The
white belt represents the purity and innocence of an individual,
of the art itself and of the specific system within each particular
Master teaches.
It represents the open mindedness that a student must have in
order to learn anything new, to be able to understand the myriad
complexities of daily life.
The white belt is symbolic of an empty cup that is always
ready and able to receive.
The white belt has no preconceptions which may hinder any new
thought from being absorbed. There is an abundance of room for
learning.
A white belt is like a sheet of white paper, allowing anything
to be written on it. There is total trust and faith in the Master
that s/he will guide the student toward optimal development. In
order to learn anything in life, an individual must possess the
curiosity, openness and intensity of a white belt. |
The
yellow belt is representative of gold which means
truth. It is important that an individual be truthful
with himself as it eliminates egotism and creates personal
contentment.
The concept of the seed is further symbolized by
the colour yellow. A seed is one of quality when it is able
to grow into a quality plant.
However the foundation must be solid in order for future
growth to be possible. The planted seed cannot expect to
grow into something it is not.
An apple seed cannot grow into an orange tree. We have to
accept ourselves, who we are as individuals and try to excel
to the best of our abilities. |
|
The
green belt signifies growth. Since we live for the
future, growth is necessary and essential for life.
Growth is normally associated with changes and we must accept
those changes even if it may cause insecurity. Memory of
our own achievement in Taekwondo serves many functions.
A green belt must serve as a reference for our development
but must not hinder our progress.
This is best exemplified by a gold medallist. S/he should
not be deterred from training even harder for the next competition
so that his/her performance will be more polished and more
refined than when the medal had been won. Therefore, growth
is a reflection of an individual.
The green in a plant usually represents life. It reminds
us that we are alive, living and experiencing the future
as little bits of "present ness" occurring one after another.
Re-experiencing the past continually is not living, it is
a state of stagnancy, a state of rigidity, a state of death.
|
|
| |
|
The
blue belt is symbolic of the sky. Although the naked
eye can see only a portion of the vast heavens, it does
not represent all that there is.
The colour blue is representative of the mind and
the depth of the psyche or the potential for an individual's
maturity.
From the surface, we cannot perceive how deep the ocean
is nor the continuous current underneath the calm surface.
It is our determination that gives us the ability to conquer
difficult tasks.
Therefore, we should train ourselves to be strong both mentally
and physically.
Tough times don't last but tough minds do. |
|
| |
|
The
red belt represents the sun, its brightness, the
energy it projects and the physical acts of an individual.
It is through physical activity that an individual can express
his/her identity, mental depth and capabilities. It is through
the physical training in Taekwondo that an education of
the mind and the revelation of the self occurs. By overcoming
physical setbacks through perseverance and determination,
the development of the indomitable spirit is created
- the ultimate goal of Taekwondo.
Acquiring the indomitable spirit through the art's physical
training enables one to internalize difficult situations.
Through this spirit, we are capable of evaluating, conquering
and bouncing back from disillusionment or disappointment.
The red belt also represents limitations. In contrast
to the limitless blue belt, limits permit an individual
to evaluate his/her progress. It prepares us to create short
term goals which in turn lead to the achievement of the
ultimate goal. |
|
| |
|
The
black belt combines all of the belt colours and thus represents
all of the different concepts of the preceding colours.
It represents the commitment to the value system of the
colours and the dignity which arises from pride in oneself.
However, pride in oneself is achieved only by overcoming
difficult tasks through physical achievement, determination
or a combination of the both.
The degrees of black belt represent the development of his/her
added responsibilities, refinement of one's leadership qualities,
the different levels of the mental intensity of an individual
and the ability to use these for successful living. |
|
| |
|
