Black Belt
USTMA offers a three-year program that includes the testing and awarding of the black belt, also known as the first Dan level. Undertaking study for black belt requires attendance of twice per week with belt promotions occurring approximately every six weeks.
Two tests are required for full black belt with testing taking place in May and November of each year. When your black belt test time arrives, students will test first for the black belt given under Grandmaster Choi and the following testing period for testing according to Kukkiwon guidelines.
Each belt promotion, or geup level, is awarded through a new colored belt until black belt is achieved. Once the black belt is achieved, the student can choose to pursue study at higher levels such as 2nd Dan (often called 2nd degree) or enter the Master program to acheive the title of Sa bum nim at the 5th Dan level.
Geup levels include the colored belts:
- -White
- -Yellow
- -Orange
- -Green
- -Purple
- -Light Blue
- -Dark Blue
- -Red
- -Light Brown
- -Dark Brown
- -Bo Belt (red and black stripe)
Students enter the dojang as a no belt--belts are never given at USTMA. The student will prepare their form, memorization and basic kicking/punching movements to test for their white belt. Upon achieving white belt, Grandmaster Choi grants a special trophy and speech to explain the path that the student has begun.
At every level of promotion, students are expected to learn cultural, physical and emotional mastery of lessons provided by Grandmaster Choi, masters and instructors. USTMA provides a full handbook developed by Grandmaster Choi and requires a pre-testing period in order to ensure candidacy for the next belt level. Attendance is also required in order to advance.
Each belt promotion is celebrated by a school-wide formal belt ceremony and celebratory lunch. Black belt and Kukkiwon promotions are celebrated by a formal dinner for class members.
To know if you are ready for a black belt program,
