what is the meaning of the stripes? I forgot to ask the instructor last class and I wont make it for the rest of the week that is why I'm posting here.
Hi Red!
Asking your instructor is the best way to find out why your school uses stripes, and what the specific meaning for each stripe is. I don't know how much you already grasp about the rank structure, but for those who read this with no concept whatsoever, here is a bit of a general insight that might help to clear up the confusion. One of the initial goals of a student should be to work toward accomplishing a clear understanding of the basics with the ability to effectively demonstrate their application. This would be the point of completing the foundation of your training, and is often represented by awarding the student a 1st Degree Black Belt (A black belt with one stripe).
In the case of a Black Belt rank, the stripe represents a "dan" or degree which marks the beginning of the main course of study throughout one's lifetime. Each stripe on the black belt thereafter is earned through time in rank, knowledge gained, and proficiency of abilities demonstrated. Degrees of the Black Belt are generally considered permanent accomplishments once they are earned, and become a part of your credentials as you progress over the years.
In contrast to this, the color belt ranks are all temporary, and can change by being promoted, or demoted. They are called "geup" (or gup) which means "grade." The grades are increments in the overall process to becoming a Black Belt. They are divisions of the complete curriculum which makes it easier for instructors (especially beginner instructors) to prepare lesson plans, and for students to retain the information, and make gradual progress through the setting of smaller goals.
Since the "Dan" ranking system of the Black Belt is often set up in 9 divisions (1st Dan through 9th Dan), the balance of the color belt is usually divided by nine levels as well. The white belt, which is sometimes referred to as a "10th grade" is a student who really has not yet been graded, thus many Koreans call it "Mu Geup" meaning "No Grade." The first progression is to the 9th Grade (Gu Geup) which is usually represented by a yellow belt. The following grade numbers get smaller as the rank gets higher (9th, 8th, 7th, 6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, & 1st Geup). Which color of belts that are used to represent each of these grades is up to the instructor, or the organization which issues certificates.
A different color belt may represent each single grade without the use of stripes. In some cases, instructors or organizations might choose to use fewer belts, and add a stripe for each grade in between the next belt. For example, a plain yellow belt could represent the 9th grade, whereas the yellow belt with one stripe could represent the 8th, two stripes - the 7th, and three stripes - the 6th grade. Following that, a plain green belt could represent the 5th grade, with one stripe - the 4th, two stripes - the 3rd, and three stripes - the 2nd. A Brown or Red Belt could represent the 1st grade, and the next step would be Black Belt. In this example, all nine grades are tested and certified, but only three color belts are used.
For those schools and organizations that prefer to change the color of the belt for each grade, a stripe on the belt often represents the level of proficiency at the time of the test (similar to a school grade of A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, etc.). In this case, a plain belt might represent a student who just barely passed. One stripe shows the student did good, two stripes stands for a really well done performance, and three stripes would mean an excellent score. At the next test, a student with three stripes should pass to the next color belt with no problem, but one who has no stripes will probably need to work much harder, and make significant improvement. It is possible that this student will be upgraded to a three stripe belt before testing again for the full grade advancement to a new color belt.
Some schools will give every student who passes a test the plain belt with no stripes. Then, the student will be awarded a stripe for having good attendance each week prior to the next test, and for completing each segment of the lesson plan for the next promotion. In this instance, the student would be required to obtain all necessary stripes (three, four, five, or six - depending on the school's requirements) before being eligible to test.
These are some of the reasons for using stripes. As is often debated, a student could learn Taekwondo without stripes, without color belts, or even without the use of belts at all, but many (myself included) feel that there is sufficient benefit in the use of this modern tool of goal setting, and visual reward for accomplishing said goals, that we strive to teach students the value while balancing with humility and understanding. Only those who misuse and abuse this concept will suffer in the long run. Students should ignore any abuse, and focus on what is important - - successful training of the mind, body, and spirit.
Check with your instructor to see if any of the above reasons fit your school's purpose for stripes. If there is a different reason, please share it with us here!
Thanks,
CM D.J. Eisenhart
