The graphic below illustrates the belt philosophy of LifeTrek Martial Arts. While it is possible for a student to progress to black belt within 4 years, the process is typically longer.

It is a process that cannot and should not be rushed. Martial arts is a personal, lifelong journey, and we all progress at a different pace. This should not be a discouragement to you – rather, it should be an encouragement to be the very best YOU can be.

Below, there is more info on the meaning of each belt color. There are “half” ranks between each belt that a student must achieve, as well.

		Beginner’s belt color. White represents a primitive stage of achievement. Thus, the seed as it lies dormant beneath the snows of winter.
		Orange represents new growth which appears in spring, our Tang Soo knowledge begins to reveal itself.
		Green represents the speedy development of youth as summer arrives.
		Brown represents power, stability, agility, weight and wisdom. This is a stabilizing stage, both mentally and physically, analogous to the plants which curtail their growth and prepare to flower in late summer.
		Red represents blood, life, energy, attention and control. The students power and techniques begin to bloom and ripen.
		Blue represents maturity, respect, and honor. Our blue belt is given to the Cho Dan Bo (Black belt candidate). They must now prepare mind and body for the final step needed to attain Black belt.
		Black represents mastery, calmness, dignity, sincerity. Black Belt is the final stage of one life cycle and the beginning of the next. Thus, we see that it is not only the end of one stage but, more importantly, the beginning of a path which leads up through the ranks of the higher Black Belts to true mastery.