Songahm Taekwondo Belt System

In order to develop the skills, discipline, and self-control necessary for the proper use of Taekwondo techniques, ATA uses a rank system. Such a system serves several purposes, including:
Chain of Command: The ascending order of rank carries an increasing level of authority and responsibility.The student learns to assume responsibility gradually as he moves up the ranks. He also learns to accept and properly use authority that accompanies the higher ranks.

Measurement of Progress: The most obvious advantage of the rank system is that it provides a visible measurement of the student's progress. As he learns the basic techniques of Taekwondo and tests successfully, he is awarded the colored belts that signify the rise in rank. He feels accomplished; and he is encouraged to learn the next set of new material with renewed enthusiasm.

There are nine ranks, called "grades" in the colored belt series, and nine ranks, called "degrees" in the Black Belt series. Because it is the highest number in a single digit, the number nine, in Oriental culture, represents the highest attainable goal of any measurable endeavor.

ATA PROMOTIONAL TESTINGS

The schools of the American Taekwondo Association conduct promotional testings approximately every seven to ten weeks to evaluate the progress of the students. The testing is judged by a minimum of two Certified ATA instructors, one of whom is a guest judge from another ATA school. Each instructor in the judging panel scores each student individually, according to the standards of the ATA. The judges meet after the testing to tally the scores and to discuss the progress of the students. An instructor from another ATA school is invited to participate in the judging as an effective monitor for the local school, supplying a more objective observation of the student's performance.

The testing begins similarly to a class session. The students line up according to rank, and recite the Songahm Spirit of Taekwondo. After opening remarks and introduction of the judging panel, the students are asked to be seated around the perimeter of the workout area. The students are then called to execute their techniques (individually or in very small groups). The lowest ranks are tested first to spare them additional tension and anxiety generated by waiting. Most schools, however test orange belts before the white belts, giving the newest students an opportunity to witness the procedure before they are called.

"An important idea to remember is that testing is not just a time to show your skills, it is also a class that teaches you how to perform under pressure, stand in front of people, and develop many important attributes in your personality," said Grand Master H.U. Lee

Each student performs certain techniques and requirements, according to his rank: Below is a list of different requirements throughout the ranks.