At Kwan Martial Arts Academy we teach the traditional Korean Martial Art known as Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan. Ours is on the development of life skills through hard work. Tang Soo Do is excellent for fitness. Regular training improves muscle tone, stamina and helps promote good mental health.
Kwan Martial Arts Academy
“Kwan” translation in Korean literally means building or hall, but when used in martial arts it can also refer to a school or clan of martial artists who follow the same style and/or leader. Kwan Martial Arts Academy was founded in August 2017 by Master Keith Chang.
Belt System
The Tang Soo Do belt system is based on the cycle of the seasons and represents the student’s growth and maturity. The colors stand out and the belt is an obtainable physical item the student can aim for, achieve and gain a sense of pride in wearing.
A common misconception is that the Black Belt(Dan) is the last belt in Karate and many martial arts but it is our philosophy that the Black Belt represents the student who has learned the techniques of Tang Soo Do to a proficient level and can now train in earnest while developing their own personal style. With the Colour(Gup) Grades, white tags are added to distinguish the different requirements.
Gup Grades
White Belt 10th Gup
The primitive stage, the student is ready to learn and grow
Yellow Belt 9th Gup
The student is like a newborn baby, ready to take the first steps into the Martial Arts life
Purple Belt 8th,7th Gup
New growth like the spring. The student has gained a sense of knowledge and a sense of direction is developed.
Green Belt 6th,5th,4th Gup
Speedy development in terms of technique and power. Comparable to Summer, a sense of understanding is formed
Red Belt 3rd, 2nd, 1st Gup
Power. Stability. Agility. Pride. Wisdom. These 5 Key aspects represent the student blossoming like a flower.
Black Belt 1st Dan
Maturity. Respect. Honour. It is the completion of learning and the beginning of training and development of self.
Dan Grades
10 Dan grades exist past the Gup Grades. These show the years of training the holder has spent training. While some organisations may distinguish between the Dan Grade Belts, Kwan’s are as follows.
1st, 2nd and 3rd Dan simply add a White Tag per grade.
4th Dan Master Grade has a Deep Red Line in the middle of the belt.