Empowering Fitness & Martial Arts for All!
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that combines physical fighting skills with mental and spiritual discipline. Rooted in centuries of tradition, Taekwondo is not just about fighting but also about developing one's character, self-esteem, and mental strength.
The word Taekwondo is derived from three Korean words:
Tae meaning "foot"
Kwon meaning "fist"
Do meaning "way of" or "discipline"
Thus, Taekwondo translates to "the way of the foot and fist." Though the term was officially coined in 1955, the art has a history spanning over 2,300 years in Korea. Today, Taekwondo is practiced in over 211 countries and is the national sport of South Korea, as well as an Olympic sport.
Benefits of Taekwondo:
Enhance Self-Esteem: By improving both your physical and mental power. Build Confidence: Gain confidence in your abilities and take control of your life. Develop Discipline: Learn the core values of Taekwondo such as Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.
The Dobok (uniform) represents the martial art’s traditions. The Dobok consists of a white top and pants, symbolizing purity and the beginning of one's Taekwondo journey. The uniform also features a belt (Tti) that signifies the rank and progress of the student.
The Meaning of Taekwondo Belts (Tti): Each belt in Taekwondo represents the student's rank, skill level, and mastery of the techniques and disciplines. The belt colors symbolize the stages of personal development:
The belt system provides structure, motivates students, and ensures systematic learning. Each progression serves as recognition of a student's hard work and dedication.
At Somasfit, students work through the following ranks, progressing through levels based on skill and discipline:
Our belt testing fees are structured to ensure fair recognition of your progress. The cost may vary by level and includes the cost of the belt and the examination. Below are the fees for the official Taekwondo belt tests:
The belt system provides a structured way to measure progress and ensures that students learn and master skills step-by-step.
Setting goals to achieve the next belt keeps students motivated and focused on improving.
The requirement to work for each belt instills discipline and a strong work ethic in students.
The belt serves as a tangible acknowledgment of a student's hard work and accomplishments, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
The belt system helps instructors ensure that students are learning systematically and comprehensively.
Wearing a belt reflects a student's commitment to their training and the values of Taekwondo, such as respect, perseverance, and integrity.
The belt system is deeply rooted in martial arts tradition, representing the philosophy and history of Taekwondo.
Progressing through belts is often required to learn advanced techniques, participate in tournaments, or qualify for leadership roles like becoming an assistant instructor.
While not legally mandatory, the belt system is a core part of Taekwondo training. Without it, students miss out on structured growth, recognition, and opportunities to advance. It’s a practical and motivational tool that aligns with the goals of martial arts education.