ATA Color Belts Described
Order and description of each color belt
WHITE BELT
“Pure and without the knowledge of Songahm Taekwondo. As with the Pine Tree, the seed must now be planted and nourished to develop strong roots.”
The student has no knowledge of Songahm Taekwondo and begins with a clean (pure) slate.
Form Sheet – Courtesy of the American Taekwondo Association
ORANGE BELT
“The sun is beginning to rise. As with the morning’s dawn, only the beauty of the sunrise is seen rather than the immense power.”
The beginner student sees the beauty of the art of Taekwondo but has not yet experienced the power in the technique.
Form Sheet – Courtesy of the American Taekwondo Association
YELLOW BELT
“The seed is beginning to see the sunlight.”
The student begins to understand the basics of Taekwondo.
Form Sheet – Courtesy of the American Taekwondo Association
CAMOUFLAGE BELT
“The sapling is hidden amongst the taller pines and must now fight its way upwards.”
The student begins to realize his/her place in the world’s largest martial art. The student must now begin to spar in order to advance in rank.
Form Sheet – Courtesy of the American Taekwondo Association
GREEN BELT
“The pine tree is beginning to develop and grow in strength.”
The student’s technique is developing power. The components of the basic techniques are beginning to work in unison.
Form Sheet – Courtesy of the American Taekwondo Association
PURPLE BELT
“Coming to the mountain. The tree is in mid-growth and now the path becomes steep.”
The student has crossed over into a higher level of Songahm Taekwondo. The techniques, forms, and level of sparring become more difficult, creating a “mountain” that must be overcome.
Form Sheet – Courtesy of the American Taekwondo Association
BLUE BELT
“The tree reaches for the sky towards new heights.”
Having passed the midway point, the student focuses his/her energy upwards toward Black Belt.
Form Sheet – Courtesy of the American Taekwondo Association
BROWN BELT
“The tree is firmly rooted in the earth.”
At this point the student has mastered the basics and developed deep roots in Taekwondo.
Form Sheet – Courtesy of the American Taekwondo Association
RED BELT
“The sun is setting. The first phase of growth has been accomplished.”
The first day (the period of time from White to Red belt) of growth is coming to an end. The physical skill has been developed, but lacks control; therefore, physical and mental discipline must now be achieved.
Form Sheet – Courtesy of the American Taekwondo Association
![New Ulm ATA RED/BLACK BELT [Black Belt Recommended]](https://newulmmartialarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/red-black.png)
RED/BLACK BELT [Black Belt Recommended]
“The dawn of a new day, The sun breaks through the darkness.”
The previous day has ended giving way to a new dawn. The student must begin a new phase of training: that of being a black belt.
[no] Form Sheet – The Recommended Black Belt does not have a new specific form. The Red Belt form continues to be the primary form. This is because the process of progressing from Black Belt Recommended to Black Belt 1st Degree involves a series of mid-term testings where the student needs to perform all of the previous color belt forms, along with the red belt form.
