Progress in our traditional form of Korean Karate, Soo Bahk Do, is measured by the award of a color belt or stripe  is based on the knowledge, skill, time and effort a student has dedicated to their study of our martial art.  The time requirements are are based on consistent training at a Certified Moo Do Kwan Federation Studio. Member studio's in the US Moo Do Kwan Federation are numbered based when the studio earned its accreditation; Kenyon's Soo Bahk Do San Diego is studio number SI-19 honored to be one of the charter schools of the organization

There are there levels of membership.  The initial category are the Gup Members (Grade Holder), the second are the Dan Members (Degree Holder) and finally the Ko Dan Ja Members (Senior Dan Holder – Master Ranking). The Soo Bahk Do belt ranking system differs from other forms of the martial arts and karate. The primary distinction in our belt ranking is that our highest belt is not a black belt; rather it is a midnight blue belt

White Belt - Winter (Meaning - Emptiness, innocence, hidden potential, purity.)

As a white belt you represent Winter.  Your potential and skills are hidden under the pure white snow.  As you begin your journey, through training and time your skills and potential will begin to appear.

Orange Belt - Time between Winter & Spring
Orange belt was originally added by Grandmaster Hwang Kee in 1975, this level was designed as an extra stage of encouragement and motivation.  As an orange belt you represent the time between winter and spring.  Through your training, some of your skills and potential are beginning to appear like the stalk of a plant pushing up through the snow. 

Green Belt - Spring (Meaning - Growth, spreading, advancement.) 
As a green belt you represent Spring. Through hard work and training your potential and skills are becoming much more visible, like the new growth of a plant in spring. Just like a new plant your skills must be nurtured through continued hard work and practice so they will continue to grow and blossom. 

Red Belt - Summer (Meaning - Ripening, "Yang," active.) 
As a red belt you represent Summer. With much hard work, your skills and potential have blossomed and are visible like the petals of a flower.  Your training has provided you with strong roots and foundation in Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan.  You are able to accept life's challenges with confidence and a positive attitude. 

Midnight Blue - Autumn (Meaning - Maturity, "Um," passive, harvest.) 
As a Dan you represent Autumn, "Maturity and harvesting the crops".  The time spent training has provided you with the skills and maturity to better understand and use Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan.  This knowledge allows you to continue to grow physically and mentally as well as lead a healthy and disciplined life.