Traditional Taekwondo Belt Order & Ranks

Character NOW, Dragons, Tigers & Core

Our Character NOW approach utilizes the traditional Tenets of Taekwondo and Student Oath as well as a rotation of targeted character values to teach our students how to approach life situations and give them the words to talk about hard subjects. This is incorporated into all of our programs.

Our Dragons (ages 4-6) and Tigers (ages 6.5-8) are tailor-made classes for younger children with rapidly growing bodies (bones, brains, muscles, and nerves!) to work on gross motor skills through traditional basic Taekwondo techniques without the intricate moves that their bodies are not ready for. Combined with an age-appropriate approach to character and self-defense, our Dragons and Tigers flourish with Master Instructor Steven M. Austin Sr.

  • Our Dragons program contains 16 belt colors and is approximately 32 months long.
  • Our Tiger program contains 9 belt colors and is approximately 18 months long.

See Master Austin for Dragon and Tiger testing requirement details.

Our Core Program consists of classes for kids ages 8+, teens, and adults. Core is the traditional program as passed down from our instructors. Following traditional Chang-Hun forms, we build our students to black belt and beyond.
Question: Why are some of the meanings of the forms different?
Answer: When the original form meanings were written, the authors hadn’t imagined how widespread Taekwondo was going to become and did not predict translation errors, cultural divergences, and generational gaps. We have revised the meanings to help our students better understand the stories behind the names.

Tenets

Courtesy

The act of demonstrating respect, kindness, and consideration towards others, often through gracious behavior, and an awareness of their personal inner feelings.

Integrity

The quality of being honest, having strong moral principles, and adhering to ethical standards consistently. It involves doing the right thing, even when it's difficult.

Perseverance

The quality of pushing forward in pursuit of a goal, despite obstacles, or difficulties. It involves determination, resilience, and a willingness to keep trying, even in adversity.

Self-Control

The ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behavior in order to achieve a goal or to respond in a constructive manner to a difficult or challenging situation.

Indomitable Spirit

An inner strength that enables a person to persevere in the face of adversity, to overcome obstacles and challenges, and to remain steadfast in pursuit of their goals.

Student Oath

  • I shall respect my instructors and senior students.
  • I shall never misuse Taekwondo.
  • I shall observe the tenets of Taekwondo.
  • I will be a champion of freedom and justice.
  • I will build a more peaceful world.