Kup Grading
The belt grading system in Taekwondo is a structured way to show a student’s progress, skill level, and experience.
Though the belt colors are symbolic, the real focus is on skill, consistency, and personal development rather than rank.
Moving between Kup grades usually takes a few months per level
Achieving a black belt often takes 3–5 years of consistent training
Students are tested on:
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Forms (poomsae)
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Sparring
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Kicking, Punching, Blocking techniques
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Breaking techniques
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Discipline and attitude
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Terminology
10th Kup - White Belt
Basic blocks, kicks, punches, stances.
attempt of first pattern
foam board technique for breaking
one for one kicking
coordination, balance , effort and attitude and a basic understanding of etiquette.
9th Kup - Yellow Tag
Basic blocks, kicks, punches, stances.
Pattern one
foam board technique for breaking
one for one kicking
coordination, balance , effort and attitude and a basic understanding of etiquette.
8th Kup - Yellow Belt
Basic blocks, kicks, punches, stances.
pattern two
foam board technique for breaking
one for one kicking
coordination, balance , effort and attitude and a good understanding of etiquette.
7th Kup - Green Tag
Basic blocks, kicks, punches, stances.
pattern three
foam board technique for breaking
one for one kicking
coordination, balance , effort and attitude and a good understanding of etiquette.
6th Kup - Green Belt
more advanced blocks, kicks, punches, stances.
pattern four
foam board technique
Sparring
one step
an understanding of basic locks and holds.
5th Kup - Blue Tag
more advanced blocks, kicks, punches, stances.
pattern five
foam board technique
Sparring
one step
self defence, releases and counter attacks.
4th Kup - Blue Belt
more advanced blocks, kicks, punches, stances.
pattern six
foam board technique
Sparring
one step
self defence, releases and counter attacks.
3rd Kup - Red tag
more advanced blocks, kicks, punches, stances.
pattern seven
board technique
Sparring
one step
self defence, releases and counter attacks.
2nd Kup - Red Belt
Advanced blocks, kicks, punches, stances.
pattern eight
board technique
Sparring
one step
self defence, releases and counter attacks.
1st Kup - Black Tag
Advanced blocks, kicks, punches, stances.
high standard of all Kup patterns
board technique
Sparring
one step
self defence, releases and counter attacks.
Black Belt
​The first Dan black belt symbolises the transition from beginner to student.
This is a huge milestone and the grading takes place under a panel of high grade masters from 5th - 8th Dan in a different setting from the club.
The time between grading increases between each Dan grade due to more advanced techniques and knowledge being required. As students gain these milestones they begin to learn other skills such as knife defence and a deeper knowledge of the martial art and its history. The journey from student to Master takes years and Master grade is awarded at 5th Dan.
Before gradings forms are given out in lessons to those eligible to grade, these will tell you your time slot, payment needs to be made either through the website or in club. This must be done before the deadline stated on the sheet or students will be unable to grade. The dates for all Kup gradings this year can be found below.
Saturday 7th February 2026
Saturday 23rd May 2026
Saturday 12th September 2026​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Full Do-Bok (suit) and belt are required for gradings, as well as a British Taekwondo licence and for higher grades (green belt and above) sparring kit is required. Do-Bok and sparring kit can be ordered through the shop tab, the British Taekwondo licence application can be accessed through the link below (this licence is to be renewed yearly).
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British Taekwondo Licence
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Complete all information required and make payment, you should select "regular membership" for your member type and "Kang Han Taekwondo Ravenshead" for your club.
If you previously had a licence through the old membership system you will need to log into your account and create a new password. If you did not receive the email when the hub updated in May 2025 you can go onto the new system using the email previously used and select "create new password" this should allow you into your original account.
When you have created or renewed this membership please notify us.
If you have any issues please ask in club or send a message!
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A British Taekwondo licence is your official membership with the national governing body for Taekwondo in the UK. It’s more than just a card—it confirms you’re recognised, insured, and allowed to train and grade within affiliated clubs.
🥋Your Licence🥋
1. Insurance
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It includes personal accident insurance while training at a registered club
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This is one of the main reasons it’s required
2. Grading eligibility
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You can’t take belt gradings (yellow belt, green belt, etc.) without a valid licence
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Your grades are officially recorded under your membership
3. Official recognition
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It proves you’re training in a recognised British Taekwondo club
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Your rank is logged and transferable within the system
4. Competitions
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Needed to enter official tournaments (local, national, international)
5. Safeguarding & standards
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Ensures your club follows proper coaching, safety, and child protection standards set by the governing body
