Gup and Dan Classification

Belt - Ranking Guidelines

Ranking	Time Period	Belt Color & Trim
10th Gup	Upon Permission	White Belt – no stripe
9th Gup	Upon Permission	Yellow Belt – no stripe
8th Gup	3 months	Orange Belt – no stripe
7th Gup	3 months	Orange Belt – 1 Green Stripe
6th Gup	3 months	Green Belt – no stripe
5th Gup	3 months	Green Belt – 1 Red Stripe
4th Gup	3 months	Green Belt – 2 Red Stripes
3rd Gup	3 months	Red Belt – no stripe
2nd Gup	6 months	Red Belt – 1 Blue Stripe
1st Gup	6 months	Red belt – 2 Blue Stripes
1st Pre – Test Cho Dan Bo	6 months	Light Blue Belt – no trim
2nd Pre – Test Cho Dan Bo	6 months	Light Blue Belt – no trim 1 white stripe
1st Dan	Upon Permission	Midnight Blue Belt 1 white stripe permitted
2nd Dan	Upon Permission 24 Months	Midnight Blue Belt 2 white stripes
3rd Dan	Upon Permission 36 months	Midnight Blue 3 white Stripes
4th Dan To 7th Dan	Upon permission	Red stripe centered through the length of the belt.

In addition to improving physical abilities, authentic Tang Soo Do strengthens one’s spirit and attitude. Because of this, advancement from one rank to another is not granted on technical ability alone. A student must also demonstrate discipline, spirit and respect to earn a promotion. Beginning with a white belt, a student will take approximately four years to earn their black belt. Testing for each new rank depends on the student’s ability, regular class attendance and the instructor’s recommendation.

Tang Soo Do Principles

Responsibility
Sincerity
Justice

Guidance Policy of Tang Soo Do

Protect the art of Tang Soo Do with Justice.
Cultivate character and personality through training for discipline.
Unity through sincerity and courtesy.

Tang Soo Do 10 articles of faith

Be loyal to your country.
Be obedient to your parents.
Be loving between husband and wife.
Be cooperative between brothers.
Be faithful between friends.
Be respectful to your elders.
Be faithful between teacher and student.
Know the difference between good and evil.
Never retreat in battle.
Always finish what you start.