Belt System

Rank systems of any martial art training are important for schools as they should indicate and measure the student’s proficiency in that art and allow further learning to take place and are the tool used to determine Taekwon-do belt advancement.

Gradings are literally a testing process assessing one’s technical ability, knowledge, indomitable spirit and physical conditioning. The complexity of tasks increases in accordance with the rank requirements and advancement.
The Ultimate Taekwon-do Group of school members will use the following system of rank to aid the identification and application of training syllabus as establish by the Ultimate Taekwondo Technical committee.

  • Gup 10 White belt / Beginner
  • Gup 9 Yellow Stripe
  • Gup 8 Yellow Belt
  • Gup 7 Green Stripe
  • Gup 6 Green Belt
  • Gup 5 Blue Stripe
  • Gup 4 Blue Belt
  • Gup 3 Red Stripe
  • Gup 2 Red Belt
  • Gup 1 Black Stripe
  • 1st Degree – 3rd Degree / Boo Sabum (Assistant instructor)
  • 4th Degree – 6th Degree / Sabum (Instructor)
  • 7th Degree – 8th Degree / Sa Hyun (Master)
  • 9th Degree / Sa Sung (Grandmaster)

The Grading syllabus outlines all areas that need to be fulfilled in order to test for rank promotion: these requirements include Patterns, Fundamental movements (Blocking, Kicking, Striking, Stances), Sparring, Breaking Techniques, Terminology and Theory, Self Defense and any additional requirements.
Also note that active training time and attendance requirements are also set out and need to be adhered to.

The grading syllabus is designed specifically for all Ultimate Taekwon-do Group of schools’ members, encompassing a wide range of self-defense-oriented movements and theories, whilst also conforming to the Jamaica Taekwon-do Association& International Taekwon-do Federation’s requirements.

It is the responsibility of the student to achieve a high level of competence in all areas of grading requirements to the best of their ability. Students are tested on overall performance in each area, to assess their worthiness of rank promotion.

All Black belts are expected to have developed proficiency and thorough understanding of all colour belt grading requirements, as well as their own requirements.

With regards to grading, the following results are possible:

These promotions are rare and granted very sparingly. A double promotion is generally only given during the lower ranks, when a student has shown well above average mastery of techniques as well as excelling in attitude, application and attendance. The Ultimate Taekwondo group of schools encourages excellence and hard work rather than hold back those who excel in determination and dedication.

A double promotion is more common in the case of a student who has previous martial arts background, particularly in Taekwon-do, on the condition that their ability matches the rank they have previously obtained, in the opinion of the Head Instructor. A student cannot apply for double promotion.

When a student has performed to a satisfactory level in all grading requirements, a pass is granted. At this point, a student can commence preparing for their next level.
A student who has performed satisfactorily in most areas of grading requirements, but has obvious deficiencies in a certain area, will be granted a pass incomplete. They will be required to perform that aspect again at their next grading, or a date soon after the original grading to confirm the promotion. If no improvement is shown, no promotion is given.
A student who has performed satisfactorily in most areas of grading requirements, but has obvious deficiencies in a certain area, will be granted a pass incomplete. They will be required to perform that aspect again at their next grading, or a date soon after the original grading to confirm the promotion. If no improvement is shown, no promotion is given.

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