HORANGI TANG SOO DO
Gradings & Progression
Every student progresses at their own pace. Our structured grading system allows students to develop their knowledge, technique, confidence and character as they journey through the belt grades.
Progression is based on regular attendance, time spent at the current grade, understanding of the syllabus and readiness demonstrated during training.
Your Journey Through the Belts
The Horangi Tang Soo Do grading system provides a clear pathway from beginner to advanced student. Each belt represents a stage of development and introduces new skills, knowledge and responsibilities.
Belt colours represent progress, but the true achievement lies in the knowledge, discipline, confidence and character developed along the way.
When Can I Grade?
Gradings are an opportunity for students to demonstrate the progress they have made during regular training. Before being invited to grade, students must meet the minimum requirements for their current belt and show that they are ready to progress.
Time at Grade
Students must complete
the minimum waiting
period for their current
grade.
Class Attendance
Students must attend the required minimum number of classes and train regularly.
​
​
Syllabus knowledge
Students must demonstrate the techniques, forms, terminology and knowledge required for their belt.
Instructor Approval
The instructor will decide when a student is ready and issue an invitation to grade.
​
​
Meeting the minimum waiting time and class attendance requirements does not automatically guarantee progression. Students will only be invited to grade when their instructor believes they are ready.
What Is Included in a Grading
A grading allows students to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and personal development appropriate to their current level. The exact content changes as students progress through the grades.
Etiquette & Discipline
Respect, focus, presentation and correct behaviour within the dojang.
Stances, blocks, hand techniques and combinations appropriate to the student’s grade.
Kicking Techniques
Individual kicks and kicking combinations, demonstrating control, balance and accuracy.
Partner Work
Pre-arranged techniques performed safely and with control alongside a partner.
Practical responses appropriate to the student’s grade and level of experience.
RControlled sparring may be assessed where appropriate for the student’s grade.
Korean Terminology
Understanding and responding to the Korean commands and terminology used during training.
Students are assessed on improvement, effort, attitude, control and understanding—not simply physical ability.
Minimum Training Requirements
The table below shows the minimum time and class attendance required at each stage. These are minimum requirements; students must also demonstrate the appropriate knowledge, technique, attitude and readiness before being invited to grade.
Grade
Belt
Minimum time
Classes
9th Gup
White
First day
20
8th Gup
Yellow
2-4 months from beginning
20
7th Gup
Orange
4 months after previous grading
20
6th Gup
Green
4 months after previous grading
20
5th Gup
Green with one tag
4 months after previous grading
20
4th Gup
Green with two tag
4 months after previous grading
20
3rd Gup
Red
4 months after previous grading
20
2rd Gup
Red with one tag
4 months after previous grading
20
1st Gup
Red with two tag
4 months after previous grading
20
Cho Dan Bo
Red and black
4 months after previous grading
20
Cho Dan
1st Dan
Black with one gold stripe
4-12 months after previous grading
40
These are minimum requirements and do not automatically qualify a student to grade. Grading invitations are issued when the instructor believes the student is ready.
Forms Through the Grades
Students learn new hyungs as they progress through the grades. Each form develops coordination, balance, technique, focus and understanding. Students are expected to continue practising previously learned forms alongside the new requirements for their grade.
White Belt
White Tag
Yellow Belt
Orange Belt
Green Belt
Green belt one tag
Green belt two tag
Red Belt
Red belt one tag
Red belt two tag​
​
Cho Dan Bo​
​
Cho Dan - Black Belt​
​
​
At the instructor’s discretion
Horangi Hyung Sam Bu • Kook Jae Moo Duk Hyung Il Jang
Pyung Hwa Cho Dan • Kook Jae Moo Duk Hyung E Jang
Pyung Hwa E Dan • Kook Jae Moo Duk Hyung Sam Jang
Pyung Hwa Sam Dan • Chil Sung E Ro
Pyung Hwa Sa Dan • Chil Sung Il Ro • Bong Hyung Il Bu
Pyung Hwa O Dan • Chil Sung Sam Ro • Bong Hyung E Bu
Palchae So • Palchae Dae • Bong Hyung Sam Bu
​
Naibojin Cho Dan • Naibojin E Dan • Moo Duk Kwan Bong Hyung​
Naibojin Sam Dan • Chil Sung O Ro • Yuk Ro E Dan (Joong Jol) • Dan Gum Hyung E Bu • Yong Mun Hyung​
The forms shown are introduced at each level. Students may also be required to demonstrate forms learned at earlier grades.