ATA Belt Colors
WHITE "Pure and without the knowledge of Songahm Taekwondo. As with the Pine Tree, the seed must
now be planted and nourished to develop strong roots."
The student has no knowledge of Songahm Taekwondo and begins with a clean (pure) slate.
ORANGE "The sun is beginning to rise. As with the morning's dawn, only the beauty of the sunrise is seen
rather than the immense power."
The beginner student sees the beauty of the art of Taekwondo, but has not yet experienced the
power in the technique.
YELLOW "The seed is beginning to see the sunlight."
The student begins to understand the basics of Taekwondo.
CAMO "The sapling is hidden amongst the taller pines and must now fight its way upwards."
The student begins to realize his/her place in the world's largest martial art. The student must
now begin to spar in order to promote in rank.
GREEN "The pine tree is beginning to develop and grow in strength."
The student's technique is developing power. The components of the basic techniques are
beginning to work in unison.
PURPLE "Coming to the mountain. The tree is in mid-growth and now the path becomes steep."
The student has crossed over into a higher level of Songahm Taekwondo. The techniques,
forms and level of sparring become more difficult creating a "mountain" that must be overcome.
BLUE "The tree reaches for the sky towards new heights."
Having passed the mid-way point, the student focuses his/her energy upward towards black belt.
BROWN "The tree is firmly rooted in the earth."
At this point the student has mastered the basics and developed deep roots in Taekwondo.
RED "The sun is setting. The first phase of growth has been accomplished."
The first day (the period from white belt to red belt) of growth is coming to an end. The physical
skill has been developed but lacks control; therefore, physical and mental discipline must now
be achieved.
REC BLACK "The dawn of a new day. The sun breaks through the darkness."
The previous day has ended giving way to a new dawn. The student must begin a new phase of
training; that of being a black belt.
BLACK BELT "The tree has reached maturity and has overcome the darkness. It must now begin to 'plant
seeds for the future."