Taekwondo black belt levels follow the dan system. Most students spend about two to three years earning their 1st Dan black belt, and many then wonder what comes next: how many black belt levels there are and what it takes to reach each one. There are nine tested Dan ranks plus an honorary 10th Dan, and children under 15 hold Poom ranks instead. This guide explains each level, from time requirements to poomsae.
This guide focuses on the World Taekwondo (WT) and Kukkiwon system, the global standard for Taekwondo ranks, but note that other organizations like ITF or ATA may have different requirements (see ITF belt ranks and ATA belt ranks). From your first Dan to Grandmaster status, here’s what you need to know about Taekwondo’s black belt levels.
Understanding the Black Belt System: Dan and Poom
In Taekwondo, black belt ranks are called Dan (degrees) for adults and Poom for children under 15. These ranks signify mastery, discipline, and growth, with each level building on the last. Reaching 1st Dan typically takes 2–3 years of consistent training, starting from a white belt and moving through the colored belts. From there, advancing through the 10 Dan levels—or 4 Poom levels for kids—requires years of dedication, skill, and contributions to the art.
Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters, oversees official Dan and Poom certifications, so the ranks are recognized around the globe. Certification involves fees (set by Kukkiwon) and registration, often handled by your school. Each rank comes with a specific poomsae (form), testing requirements, and minimum time in grade, as outlined in the table below:
| Belt Level | Years in Grade | Name | Poomsae | Min. Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Dan/Poom | Usually 2–3 years from white belt (set by your school) | Cho Dan | Koryo | 15 (Dan), under 15 (Poom) |
| 2nd Dan/Poom | 1 year | Ee Dan | Keumgang | 16 (15 from Poom) |
| 3rd Dan/Poom | 2 years | Sam Dan | Taebaek | 18 (15 from Poom) |
| 4th Dan/Poom | 3 years | Sa Dan | Pyongwon | 21 (18 from Poom) |
| 5th Dan | 4 years | Oh Dan | Sipjin | 25 (22 from Poom) |
| 6th Dan | 5 years | Yuk Dan | Jitae | 30 |
| 7th Dan | 6 years | Chil Dan | Cheonkwon | 36 |
| 8th Dan | Set by Kukkiwon | Pal Dan | Hansu | Set by Kukkiwon |
| 9th Dan | Set by Kukkiwon | Ku Dan | Ilyo | Set by Kukkiwon |
| 10th Dan | Honorary | Sip Dan | None | Honorary |
The Path to Each Black Belt Level
1st Dan/Poom: The Senior Student
Earning your 1st Dan or Poom marks you as a senior student, typically after 2–3 years of training. You must be at least 15 for Dan or under 15 for Poom. Tests vary by school but often include the Koryo poomsae, one-step and free sparring, board breaking (e.g., two 1-inch boards), self-defense and, at some schools, a written exam on Taekwondo history and etiquette. You’ll need to demonstrate proficiency in all color belt techniques, showing speed, power, and focus.
At this stage, you may begin assisting with classes, teaching white belts or younger students under your instructor’s guidance. This role builds leadership and reinforces your skills. For Poom holders, tests are less physically demanding but still rigorous, focusing on forms and basics.
2nd Dan/Poom: The Certified Instructor
After at least 1 year as a 1st Dan or Poom, you can test for 2nd Dan (minimum age 16) or 2nd Poom. The Keumgang poomsae, symbolizing strength, is required, along with advanced sparring, breaking (e.g., multiple boards with different techniques), and self-defense against grabs or weapons. A written exam may cover Taekwondo philosophy or Kukkiwon standards.
In many schools you can now become an instructor (Kyosa Nim), teaching older or intermediate students with a Master’s oversight. This level emphasizes refining techniques and mentoring others, reflecting Taekwondo’s tenet of integrity.
3rd Dan/Poom: The Senior Instructor
With 2 years as a 2nd Dan or Poom, you can test for 3rd Dan (minimum age 18) or 3rd Poom. The Taebaek poomsae, representing sacredness, is central, alongside complex sparring, breaking (e.g., three boards with a single kick), and self-defense scenarios. Written exams may test leadership or advanced terminology.
As a Senior Instructor, you guide color belt students and assist with black belt training. Your role in the dojang grows, emphasizing perseverance and responsibility.
4th Dan/Poom: The Master
After 3 years, you can test for 4th Dan (minimum age 21) or 4th Poom. The Pyongwon poomsae, symbolizing vastness, is required, along with high-level sparring, breaking (e.g., spinning or jumping kicks), and self-defense against multiple opponents. You may need to submit an essay on Taekwondo’s impact or teach a class independently.
In many schools, a 4th Dan is called a Master (Sabum Nim) and can lead black belt classes. Many 4th Dans open their own schools.
5th Dan: The Experienced Master
With 4 years as a 4th Dan, you can test for 5th Dan (minimum age 25). The Sipjin poomsae, representing stability, is key, alongside demonstrations of all prior poomsae, advanced breaking, and teaching proficiency. Physical tests lessen, with focus on your contributions, like mentoring instructors or organizing events.
In many organizations, a 5th Dan can recommend black belts for promotion and train assistant instructors to become Masters, embodying Taekwondo’s tenet of indomitable spirit.
6th–7th Dan: The Senior Master
After 5 years (6th Dan, minimum age 30) and 6 years (7th Dan, minimum age 36), you test for Senior Master ranks. Poomsae include Jitae (6th, symbolizing humanity) and Cheonkwon (7th, representing heaven). Tests emphasize teaching, leadership, and contributions, such as refereeing or serving on a Taekwondo board. Physical demonstrations are tailored to age, focusing on technique over power.
You work under a Grandmaster, training instructors and shaping the dojang’s culture, reflecting deep commitment to Taekwondo.
8th–9th Dan: The Grandmaster
Achieving 8th Dan or 9th Dan marks you as a Grandmaster (Kwan Jang Nim). Kukkiwon sets long minimum times in grade and high minimum ages for both. Poomsae include Hansu (8th, symbolizing water) and Ilyo (9th, representing unity). Physical tests are reduced, and candidates must show lifelong dedication through leadership, refereeing or the promotion of Taekwondo.
These ranks are rare, reserved for those who’ve shaped the art, like founding schools or mentoring generations of black belts.
10th Dan: The Great Grandmaster
The 10th Dan is an honorary rank, awarded to those who’ve profoundly influenced Taekwondo, like pioneers or global ambassadors, sometimes posthumously. No poomsae is assigned, as this level transcends technique, honoring a legacy of service.
Children’s Poom Ranks
For students under 15, Poom ranks (1st to 4th) replace Dan ranks. After earning a red-black belt (1st Geup), a child can test for 1st Poom, requiring about 2–3 years from white belt. Subsequent Poom levels require 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Tests focus on poomsae (e.g., Koryo for 1st Poom), simpler breaking, and basic sparring, with no adult-level self-defense or teaching. At 15, Poom ranks can be converted to the corresponding Dan, allowing progression to higher levels.
Beyond the Belt: The True Meaning of Black Belt
For many, the black belt is the ultimate goal, but it is really the start. Many instructors describe tying on a black belt as starting again as a white belt, ready to learn anew. Each Dan level deepens your skills, philosophy, and responsibility to pass on Taekwondo’s values, the five tenets: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit.
Testing varies by school and association (e.g., WT, ITF, ATA), so check with your instructor for specifics. Kukkiwon’s standards include physical tests (forms, sparring, breaking), mental preparation (exams, essays), and service (teaching, refereeing). Higher Dans reward contributions, like founding dojangs or promoting Taekwondo globally. Traditionally, students never wash their belt—it carries the “battle scars” of your training, a tradition symbolizing hard-earned knowledge.
Tips for Your Black Belt Training
Advancing through Dan ranks takes discipline and patience. Train 2–3 times weekly, attend special classes (e.g., sparring or breaking), and practice poomsae daily to internalize patterns. Assist in classes to hone teaching skills, and study Taekwondo’s history and tenets for written exams. Mentally, embrace setbacks as growth opportunities, aligning with Taekwondo’s philosophy of resilience. Under a qualified instructor, your progress will reflect your commitment rather than time served.
For more on Taekwondo’s roots, read about the history of taekwondo. From 1st Dan to a distant Grandmaster rank, every step on this path builds skill and character.