Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan's Belt Ranking and uniform requirements, and why Soo Bahk Do practitioners wear Midnight Blue belts instead of Black Belts.

The Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan's philosophy considers "black" as a colour which does not get darker therefore symbolizing and ending or death, which contradicts the Moo Duk Kwan's philosophy. Midnight blue on the other hand, symbolizes many things; Water, which is necessary for life and growth, the autumn sky, which represents harvest time and the seasons, and much more positive ideals, which are in harmony with the Moo Duk Kwan's philosophy. Midnight Blue is not better than Black, it just represents the "Moo Duk Kwan's" philosophy more appropriately. It would be very convenient for Moo Duk Kwan practitioners to adopt the popular "Black Belt" as its rank, but it has never been the GrandMasters or Moo Duk Kwan's philosophy to do what is "convenient" but to put its philosophy in action. Rather than compromise for popularity the Moo Duk Kwan (School of Martial Virtue) sacrifices for what it believes is the Moo Do (martial way).

The uniform worn by modern Soo Bahk Do practitioners dates back to Koreas ancient warriors, The same uniform was worn by the royal guard of Korea as well as its armies. It is a white uniform with Midnight blue trim all around the borders and sleeves. The White shows our commitment to avoid blood shed and Midnight blue represents our belief that although we have attained a certain level of proficiency, we still realize we have a lot more to learn. In the Moo Duk Kwan we believe actions sometimes speak louder than words, So the way the uniform flaps are worn down to the way the belt is tied is symbolic of the Moo Duk Kwan's philosophy of "inner strength and outward peacefulness" The practitioner in your Do Jang (School) that wear this midnight blue uniform, are part of a long heritage dating back to the knights of Korea. You too with hard work, dedication and perseverance will become part of this heritage.

The uniform as well as the colours of Soo Bahk Do's belt ranking system is a reflection of natures cycles. The first belt colour white represents winter, the second colour orange represents early spring, the third green symbolizes springtime, red belt symbolizes summer and Midnight Blue the fall or harvest time. There are nine ranks before becoming a Dan member (Midnight Blue belt holder) The ranks start at 10th Gup. 10th Gup is not actually a rank its 0 or a beginner. Five of the belt ranks are colours and four are stripes on the belt tip which are blue coloured to represent the students Dan (midnight blue belt) potential. When a student reaches 1st Gup he/she then is a possible Dan candidate. Once a Dan candidate is ready and they receive their instructors permission they are allowed to test at the annual Yu Dan Ja Shim Sa (Midnight blue belt test). After reaching the goal of Midnight Blue belt, the Moo Duk Kwan student then starts a "new beginning" and are called "Cho Dan" which literally means "new beginning". They then progress to Yi (second), and Sam (third) Dan.

Becoming a Soo Bahk Do Master

After a student reaches his/her 4th year as a Sam Dan (third Dan, which takes about 14 years) they are then evaluated many times for their consideration for the Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa (Masters test). The Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa has become legendary in Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan for its challenge. The "masters" test is eight days long, candidates have trained up to 16 hours each day during the eight day test. After seven extremely challenging days the candidates then test on the eighth day. Its easy to perform well when you are rested and refreshed, but that doesn't build a "Never retreat in battle" attitude. Hence testing on the last day. Performing successfully when you have pushed your body to its limits can only build that kind of mentality. Once candidates pass the Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa successfully, they are then allowed the honour of wearing the Ko Dan Ja Dee, a Midnight blue belt with a red stripe horizontally through its centre, this represents a balance and harmony of two forces which we call "Neh Kang Weh Yu" literally meaning "strength inside an gentleness outside".

What is the Dan Bon system?

The Dan Bon system was created by GrandMaster Hwang Kee. It is the numerical lineage of seniority dating back to GrandMasters first students. It is our living heritage. Thousands upon thousands of Midnight Blue belts or "Dan members" are part of this heritage, forming the "long blue line", from GrandMasters first student, to others Dans holders. My Dan Bon is 035351 and I'm very proud of my Dan Bon . Many famous people and quite a few of today's famous martial arts movie stars have been Moo Duk Kwan practitioners, for example; Pat Johnson Dan , choreographed the fight scenes in All four Karate Kid movies, as well as All the ninja turtles and Mortal Kombat. Cynthia Rothrock, Dan , Chian Obrian, Above the Law, ? You've seen the Moo Duk Kwan style for years you just haven't known it.

What is the significance of the lapel pins?

When you become a member of the Moo Duk Kwan, you will receive your lapel pin upon passing your first test. The lapel pin is the Moo Duk Kwan symbol, the fist, wreath and scroll. There are three types of lapel pins Copper, Silver and Gold. Which in ancient times were the three precious metals. The copper pin is for Gups (below Dan level) the silver for Dans and the Gold for Ko Dan Ja and above. Copper is a abundant metal that has much potential, it can be used in communication, transmit energy, heat and water. Silver is a more pure and precious metal symbolizing the preciousness and value of a Dan member, Gold the most precious of the three is both the rarest and the purest symbolizing the preciousness of attaining the "Master" rank in Soo Bahk Do.