Rank is awarded after promotional testing, done by invitation offered to each student according to his or her individual progress. Testing occurs quarterly.
Belt colors can be very confusing, as they are not consistent between styles (i.e. Tang Soo Do, Kung fu, Tae Kwon Do), or even within styles (there are several different Tang Soo Do federations). The belt colors are:
| White represents a primitive stage, ready to learn and grow. It is the dormant stage of a new member. | Beginner | 10th Gup |  |
| 9th Gup |  |
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| Purple represents new growth, like the spring season. The member has new knowledge to grow and a sense of Tang Soo Do direction is developed. | Advanced Beginner | 8th Gup |  |
| 7th Gup |  |
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| Green represents the speedy development of youth as summer arrives, a sense of pride has come over the member. | Intermediate | 6th Gup |  |
| 5th Gup |  |
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| 4th Gup |  |
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| Red represents power, stability, agility, weight and wisdom. This is like the high school years. The member begins to flower and bloom. | Advanced | 3rd Gup |  |
| 2nd Gup |  |
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| 1st Gup |  |
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| Navy Blue represents maturity, respect, & honor. It is the completion of a goal or one stage of life. The mind is clear and calm. The body is a machine that can move and react in a split second. | Black Belt 1st-3rd "degree" |
1st Dan |  |
| 2nd Dan |  |
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| 3rd Dan |  |
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| Navy Blue w/Red is a new pathway to higher ranks of black belt. It is graduating from high school and going to college to become a Master. | Master 4th-6th "degree" |
4th Dan |  |
| 5th Dan |  |
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| 6th Dan |  |
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| Senior Master 7th-8th "degree" |
7th Dan |  |
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| 8th Dan |  |
