Friday, 28 May 2010
Ranks are very important but are also probably one of the most misunderstood aspects of a martial art. It is also not something that should be of concern to anyone but the holder, in this art the true indicator of ones rank is not just a paper certificate or the stripes on the end of our belt, but rather the way the holder 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.
Realistically a students rank within any art is a personal thing between the Master Instructor and the student, I also believe that worrying about rank, even my own, is time best spent elsewhere (maybe practicing sidekick etc).
One of the first questions asked by many of our new members is, how does the belt system work. In an attempt to answer this question, I will provide you with a little historical information on Shimjangs belt ranking system.
The Shim Jang Taekwondo Belt Ranking system is based upon the original style of Taekwondo as practiced by the various Kwans that formed the Korean Taekwondo Association (K.T.A) back in the 1950s & early 60s in particular the Chan-Hon School.
The original Chan-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 1950s and 1960s in South Korea.
Shim Jang taekwondo remains loyal to this original pre-1965 Military style, this is a strong, powerful and unique style that was passed down to Master Hicks by his Master. Master Hicks is a true believer in the art and its relevance to todays needs within an increasingly more violent society, he believes the art of Shim Jang TKD best preserves Taekwondos true history and self defence philosophy.
The art of Shim Jang TKDs many health, self defence and lifestyle benefits 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.
Official W.S.T.A coloured belt patterns (Hyungs)
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
W.S.T.A black belt pattern syllabus
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 students loyalty, perseverance, dedication, technical expertise and superior attitude.
BLACK BELT PATTERNS
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 their uniform)
Kwang Gae Po Eun
. Both patterns are practiced by the student wearing a probationary Black belt (Probationary black belt members are normally aged 14yrs thru 18yrs and are permitted to wear black piping around their uniform)
Kwang Gae Po Eun - Ge Baek
. All three patterns are practiced by the student wearing a 1st Dan Black belt
Choong Jang Ko Dang - Sam iL. All three patterns are practiced by the instructor wearing a 2nd Dan Black belt
Yoo Sin Choi Yong
..... Both patterns are practiced by the instructor wearing a 3rd Dan Black belt
Ul ji Se Jong
.. Both patterns are practiced by the instructor wearing a 4th Dan Black belt
Tong iL
.
. This pattern is practiced by the instructor wearing a 5th Dan Black belt
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 does indeed represent a very important milestone in our organisations history.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE BELT COLOURS ?
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 wearers 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
BLACK PIPING ON THE DOBOK
Junior black belt members do not wear black piping on any part their uniform
Probationary black belt members, Black Belt students and Instructors wear black piping around the bottom of their uniform top
(Masters) 6th Dan and above also wear a black stripe down the leg of their Dobok pants.
The arts Founder or ( DojuNim ) wears 2 black stripes down the leg of his/her dobok pants.
I hope this information answers some of the questions you may have had and remember the most important part of the belt is the person wearing it.
Steve Buck
4 Dan Black Belt
Assistant Secretary General
World Shimjang Taekwondo Academy
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