Student corner
Everything you need between classes: our code, the meaning of each belt, and the Korean terms you’ll hear on the mat.
School code
- Obey and respect your parents and teachers.
- Do your best in your schoolwork.
- Do your best in your martial arts exercises.
School oath
As a member of the World Martial Arts Academy, I solemnly promise to use my knowledge of martial arts to promote peace around the world, respect for the people and the world around me, and loyalty for my country, family and friends.
Student pledge
I pledge to abide by the following ten rules governing my membership.
- I understand that martial arts strives to improve the whole person, spirit and body together. I will live by tolerance, nonviolence, respect for my peers, dedication to duty and honor to my seniors.
- I will stay loyal to my school and to the spirit of martial arts.
- I will not criticize other students, and will speak well of my fellow students.
- I will be careful about making promises, and I will keep the ones I make.
- I will be on time for class.
- I will react maturely to every event, good or bad, because I represent my school.
- I will always act with purpose, sincerity and honesty.
- I will work to overcome shyness and help my instructors teach new students whenever possible.
- I will not hesitate to take the risks needed to become an ideal martial artist.
- I will finish what I start, reach my goals, and set new ones.
What martial arts aims to achieve
- ModestyNever brag about yourself.
- IntegrityNever lie or do anything dishonest.
- PerseveranceNever stop trying to accomplish what you set out to do.
- Self-controlStay calm so you can think things through.
- Indomitable spiritA spirit inside us that will never be easily defeated.
- Self-respectDo nothing that would harm your mind or body.
The philosophy of the belt system
Progress from white to black follows the cycle of nature: what is born must grow, mature, and leave behind the seed of new life. Each color marks a stage of achievement.
- 01
White belt
The unmarked snow covers the earth, a blank page where the lessons of martial arts will be written.
- 02
Yellow belt
The morning sun begins to melt the snow so the plant can grow. The student is now open to learning.
- 03
Orange belt
New growth appears in spring, and techniques begin to take form.
- 04
Green belt
Growth and power, like a green plant driving upward toward greater heights.
- 05
Purple belt
The plant blossoms. The student begins to see their own inner strength.
- 06
Blue belt
The sky, and continued upward attainment.
- 07
Brown belt
Strong roots dig deep. The student learns to turn weaknesses into advantages.
- 08
Red belt
Power, stability, agility and wisdom. Mind and body begin to stabilize.
- 09
Red / black stripe belt
Energy, attention and control. Maturity, respect and character begin to show.
- 10
Deputy black belt
Vanity fades. The student sees that their power is meant to help others, not for personal glory.
- 11
Black belt
The combination of all colors: mastery, calmness, dignity and sincerity. The end of one cycle and the start of the next.
Taekwondo terminology
Korean is the language of the dojang. Practice these at home and you’ll be ready for your next test.
| Korean | Sino-Korean | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ha Na | Il | 1 |
| Dool | E | 2 |
| Set | Sam | 3 |
| Net | Sa | 4 |
| Da Sut | O | 5 |
| Yo Sut | Youk | 6 |
| Il Gop | Chil | 7 |
| Yo Dol | Pal | 8 |
| Ah Hop | Goo | 9 |
| Yol | Ship | 10 |
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| An Nyong Ha Ship Ni Ka? | How are you? |
| Gam Sa Hap Ni Da | Thank you |
| Kwan Jang Nim | Grandmaster |
| Sa Bom Nim | Master |
| Gyo Sah Nim | Instructor |
| Do Jang | Training hall |
| Do Bok | Uniform |
| Cha Ryut | Attention |
| June Bee | Ready |
| Kyung Ye | Bow |
| Kook Ghee | Flag |
| Kook Ghee Ye Dae Hae Kyung Ye | Salute the flag |
| Kwan Jang Nim Ke Kyung Ye | Bow to Grandmaster |
| Ba Ro | Return |
| Poom Se | Form |
| Ki Hap | Yell |
Children’s home rules
What we teach in the dojang continues at home. Children who don’t follow these cheerfully may be held back in rank.
- Greet your parents when you come home and say goodbye when you leave.
- Be respectful to parents and grandparents at all times.
- Always tell the truth.
- Keep a good relationship with your brothers and sisters.
- Help with household chores.
- Keep your room neat and clean.
- Keep your body, hair and teeth clean.
- Tell your parents when you finish a task.
- Follow your parents’ decisions.
- Don’t interrupt adult conversations.
- Address parents and elders properly.
- Keep an active mind, body and spirit.
- Study hard at school and at home.
- Show respect for teachers and classmates.
- Always finish what you start.
Keep learning
Trusted resources for your study of Taekwondo.
World Taekwondo
The international federation governing the sport and a member of the Summer Olympic federations.
Kukkiwon
World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul, which certifies black belt ranks worldwide.
USA Taekwondo
The official home of the U.S. Olympic Taekwondo team and national governing body.
Ready to earn your next belt?
New students: start with a free trial class. Current students: ask about private lessons before testing.