Degree", which is Cho Dan, actually means "Beginner Level."
 
©2008 Grogan's Academy of Martial Arts. All rights reserved. The names Soo Bahk Do, Moo Duk Kwan, and all insignias, logos, images, and conceptual materials contained herein are a trademark of The United States Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation, inc.