The chief instructor awards the student a White Belt signifying the student’s good intentions to take a wholesome path to self-improvement. A “seed is planted” once the student has learned their first basic form.

The student has been in school at least three months, has stayed with the program and has tried very hard to do what the instructor has asked. The student sees the light and is trying out of their own efforts to get there. The seed breaks through.

The student now is very much stabilized. Their self-confidence has grown in the past 6-9 months. The seed has grown into a flowering tree.

The student now makes Martial Arts more than just a hobby to pass the time. The tenets of Tae Kwon Do become an active part of their everyday life. For the past 12-15 months the tree has been growing bigger and stronger, trying to reach the blue sky. Upon reaching this point, it is unlikely for the student to give up his training and just quit, since so much has already been accomplished.

The student has grown strong like a tree, and has gained the skills necessary to be termed an “advanced” student. Students at this rank may be asked to carry on some basic assistant instructing duties, which serve as part of the continuing growth process.

Two years of hard training cannot go by without a trace.  The color red signifies danger; danger for others to approach you in a harmful way, but also as a warning to the student not to be overconfident or lose their humbleness.

It takes approximately four years to reach this stage.  Imperviousness to fear and darkness, learning to “push through the pain” and showing of great respect to high and low ranks alike is signified by wearing a black belt to hold your white uniform together. Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit are words that have a clear and deep meaning to this student. This student is now considered a true student of Tae Kwon Do. At this point the student is asked to give back some of what they have received to fellow students, so they in turn can benefit.