The Tree of Knowledge

The tree of knowledge and the analogy of potential in the saying 'from little acorns mighty oak trees grow' are all captured in the coloured belt grades from white belt though to black belt.

The colours representing the rich yellow soils, the green shoots of life and growth of the tree of knowledge reaching for the deep blue heavens, broken only by the red cautionary warning colour, reminding the student and others of the power and the skills being learned but not necessary mastered.


Coloured Belts

The colouring of the different grades is symbolic of the growth of a tree , one analogy being ‘the tree of knowledge’, These colours being used to get to the grade of Black Belt, a notable milestone on your journey through Tae Kwon Do… but this is by no means the end, but merely the best foundation to build a comprehensive knowledge and outstanding mastery of the art… A tree will grow quickly in its first years, then after reaching its full height spread its branches and strengthen its trunk becoming ever stronger.


  • White  Signifies innocence, as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Tae Kwon-Do.
  • Yellow  Signifies the earth, from which the plant sprouts and takes root as the Tae Kwon-Do foundation is being laid.
  • Green  Signifies the plant's growth, as Tae Kwon-Do skills begin to develop.
  • Blue   Signifies the heaven, toward which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Tae Kwon-Do progresses.
  • Red  Signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.
  • Black   Opposite to white, therefore signifying maturity and proficiency in Tae Kwon-Do. Also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear.

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After the coloured belt comes the Dan Grades, from 1st to 6th degree black belt also having patterns associated with them. Continuing upward to the highest grade of 9th Dan.

Enjoy the journey

" It can often be the journey we recall and enjoy when we take a trip, feel good about what you have achieved and savour the challenges of acquiring new skills. "