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Stripe System

White Belts: Adults & Children - 6 stripes

1. First Stripe is earned when the student learns and can perform all new white belt basic moves taught by the instructors. A student must also have a minimum of two classes.
   

2. Second Stripe is earned when the student can recite on his/her own the "Songham Spirit of Taekwondo" for both the beginning and end of class. Students should also be aware of the meaning of the words in the "Songham Spirit of Taekwondo" and should have a minimum of four classes.
   

3. Third Stripe is earned when the student can correctly execute from memory the first 9 movements of the white belt form. The student should also have a minimum of six classes. Students should also be aware of the correct names of the movements in their form.
   

4. Forth Stripe is earned when the students can correctly execute from memory all 18 movements of the white belt form. Students should have a minimum of eight classes and be aware of the names of the movements in their form.
   

5. Fifth Stripe is earned when the student can correctly execute from memory the require number of one-step sparring counts. Children ages 12 and under are required to perform the first 2 one-steps. Adults must perform all 3 one-steps. The student should have a minimum of 10 classes and be aware of the names of the movements in their one-steps.
   

6. Sixth Stripe is earned when the student can correctly execute from memory the required amount of one-steps with a partner, being able to perform both roles as attacker and defender. Students are also required to correctly perform their self defense technique. The student should have a minimum of twelve classes.

Orange through Blue Belt Adults: 3 stripes (not including Rank Stripe on Right side of belt)

1. First stripes are earned when the student can correctly perform the first half of the form and one-step number one. Students should have a minimum of five classes.
   

2. Second stripes are earned when the student can correctly execute from memory the whole form and one-steps number two and three along with their self-defense. Students must have a minimum of 10 classes.
   

3. Third stripes are earned when the student earns pre-testing approval. Students should also know the name of their form in Korean, the English translation of the Korean name, number of movements in the form and the meaning of their current belt rank. Students should have a minimum of 15 classes.

Orange through Blue Belt Children: 3 stripes (not including Rank Stripe on Right side of belt)

1. First stripes are earned when the student can correctly perform the first half of the form and one-step number one. Students should have a minimum of five classes.
   

2. Second stripes are earned when the student can correctly execute from memory the whole form and one-step number two. Students must have a minimum of 10 classes.
   

3. Third stripes are earned when the student earns pre-testing approval. Students should also know the name of their form in Korean, the English translation of the Korean name, number of movements in the form and the meaning of their current belt rank. Students should have a minimum of 15 classes.

Brown and Red Belt Recommended: Adults & Children - 3 Stripes

1. First stripes are earned when the student can correctly perform the first half of the form and self-defense. Students should have a minimum of five classes.
   

2. Second stripes are earned when the student can correctly execute their whole form and rank required board breaks. Students should have a minimum of ten classes.
   

3. Third stripes are earned when the student earns pre-testing approval from the Instructors. Students should also know the name of their form in Korean, the English translation of the Korean name, number of movements in the form and the meaning of their current belt rank. Students should have a minimum of 15 classes.

Brown and Red Belt Decided: Adults & Children - 3 Stripes

1. First stripes are earned when the student can correctly execute their rank required board breaks and self-defense. Students should have a minimum of five classes.
   

2. Second stripes are earned when the student demonstrate an improved rank form. Students must have a minimum of ten classes.
   

3. Third stripes are earned when the student earns pre-testing approval from the Instructors. Students should also know the name of their form in Korean, the English translation of the Korean name, number of movements in the form and the meaning of their current belt rank. Students should have a minimum of 15 classes.

Red/Black Belts (Black Belt Recommended): 3 stripes

1. First stripe may be earned by executing from memory Songham Poomse 1 as well as all 9 Bahng Mahng EE Disarming Techniques at a regularly scheduled Graduation. Stripe will be awarded at the time of promotions.
   

2. Second stripe may be earned by executing from memory Songham Poomse 2 as well as all 9 Single Sahng Jeol Bong Lines at a regularly scheduled Graduation. Stripe will be awarded at the time of promotions.
   

3. Third stripes are earned for pre-testing approval by performing the correct and improved rendition of the red belt form and successful execution of their board breaks as well as Songham Poomse 3. Students should know the meaning of their red/black belt. 

Black Belts: No Stripes

Black Belts do not earn stripes. Black Belts are required to test with their rank required number of MidTerms before they are permitted to rank test.  If you do not know which MidTerm you are working you should find out from an instructor immediately. Number of MidTerms completed are marked with a small number on Black Belt student cards.

A "Form" is a predetermined series of movements, performed by an individual, which displays a combination of body and mind development. It uses new hand and foot techniques for that rank as well as some techniques previously mastered. The judges look for the proper beginning and ending positions for each technique, the effectiveness of the technique itself, and the flow or rhythm of the form. Correct eye contact ad a mentally alert demeanor are also important.

"One-Steps" are predetermined actions performed with an opponent; they provide a link between forms and free-sparring. One-steps should be performed with the same mental and physical skills as the form; in addition, the judges will look for effective sparring skills, including control and accurate judgment of distance.

"Free-Sparring" is a practical application of self-defense techniques. (For safety and courtesy, students are subject to specific rules of conduct when sparring in ATA events and in the classroom.) The movements are not predetermined. More and more schools are requiring various types of padded equipment for students in this type of sparring.

For safety, full contact is not allowed, and there are specific legal target areas. Hand techniques may be used on the front and side of the body from the belt to the shoulder. No hand techniques may be delivered to the head or face. Foot techniques may be used on the front and sides of the body from the belt to (and including) the head. Kicks to the back of the head are legal, but no hand or foot techniques may be intentionally delivered to the back or to any areas below the belt.

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