Belts and Required Poomsae

The SMS Tae Kwon Do School teaches both the Pal Gwe and Tae Guk poomsae (patterns) in the manner of the WTF (World Tae Kwon Do Federation). There are 20 patterns in total, which must be learned prior to reaching the level of black belt. Master Kim does not believe in requiring formal testing dates for patterns and belt elevation. Master Kim continuously tests his students in every facet of their performance. He decides whether a student has completely mastered the required poomsae and techniques, including possessing the requisite level of skill in all other areas of training in order to progress to the next level.

White belt
  • H-Forms 1,2,3 (Kicho Il Bon, Yi Bon and Sam Bon)
  • Sar Bang Pang-wi (4 sided block)
  • One-step sparring:1-5
  • Basic understanding of kicking, punching, blocking and other important skills and techniques
Yellow belt
  • Pal Gwe Il Jang, Tae Guk Il Jang
  • Pal Gwe Yi Jang, Tae Guk Yi Jang
  • Pal Gwe Sam Jang, Tae Guk Sam Jang
  • Pal Gwe Sa Jang, Tae Guk Sa Jang
  • One-step sparring: 6-10
  • At this level, the student joins the sparring circle and begins to develop control and understanding of the various fighting techniques
Green belt
  • Pal Gwe Oh Jang, Tae Guk Oh Jang
  • One-step sparring:11-15
Purple belt
  • Pal Gwe Yuk Jang, Tae Guk Yuk Jang
  • One-step sparring: 16a, 16b-20
Brown belt
  • Pal Gwe Chil Jang, Tae Guk Chil Jang
  • At this level, students are expected to know all One-step sparring forms from 1-20
Black belt
  • Pal Gwe Pal Jang, Tae Guk Pal Jang
  • One-step sparring: 21
  • Three-step sparring: 1-2
  • Grappling (Self defense): 1-2
  • Student must be able to demonstrate ability to use various combinations and techniques while sparring
First Dan
  • Koryo
  • Three-step sparring: 3-6
  • Grappling (Self defense): 1-2
Second Dan
  • Keumgang
  • Grappling (Self defense): 3-7
  • Sitting techniques: 1-7
Third Dan
  • Taebeck
Fourth Dan
  • Pyongwon
Fifth Dan
  • Sipjin
Sixth Dan
  • Jitae
Seventh Dan
  • Chunkwon
Eighth Dan
  • Hansu
Ninth Dan
  • Ilyeo

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