Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that focuses on kicking techniques, self-defense, and sport competition. Like many other martial arts, Taekwondo uses a belt ranking system to denote a student’s progression through different skill levels. Students start as white belts and work their way up through a sequence of colored belts before reaching black belt, which signals expert level proficiency.
Taekwondo Belt Ranking System
The standard Taekwondo belt ranking system consists of the following belts, in ascending order:
| Belt Color |
|---|
| White |
| Yellow |
| Green |
| Blue |
| Red |
| Black |
Each colored belt represents a student’s increasing proficiency across a range of Taekwondo techniques and knowledge. Advancing from one belt to the next requires meeting certain testing criteria, which gets more difficult at higher ranks. The black belt represents an expert level of skill and mastery of Taekwondo.
Subdivisions Within Black Belt
Earning a black belt is a major milestone, but it doesn’t mark the end of a Taekwondo student’s journey. There are multiple subdivisions within the black belt rank that allow for continued progression beyond first-degree black belt:
| Black Belt Degree |
|---|
| 1st degree |
| 2nd degree |
| 3rd degree |
| 4th degree |
| 5th degree |
| 6th degree |
| 7th degree |
| 8th degree |
| 9th degree |
Advancing to each subsequent degree of black belt requires meeting stricter standards and demonstrating greater dedication to the art of Taekwondo. Typically several years of training are required between each promotion. High-ranked black belts are highly respected for their exceptional skill, knowledge, and experience.
The Highest Black Belt Rank
So what is the highest color belt you can achieve in Taekwondo? The highest formal rank is 9th degree black belt. This is an extremely high level of achievement that few Taekwondo practitioners ever reach.
Requirements for 9th Degree Black Belt
The requirements for attaining 9th degree black belt are incredibly demanding and strict. Here are some of the typical standards:
- Minimum age of 60 years old
- Minimum 8th degree black belt for at least 10 years
- Ongoing contributions to the growth and development of Taekwondo at regional, national, and global levels
- Publication of authoritative books or articles that make important contributions to Taekwondo
- Demonstration of the true spirit of Taekwondo’s tenets, philosophy, and code of conduct
- Mastery of the most advanced Taekwondo techniques and applications
- Ability to teach and oversee examinations up to 7th degree black belt
As you can see, reaching 9th degree black belt is not just about physical skills. It represents a lifetime of tireless dedication, leadership, teaching, and advancement of Taekwondo as a whole. Very few Taekwondo masters ever achieve this pinnacle of accomplishment.
Grandmaster Rank
Beyond 9th degree black belt, some Taekwondo organizations will grant the title of “Grandmaster” to extremely senior and influential masters. This is not a formal rank per se, but rather an honorary title denoting exceptional status and contributions. The criteria for grandmaster status are imprecise, but typically include:
- Minimum 9th degree black belt
- Advanced age, often 70+ years old
- Several decades instructing Taekwondo
- Significant contributions to the growth and development of Taekwondo
- Widespread recognition and influence in the Taekwondo community
- Fostered many student black belts and masters
- Published influential books or articles
While no unified standards exist for the grandmaster title, it is reserved for elite Taekwondo masters who have dedicated their lives to spreading knowledge of the art. Their technical skill and knowledge is unparalleled.
Notable Taekwondo Grandmasters
Here are a few examples of influential grandmasters in the history of Taekwondo:
- Choi Hong Hi (1918-2002) – Founder of Taekwondo and pioneer of its development into a global martial art. Promoted to 9th degree and granted lifelong grandmaster status.
- Lee Chong Woo (born 1929) – Studied under some of Taekwondo’s original masters. Promoted Korean Taekwondo around the world. 9th degree grandmaster.
- Richard Chun (born 1943) – Studied under grandmaster Choi. Introduced Taekwondo to the USA and pioneered new training methods. 9th degree grandmaster.
- Jhoon Rhee (1932-2018) – Known as the “Father of American Taekwondo.” Opened first Taekwondo school in USA in 1956. 9th degree grandmaster.
These iconic grandmasters helped establish Taekwondo organizations, spread instruction worldwide, published seminal books, and promoted the values and philosophy of Taekwondo. Their impact on Taekwondo has been immense.
Rank Verification
Since high black belt degrees and grandmaster titles are so prestigious, it is important to verify someone’s credentials before accepting any rank claims. There is unfortunately some degree of fraud with people claiming false ranks they have not earned.
When verifying a person’s black belt degree, some key things to check are:
- Which Taekwondo organization they received their rank from
- The date they were promoted to each degree
- Their instructor and grandmaster lineage
- Their age compared to time-in-rank requirements
- Their contributions and notoriety within Taekwondo
Taken together, these points can confirm whether a person’s claimed rank is legitimate. High level black belts will be known and respected figures within the Taekwondo community.
Significance of High Ranks
Achieving a high degree black belt or grandmaster rank in Taekwondo is extremely significant. It represents not just mastery of techniques, but embodying the history, philosophy, and ideals of Taekwondo. Grandmasters are living repositories of the art’s knowledge and heritage.
However, while rank is important, it does not automatically denote skill level. There are many lower ranked black belts who can surpass higher dans in sparring ability. Rank measures overall contributions to Taekwondo, not just fighting prowess.
At the end of the day, all ranks exist to preserve and promote Taekwondo as an art and way of life. High ranked masters have a responsibility to guide the future generations of practitioners. That service to the art is the truest measure of one’s Taekwondo rank and journey.
Conclusion
In summary, the highest formal color belt rank in Taekwondo is 9th degree black belt. Beyond that, honorary grandmaster titles may be awarded to elite masters who have dedicated their lives to the art. Reaching these peaks requires tremendous skill and ongoing service to Taekwondo. While few will attain these heights, the continued transmission of Taekwondo ultimately depends on the leadership of high ranked masters and grandmasters.