What is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that combines physical fighting skills with mental and spiritual discipline. Rooted in centuries of tradition, Taekwondo is not just about fighting but also about developing one's character, self-esteem, and mental strength.
The word Taekwondo is derived from three Korean words:
Tae meaning "foot", Kwon meaning "fist", Do meaning "way of" or "discipline"
Thus, Taekwondo translates to "the way of the foot and fist." Though the term was officially coined in 1955, the art has a history spanning over 2,300 years in Korea. Today, Taekwondo is practiced in over 211 countries and is the national sport of South Korea, as well as an Olympic sport.
Disciplines of Learning Taekwondo
🏋️ Fitness 💪
Improves strength, agility, and overall health.
🥋Poomsae 👊
Enhances precision, balance, and mental discipline through structured movement sequences.
🥋 Kyorugi(Sparring)🏅
Develops agility, timing, and real-time decision-making under pressure.
🛡️ Self Defense 🥋
Equips students with practical skills to protect themselves confidently and responsibly.
✊ Breaking Test 🥋
Demonstrates power, technique, and mental strength through focused application of skills.
Benefits of Taekwondo:
Enhance Self-Esteem: By improving both your physical and mental power. Build Confidence: Gain confidence in your abilities and take control of your life. Develop Discipline: Learn the core values of Taekwondo such as Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.🥋 Taekwondo Uniform (Dobok) & Belt (Tti)
🔰 Dobok – The Uniform of Respect and Readiness
The Dobok, a traditional white uniform worn by every student, represents the spirit of purity and humility. At Somasfit, we believe the white color symbolizes a fresh start, an open mind, and the readiness to absorb the values of Taekwondo.
Wearing the Dobok shows respect toward masters, fellow students, and the art itself. It encourages a mindset of discipline, equality, and unity – whether you're a beginner or a black belt.
🎗️ Tti – The Belt of Rank, Respect, and Responsibility
The Tti, or belt, is more than just a marker of rank at Somasfit — it represents the student’s journey, hard work, and inner growth. Every color signifies a phase of training, aligned with physical skill development and mental discipline.
| Belt Color | Meaning at Somasfit |
|---|---|
| White | Beginning – A clean state, ready to learn |
| Yellow | Foundation – Roots beginning to grow |
| Green | Growth – Skills and confidence emerging |
| Blue | Progress – Reaching higher, gaining wisdom |
| Red | Alertness – Control, focus, and preparation |
| Black | Mastery – Strength, humility, and leadership |
We also recognize Poom belts (red-black) for our youth champions, nurturing their talent toward future black belt excellence.
💫 Somasfit Philosophy Behind the Uniform
At Somasfit, we teach our students that the uniform is not just clothing — it's a commitment. Each time you wear the Dobok and tie your belt, you’re choosing to embody the core principles of Taekwondo:
- Courtesy
- Integrity
- Perseverance
- Self-Control
- Indomitable Spirit
The belt tied firmly around your waist represents the strength of your center — physically, mentally, and spiritually.
🌍 Global Recognition & Pride
A student trained at Somasfit World Taekwondo Academy, wearing a Kukkiwon-certified belt, is recognized internationally. Whether you're in India or abroad, your uniform and rank reflect your global standard of training, discipline, and excellence.
🧡 Final Message from Somasfit
At Somasfit, every Dobok worn and every belt earned is a badge of honor. It's not just about progressing through the ranks, but becoming a better version of yourself with every step. Your uniform reflects your identity as a martial artist — strong, respectful, and always evolving.
Somasfit Taekwondo Training Belt Levels, Age Criteria & Practice Duration
Taekwondo Belt Ranks
At Somasfit, students work through the following ranks, progressing through levels based on skill and discipline:
| Belt Level | Minimum Age Criteria | Practice Duration | Syllabus Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Belt | 5+ years | 4–6 months | Fitness drills, basic punches, blocks, strikes, movements, front kick, axe kick, inner & outer blade kicks Yellow Belt preparation |
| Yellow Belt | 5–6+ years | 4–6 months | Continue strength, stamina, flexibility, sharpen basic techniques Yellow -1 Belt preparation |
| Yellow 1 (Yellow Stripe) | 6–7+ years | 4–6 months | Stronger basics, better control, intro to combinations Green Belt preparation |
| Green Belt | 7+ years | 4–6 months | Kyorugi basic competitive kicks, Patterns (Poomsae) 1–2 Green -1 Belt preparation |
| Green 1 (Green Stripe) | 7–8+ years | 4–6 months | Kyorugi Intermediate competitive kicks, Poomsae 2–3 Blue Belt preparation |
| Blue Belt | 8+ years | 4–6 months | Kyorugi Intermediate competitive kicks & combinations, Poomsae 3–4 Blue -1 Belt preparation |
| Blue 1 (Blue Stripe) | 8–9+ years | 4–6 months | Kyorugi Intermediate competitive kicks & combinations, Poomsae 4–5 & Poomsae improvement Training Red Belt preparation |
| Red Belt | 9+ years | 4–6 months | Advanced kicking techniques, Poomsae 5, 6 & 7 Red -1 Belt preparation |
| Red 1 (Red Stripe) | 9+ years | 4–6 months | Master advanced kicks, Poomsae 7–8, Black Belt preparation |
| Black Belt (1st Dan) | 9–10+ years | 6 Months | Specialization: Poomsae or Kyorugi Competition |
🥋 somasfit Belt Promotion Test Syllabus 🥋
| Belt Level | Syllabus |
|---|---|
| 🟡 Yellow Belt | Fitness drills, basic punches, blocks, strikes, movements, front kick, axe kick, inner & outer blade kicks |
| 🟡 Yellow One Belt | Continue drills on strength, stamina, flexibility. Sharpen basic techniques: punches, blocks, strikes, movements, front kick, axe kick, inner & outer blade kicks |
| 🟢 Green Belt | Stronger basics, better control, kicking combinations |
| 🟢 Green One Belt | Kyorugi basic competitive kicks, Poomsae (Patterns) 1(Taegeuk Il Jang) – 2(Taegeuk Ee Jang) |
| 🔵 Blue Belt | Kyorugi intermediate competitive kicks, Poomsae 1(Taegeuk Il Jang) , 2(Taegeuk Ee Jang) - 3(Taegeuk Sam Jang) |
| 🔵 Blue One Belt | Kyorugi intermediate competitive kicks & combinations, Poomsae 2(Taegeuk Ee Jang) , 3(Taegeuk Sam Jang) - 4(Taegeuk Sa Jang) |
| 🔴 Red Belt | Kyorugi intermediate competitive kicks & combinations, Poomsae 3(Taegeuk Sam Jang) , 4(Taegeuk Sa Jang) – 5(Taegeuk Oh Jang), Fitness Test, Breaking & Self defense movements |
| 🔴 Red One Belt | Advanced kicking techniques, Poomsae 5(Taegeuk Oh Jang), 6(Taegeuk Yuk Jang) - 7(Taegeuk Chil Jang), Fitness Test, Breaking & Self defense movements |
| ⚫ Black Belt | Master advanced kicks, Poomsae 6(Taegeuk Yuk Jang) , 7(Taegeuk Chil Jang) – 8(Taegeuk Pal Jang), Fitness Test, Breaking & Self defense movements |
Important Notes for Parents
- Minimum age to start Taekwondo: 5+ years
- Belt promotion is based on age, skill level, attendance, discipline, and test performance
- After Black Belt, students enter special competitive training programs
Why is it Compulsory?
1. Progress Measurement:
The belt system provides a structured way to measure progress and ensures that students learn and master skills step-by-step.
2. Goal Setting:
Setting goals to achieve the next belt keeps students motivated and focused on improving.
3. Discipline and Dedication:
The requirement to work for each belt instills discipline and a strong work ethic in students.
4. Recognition of Effort:
The belt serves as a tangible acknowledgment of a student's hard work and accomplishments, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
5. Teaching Curriculum:
The belt system helps instructors ensure that students are learning systematically and comprehensively.
6. Symbol of Commitment:
Wearing a belt reflects a student's commitment to their training and the values of Taekwondo, such as respect, perseverance, and integrity.
7. Cultural and Traditional Importance:
The belt system is deeply rooted in martial arts tradition, representing the philosophy and history of Taekwondo.
8. Eligibility for Advanced Training:
Progressing through belts is often required to learn advanced techniques, participate in tournaments, or qualify for leadership roles like becoming an assistant instructor.
Is It Truly Compulsory?
While not legally mandatory, the belt system is a core part of Taekwondo training. Without it, students miss out on structured growth, recognition, and opportunities to advance. It’s a practical and motivational tool that aligns with the goals of martial arts education.
✅ Key Truths about Black Belt & Competitions:
| Myth / Belief | Reality |
|---|---|
| "Black Belt always beats lower belts" | ❌ Not necessarily. A lower belt may be faster, taller, or more athletic. |
| "Black Belt = Champion" | ❌ No. A black belt shows skill proficiency, not competitive titles. |
| "Black Belt means best fighter" | ❌ Not automatically; it means understanding techniques and knowledge. |
| "Black Belt wins every match" | ❌ Competition depends on many factors beyond belt color. |
🏅 Why Doesn’t Every Black Belt Win Against Junior Belts?
Winning a Taekwondo match doesn’t depend solely on belt rank. Other key factors influence performance:
| Factor | Impact on Fight |
|---|---|
| Height | Greater reach for kicks & scoring → advantage for taller fighter |
| Speed | Ability to react and attack quickly |
| Strength | Helps in power of kicks & balance |
| Endurance | Sustains energy during match |
| Tactics | Knowing when to attack, counter, or defend |
| Experience | Match practice builds fight confidence |
| Mindset | Handling pressure & nerves |
➡️ Therefore, a Black Belt may lose to a lower belt if the opponent excels in these factors.
🎯 What Does a Black Belt Actually Mean?
- ✅ Mastery of fundamental techniques
- ✅ Understanding of rules & regulations
- ✅ Discipline and commitment to the art
- ✅ Eligibility to learn advanced skills and teaching
❗ It does NOT automatically mean they are a competition champion.
🥋 Kyorugi vs. Poomsae: Two Different Games
| Aspect | Kyorugi (Sparring) | Poomsae (Forms) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Fighting an opponent | Performing set patterns |
| Focus | Speed, timing, scoring points | Precision, technique, beauty |
| Judging | Electronic & referee-scored | Judges based on form |
| Contact | Full protective gear contact | No opponent contact |
| Medal chance | Different medal paths | Separate competition |
A student may excel in Poomsae but not in Kyorugi, or vice versa.
💬 Final Message for Parents:
A Black Belt symbolizes knowledge, skills, dedication, and discipline—not automatic championship. Competition success depends on many factors, including physical attributes, practice, mindset, and game strategy.
➡️ Encourage your child to see Taekwondo as both a sport and a journey of self-improvement.
🏆 With practice, guidance, and perseverance, medals and victories will follow!
✨ Feel proud of their hard work regardless of wins or losses—every match is a learning opportunity.
Download the Summer Camp Flyer
⬇️ Download Image