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Understanding the

Taekwondo Black Belt

Depending upon the school and the governing body, it can take anywhere from one and a half years to four years to earn a first dan, or "degree," black belt in taekwondo. One must be at least sixteen years old to obtain the taekwondo black belt; younger students who have studied taekwondo for the necessary amount of time and have demonstrated proficiency in the art are awarded the junior black belt. Whereas the adult taekwondo black-belt holder possesses a dan ranking, a junior black belt is referred to by the Korean term pum.

It is essential to understand that simply achieving a first dan black belt in taekwondo does not make one a master of the art. In fact, those who are awarded the first through third dan black-belt rankings are considered to be only advanced students of taekwondo. It is not until a taekwondo practitioner reaches the fourth dan level that he or she is considered an instructor. One is not considered a master of taekwondo, Sabumnim, until one reaches the fifth dan level.