Gold Belt (8th Gup)
Traditional Meaning:
The gold belt symbolizes the oak seed being planted and starting to develop strong roots. However, there is still a great effort to reach the surface and become a tree. The gold belt student has developed strong roots in Tae Kwon Do, but their potential is still not reached and they must exhibit a strong work ethic to develop their skills. The color gold also stands for truth. The gold belt must be truthful to themselves in order to eliminate the ego and strengthen their personal commitment.
Our Interpretation:
Gold belt is an extremely exciting time for a student. At this level you are still a beginner, but you also now have a little bit of knowledge at your disposal. You must, however, understand that a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing in the wrong hands. The gold belt is expected to continue their diligence in training that they exhibited as a white belt, and must remember to keep training using their white belt techniques. This is also the level where the students are allowed to begin free sparring. Free sparring is a fun activity, but injury can occur if the student loses control of themselves – self control is a must for every martial artist. For this reason gold belts must listen to their instructors even more than at white belt level. We want you to learn, but at the same time do not want anyone to get hurt. If you continue on the path of following and respecting your instructors you will do well as gold belt and be on your way to your next belt level.
Dan-Gun – (21 moves) Dan Gun is named after the Holy Dan Gun, the legendary founder of Korea in the year 2333 B.C..