Ranks in Shim Jang Taekwondo are designated by various coloured belts and are very important but are also probably one of the most misunderstood aspects of a martial art, in this art the true indicator of one’s rank is not just the colour or the stripes on the end of the belt, but rather the way the holder wears that belt and is perceived by their peers.
Since rank can sometimes be misunderstood & can vary so greatly from Art to Art, comparisons are hard to do & therefore carry little validity anywhere but within your own organisation or “system”.
One of the first questions asked by many of our new members is, “how does the Shim Jang TKD belt system work” and In order to answer this question, we will provide you with a little historical information.
The Shim Jang Taekwondo Belt Ranking system is based upon the original style of Taekwondo as practiced by the various Kwan’s that formed the Korean Taekwondo Association (K.T.A) back in the 1950s & early 60’s in particular the Ch’an-Hon School, (the KTA has now merged with another group and is far different now to what it was in the beginning).
Initially the original Ch’an-Hon or “Blue Cottage” school practiced 20 patterns that were developed by the various senior instructors or “Masters” over many years; these patterns were heavily influenced by the Sho-Rin and Sho-Rei karate schools from Japan & Okinawa which studied 9 patterns.
The Sho-Rin (Japanese) patterns favoured the student with a lighter frame & were called; Hei-An, Bat-Sai, En-Bi & Ro-Hai.
The Sho-Rei (Okinawan) patterns favoured the student with the heavier frame; these patterns were called Kouh-Shang-Kouh, Tet-Ke, Jit-Te, Han-Getsu & Ji-On.
Though the true origins of Taekwondo are, for the most part, lost in history and politics, the modern Taekwondo types that are practiced today are mostly derivatives of the style that was originally developed during the politically charged 1950’s and 1960’s following the Japanese occupation of South Korea.
Shim Jang taekwondo remains loyal to this original pre-1965 Military style, this is a strong, powerful and unique style that has practiced and nurtured by Master Hicks who is a true believer in the art and its relevance to today’s needs in an increasingly more violent society, it is Master Hicks’ belief that the art of Shim Jang TKD best preserves Taekwondo’s true history and self defence philosophy.
The art of Shim Jang TKD can possess many health, self defence and lifestyle benefits and this is a major reason behind the W.S.T.A still holding true to the original military system after all these years, therefore, in accordance with our Founders heritage and martial art history Shimjang Taekwondo proudly holds true to the 20 original taekwondo patterns from the original military style of taekwondo.
Chon-ji; (this pattern is practiced by the student wearing a white belt with a yellow tip)
Dan-gun; (this pattern is practiced by the student wearing a yellow belt)
Do-san; (this pattern is practiced by the student wearing a yellow belt with a green tip)
Won-hyo; (this pattern is practiced by the student wearing a green belt)
Yul-gok; (this pattern is practiced by the student wearing a green belt with a blue tip)
Joon-gun; (this pattern is practiced by the student wearing a blue belt)
Toi-gye; (this pattern is practiced by the student wearing a blue belt with a brown tip)
Hwa-rang; (this pattern is practiced by the student wearing a brown belt)
Choong-moo; (this pattern is practiced by the student wearing a brown belt with a black tip)
All traditional and competent organisations have a Black Belt pattern syllabus. Higher Black Belt Grades take years to achieve and are awarded by the organisation as a reward for the student’s loyalty, perseverance, dedication, technical expertise and superior attitude.
Kwang Gae; (This pattern is practiced by Junior Black belt holders (Junior black belt members are normally aged 10yrs thru 14yrs and do not wear black piping around the bottom of the uniform jacket)
Kwang Gae – Po Eun; (Both patterns are practiced by the student wearing a Black belt (Black Belt members are normally aged 14yrs thru 18yrs and are permitted to wear black piping around the bottom of the uniform jacket)
Kwang Gae – Po Eun - Ge Baek; (All three patterns are practiced by the student wearing a 1st Dan Black belt who also wears black piping around the bottom of the uniform jacket)
Choong Jang – Ko Dang - Sam iL; (All three patterns may be practiced by the instructor wearing a 2nd Dan Black belt)
Yoo Sin – Choi Yong; (Both patterns may be practiced by the instructor wearing a 3rd Dan Black belt)
Ul ji – Se Jon; (Both patterns may be practiced by the instructor wearing a 4th Dan Black belt)
Tong iL; (This pattern may be practiced by the instructor wearing a 5th Dan Black belt who may also be appointed as an Assistant Master Instructor if required)
Higher Dan (Master) grades (6th – 7th – 8th & 9th Dan) are not signified or judged by a particular pattern or kick, the recipients must have dedicated themselves to the art for many, many years and the decision to award such high grades is not made lightly. These high dan grades are awarded to the recipient by the Academy as a reward for their expert leadership and their lifetime of commitment and devotion to the art of Shim Jang Taekwondo. Due to the time, dedication and commitment required to achieve these high level ranks, they are quite rare and the awarding of such rank also represents very important milestones within the organisations history.
WHITE
Signifies the innocence of the beginner student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwondo and the white uniform symbolizes purity.
YELLOW
Signifies the earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the Taekwondo foundation is being laid. The colour yellow represents the sun which instigates the birth of the seed.
GREEN
Signifies the new plants growth, gaining strength as the Taekwondo skills begin to develop.
BLUE
Signifies the sky towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwondo progresses, the vastness of the sky indicates the beginning of a true understanding of technique.
BROWN
Signifies the tree taking solid root in the earth as technique becomes increasingly more proficient. In some forms of taekwondo the Red belt replaces the brown as a warning or caution for the opponent to stay away but as Shim Jang TKD teaches traditional and non-competitive taekwondo, we believe that the higher the ranking in the art the more skillful the practitioner and our junior members are encouraged to trust and train along side our seniors. This helps our members to learn quicker and these results cannot be achieved if the student is being warned to stay away.
BLACK
(The opposite of white) therefore signifying the students maturity and proficiency in Taekwondo. Black indicates the endless universe and a realisation of the limitless techniques available. Black also indicates the wearer’s imperviousness to darkness and fear. Traditionally the black piping around the edge of the jacket is symbolic of the pure white shirt with black piping worn by the Royal Family and Aristocrats during the Silla Dynasty in “Old Korea”
Junior black belt members do not wear black piping on any part their uniform
Black Belt students, 1st Dan Black Belt students and Instructors wear black piping around the bottom of their uniform jacket
(Masters) 6th Dan and above also wear a black stripe down the leg of their Dobok pants.
The art’s Founder or (DojuNim) wears 2 black stripes down the leg of his dobok pants.
We hope this clarifies the Shim Jang Taekwondo ranking system, but as Master Hick’s always says;
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WHY BELTS ?
Official W.S.T.A coloured belt patterns (Hyungs)
BLACK BELT PATTERNS
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE BELT COLOURS ?
