Here you will find information on both the syllabus for each grade and the protocol for the way in which gradings are carried out. The Chief Examiner for Maynooth Taekwon-Do School is Mr. Gareth Curran, VI Degree.
It is important that each student is familiar with the grading procedure and the syllabus content they will be examined on. Both are indicative, and students should also be knowledgeable of any other practical or theoretical material covered in training. If in doubt, please speak with your instructor.
System of rank
The promotional scale in Taekwon-Do is divided into nineteen ranks: ten grades (Kups) and nine degrees (Dans). The grades begin with 10th Kup and end with 1st Kup; the degrees begin with 1st Dan and ultimately end at 9th Dan.
In the Orient, three is the most esteemed number, with the lines of the Chinese character for three representing the heaven, mortals and the earth. If we multiply three by three we obtain nine, the highest single digit, therefore representing the highest ranking belt. Also, if nine is multiplied by any other single digit, the digits of the result add up to nine, again pointing to this number as one of great significance.
Belt colours and their meaning
There are six belt colours in total, with the beginner starting at white belt and the student who has progressed through the grades being awarded a black belt.
White
Signifies innocence, as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwon-Do.
Yellow
Signifies the earth, from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the foundation of Taekwon-Do is being laid.
Green
Signifies the plant’s growth, as Taekwon-Do skills begin to develop.
Blue
Signifies the heaven, towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwon-Do progresses.
Red
Signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.
Black
Opposite of white, therefore signifying maturity and proficiency in Taekwon-Do. It also indicates the wearer’s imperviousness to darkness and fear.
More on grading & theory
Grading protocol
What happens before, during and after a grading.
ReadGrading syllabus
What you’ll be examined on at each grade.
ReadGrading FAQ
Questions you may be asked at a grading.
ReadPatterns
The 24 patterns of ITF Taekwon-Do and their meanings.
ReadSparring
From 3-step sparring to free sparring.
ReadKorean terminology
Commands, numbers, body parts and more.
Read