Belts in martial arts are very symbolic. They give participants an identity through the different stages they are in and also what they have covered.
This applies to other arts like karate or judo. The purple belt in Taekwondo is a significant color representing the stage at which students achieve foundational knowledge.
Taekwondo belts give an impression of the learning you have to do in different stages and phases, whether complex or challenging.
The most significant part is the special attention given to children to help them advance from the current belt to the other.
The process may take months or years, so with each phase, more challenges build on the skills and Taekwondo knowledge.
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What does the purple belt mean in Taekwondo?
The purple belt holds a heavy meaning representing a darkening sky. This highlights the heaviness that is expected with the continuous learning journey and the challenges that come with the process.
At this stage, the student is usually well-equipped with the foundational knowledge of Taekwondo which influences the learning process at this stage.
Before the purple belt, the green belt can be said to influence the participant or student into achieving more in the purple belt stage.
With the new abilities and positive attitudes instilled through the green belt stage, they can understand that there is still more to be learned and that they must practice great perseverance which will genuinely improve their performance in the coming stages.
At this stage, students work on the 3600 kick and the form known as the Taeguk Sah Jang.
How long does it take to get a purple belt in Taekwondo?
Getting into each stage of Taekwondo takes time and heavily relies on the student’s ability and the time allocated by the instructor and schools that teach Taekwondo.
Before getting the purple belt, you will have to go through four stages or levels, whereby each level takes a few months and learning processes before actually getting to the purple belt stage.
At this stage, you have to learn more to earn it. By building on the skills and techniques learned in the previous stages, you understand the process better and have a smooth transition to other stages.
The focus should be on understanding and mastering these skills by ensuring that you have practical information and the foundation to earn the purple belt.
What level is the purple belt?
The purple belt is under the intermediate adult ranking, which is set to help qualify lower-ranked students. It is in the 7th gup representing fire.
As described before, it symbolizes the student’s will to learn more and concentrate on what he does. It is the first dark color which also when reflected upon, is meant to show that the skills the student learns can also lead to their destruction.
This ranking stage is demanding, whereby with the knowledge that students have acquired, they have a solid foundation to understand and accommodate more onwards.
Belt colors offer even more meaning to the different learning stages that are meant to show how far the student is to undertake the different roles and the change they experience while transitioning from one stage to the other.
Is it hard to get to the purple belt?
Receiving a purple belt means you will have to possess the skills used in the stage and learn how they are implemented.
This applies to the purple belt and all the stages that are set. With constant training, practice and experience, you achieve practical skills that define your stage, which is essential for awarding these ranks.
The purple belt requires you to learn the Taeguk Sah Jang form and 3600 kicks, which primarily define this stage, among other activities involved.
This stage may be more challenging than the previous attempt, but it is only due to the intensity and depth you experience as you advance from stage to stage.
There is also significant competition from peers and other students, which means you must work hard and aggressively to get your belt.
Closing thoughts
The purple belt stage is challenging and requires a lot from the student. The symbolic meaning of the color also shows how delicate and fiery the stage can be.
It requires concentration and determination to ensure accuracy for your skills and all the foundation information.
This stage is an excellent determinant of the strength you have to harness to achieve your goal and also use the previously learned skills to build on stages to come.
The process length varies, but the teachings are based on the same principles.
