Grade Levels in International Mo Do Kwan Taekwon-Do Federation

White: 10th geup | Signifies innocence, as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge of taekwon-do – 3 months min requirement.
White with yellow tip: 9th geup | 3 months min. requirement
Yellow: 8th geup | Signifies the earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the foundation of taekwon-do is being laid – 4 months minimum requirement.
Yellow with green tip: 7th geup | 4 months minimum requirement
Green: 6th geup | Signifies the plant’s growth as taekwon-do skills begin to develop – 4 months minimum requirement.
Green with blue tip: 5th geup | 4 months minimum requirement
Blue: 4th geup | Signifies the Heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in taekwon-do progresses – 4 months minimum requirement.
Blue with red tip: 3rd geup | 5 months minimum requirement
Red: 2nd geup | Signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away – 6 months minimum requirement.
Red with black tip: 1st geup | 1 year requirement

Black Belts:

1st dan Black – Opposite of white, therefore signifying maturity and proficiency in taekwon-do; also indicates the wearer’s imperviousness to darkness and fear. (must remain at this rank at least one and a half (1½) years). The practitioner is given the title of “Bosabum-nim”

2nd dan Assistant Instructor (must remain at this rank at least 2 years)

3rd dan Assistant Instructor (must remain at this rank at least 3 years)

4th dan International Instructor (must remain at this rank at least 4 years). Minimum age is 21. The practitioner becomes a “Sabum-Nim”

7th dan Master Instructor (must remain at this rank at least 7 years). The practitioner becomes a “Sakhyo-nim”. Minimum age is 40