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Black belts are ranked in degrees or dans, beginning with first degree and increasing to ninth degree. These are the black belt degrees used by Taekwondo America.

Probationary First Degree

Used by Taekwondo America and other Taekwondo organizations. Some Taekwondo organizations, such as Taekwondo America, use a black belt with a lengthwise white stripe (called a poom by some organizations) as a probationary black belt leading to the first degree black belt. It is essentially another gup, not an actual dan rank.

First Degree Decided

First degree black belts have attained a certain required level of Taekwondo proficiency. With a basic understanding of the concepts and principles of motion and power, they has become formidable fighters, both defensively and offensively. However, these technical skills are greater than their teaching ability, so teaching experience is essential to any further progress.

First Degree Senior

Used by Taekwondo America as an intermediary, transition belt.

Second Degree

Used by the Taekwondo America as an intermediary, transition belt.

Second Degree Decided

With teaching experience, second degree black belts discover that "to teach is to learn," so they begin a self-evaluation of their past mistakes and bad habits. A new sense of responsibility appears and they begin to cultivate an image of authority within the dojang.

Second Degree Senior

Used by the Taekwondo America as an intermediary, transition belt.

Third Degree

Used by the Taekwondo America as an intermediary, transition belt.

Third Degree Decided

Third degree black belts find that first and second degree black belts look to them for guidance and directions. They begin to solidify their position in the dojang and become a vital asset to the head instructor.

Third Degree Senior

Used by the Taekwondo America as an intermediary, transition belt.

Fourth Degree

Fourth degree black belts are permitted to teach lower rank black belts. They assist the head instructor in regional seminars, demonstrations, and other public functions at which the dojang and Taekwondo are represented. Their technical expertise should be noticeably above that of junior black belts, particularly in terms of speed, power, and timing

Fourth Degree Senior

Used by the Taekwondo America as an intermediary, transition belt.

Fifth Degree

Fifth degree black belts begin to teach Taekwondo beyond the realm of the dojang. They begin to develop national responsibilities within their organization. 

Sixth Degree

Master level.  Sixth degree black belts begin to formulate national Taekwondo concepts and principles within their organization. 

Seventh Degree

Senior Master level. Seventh degree black belts are able to ascertain and develop changes in the national teaching curriculum to tailor it to persons, cultures, and agendas. They begin to teach and spread Taekwondo internationally. 

Eighth Degree

Grand Master level. Eighth degree black belts are senior black belts that are admired as true masters of Taekwondo.

Ninth Degree

Senior Grand Master level. Ninth degree black belts have served a lifetime of dedication to the art of Taekwondo. Their years of sacrifice and service to Taekwondo have made them an integral part of the art itself. They have internalized the art until they have actually become a part of it. The rank is so respected by peers and students that even a casual statement by a ninth degree may affect the course of the Taekwondo for years to come.

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