An essential concept of oriental
philosophy is " that which is born must grow, reach maturity, die, and leave
behind the seeds of a new birth". Our gup belt system helps us to realise
this concept. In its progress from White belt to Black belt it represents
the cycles of the seasons, with each colour standing for a specific stage of
achievement.
BLACK - Black represents
mastery, calmness, dignity and sincerity. Black belt is the final
stage of one life cycle and the beginning of the next. Thus, we see
that it is not only the end of one stage, but more importantly, the
beginning of the path which leads up through the ranks of the higher
black belts to true mastery
WHITE (10th/9th gup) - This
is the beginners belt. White represents a primitive stage of
achievement. Thus, the seed lies dormant beneath the snows of winter
ORANGE (8th/7th gup) - Orange represents new growth
which appears in spring. Our Tang Soo Do knowledge begins to reveal
itself.
GREEN (6th/5th gup) - Green represents the speedy development of
youth as summer arrives
BROWN (4th/3rd gup) - Brown represents power, stability, agility,
weight and wisdom. This is a stabilising stage, both mentally and
physically, analogous to the plants which curtail their growth and
prepare to flower in late summer.
RED
(2nd/1st gup)- Red represents blood, life, energy, attention and
control. The students power and techniques begin to bloom and ripen.
DARK
BLUE (Cho Dan Bo) - Dark blue represents maturity, respect and honour. Our
dark blue belt is given to the Cho Dan Bo (Black Belt candidate). he/she
must now prepare their mind and body for the final step needed to attain
black belt.
