belts

The Journey Through Taekwondo:

Belt Meanings & Progression

What is Taekwondo?

At Martial Arts Grand Traverse, Taekwondo is more than kicks and punches —it’s a structured path that helps kids grow in confidence, focus, discipline, and respect.

Rooted in tradition and designed for lifelong growth, Taekwondo encourages students to set goals, overcome challenges, and build character along the way. Each belt level marks an important milestone, symbolizing not just physical progress, but personal development.

Belt Ranks & What They Represent

Taekwondo’s belt system is built around the life cycle of a pine tree —representing growth, perseverance, and maturity. Each color carries meaning and purpose as your child advances, helping them (and you!) celebrate their achievements beyond just technique.

1 — White belt

Symbolizes: Purity and Emergence
The student is like a seed, pure and without knowledge of Songahm Taekwondo. With time, dedication, and training, roots will begin to grow.
2 — Orange belt

Symbolizes: Awakening
As the sun rises, the student begins to glimpse the beauty of the art, even if its full power is not yet understood. Orange reflects the early light of dawn.
3 — Yellow belt

Symbolizes: Emerging Understanding

The seed breaks through the soil, reaching for the sunlight. The student begins to grasp foundational techniques. Yellow reflects the brightness of new learning.
4 — Camouflage (Camo) belt

Symbolizes: Growth Amidst Challenge

Like a sapling hidden among towering trees, the student must fight to grow. At this stage, students begin sparring and find their place within the broader martial arts community.
5 — Green belt

Symbolizes: Strength and Development
The pine tree begins to grow stronger, and so does the student. Techniques gain power and fluidity as fundamentals come together. Green represents new needles sprouting from the tree.
6 — Purple belt

Symbolizes: Elevation and Determination
Now halfway up the mountain, the student faces steeper challenges. Forms and sparring grow more advanced. Purple marks the rise toward greater mastery.
7 — Blue belt

Symbolizes: Aspiration and Focus

The tree reaches for the sky. The student looks upward, striving toward the black belt. Blue reflects the vast sky and expanding potential.
8 — Brown belt

Symbolizes: Stability and Mastery

The tree’s roots run deep. The student has developed strong technical foundations and mental discipline. Brown is the color of the earth, grounding and steady.
9 — Red belt

Symbolizes: Transition and Responsibility

The sun begins to set, marking the end of one phase and preparation for the next. The student holds great power but must now learn control. Red signifies energy, intensity, and maturity.
10 — Red/Black belt

Symbolizes: A New Dawn

Darkness gives way to light. The student begins the transformation from color ranks to black belt. This phase is about refinement, readiness, and the emergence of leadership.
11 — Black belt

Symbolizes: Mastery and New Beginnings
The tree is mature, having overcome darkness. Black represents the absorption of all previous knowledge. This rank is not the end —it’s a new beginning. A black belt is now prepared to guide others and plant the seeds of future growth.