Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do
Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do is one of the most prestigious martial arts programs in the world. Founded in 1962 by 10th Degree Black Belt Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee, the father of American Tae Kwon Do, the Institute is now celebrating 50 years. Some famous students of Grand Master Rhee include Muhammad Ali, George Allen, Jack Anderson, Bruce Lee, and more than 100 U.S. Congressmen and Senators.
Because our instructional approach is the culmination of half a century of ongoing development and refinement, we have a truly proven system—a martial arts experience that has for decades provided fun, fitness, and self-defense ability. Just as important, we believe that our system develops skills that apply to life overall—enhancing confidence, focus, and discipline in ways that benefit our students in all their personal endeavors.
About Grand Master Jhoon Rhee
Known as “the Father of American Tae Kwon Do,” Jhoon Rhee was the first to teach Tae Kwon Do in the United States, beginning his legendary career here more than 50 years ago. A 1oth-degree Black Belt, Grandmaster Rhee was trained directly by Choi Hong Hi, the South Korean army general who originally developed this modern martial art.
After coming to America in the 1950s, Grandmaster Rhee befriended Bruce Lee and introduced the celebrated martial artist to Tae Kwon Do. Since then, Rhee has also taught Muhammed Ali, Jack Anderson, George Allen, Sr., Bob Livingston, Tony Robbins, Jack Valenti, and more than 300 U.S. Senators and House Representatives.
Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee passed away on April 30, 2018. He had suffered years of pain from neuralgia due to the shingles virus. He was 86 years old. At his memorial service, hundreds of martial artists gathered in their martial arts uniforms to pay their respects to the man who brought Tae Kwon Do to the United States, championed knowledge, honesty and strength, and always led by example.
Also in attendance were politicians Toby Roth, Connie Morella, Jesse Jackson, Jesse Jackson, Jr. and others. Speaking or providing video tributes were politicians, actors and other dignitaries such as Linda Lee Cadwell (the widow of Bruce Lee), Chuck Norris, Allen Steen (his first student), Tony Robbins (student), Iain Armitage (student), former Speaker of the House Bob Livingston, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, former Virginia Governor George Allen, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, and other notables.
It was estimated that over the 50 years that Grandmaster Rhee headed the Jhoon Rhee Institute he or his instructors promoted over 100,000 Black Belts. This is an incredible legacy. As his son, Chun Rhee, stated in closing the Memorial Service: “In 50 years just imagine what one person did… just imagine what 100,000 could do in the next 50. So when you leave here today, love what you do, and know that your job as a martial arts instructor is important. So I ask that we all stand, for one last bow…’Class, Charyot, Kyong ye!'”
Kid's & Youth Belt Rank Requirements
No Belt (10 gup) - White Belt (9 gup)
No Belt (10 gup) - White Belt (9 gup)
No Belt (10 gup) - White Belt (9 gup)
The first level is No - Belt, after a few weeks to a month the student is ready to EARN their White Belt. Then the white belt symbolizes a birth or beginning of a person’s will to acquire the skills of Martial Arts, and it is worn by those who are just beginning their training journey.
Students are taught Basic kicking, punching & blocking as a foundation.
Curriculum Requirements
- Six Basic Punches & Kicks
- White Belt Self Defense 1-5
- One & Two Step Sparring Techniques
- 3 Count Front Kick & 4 Count Side
- Forms to learn at this level are:
Kyu-yool & Kamsah
- Average advancement: 3-4 months
Yellow Belt (8 gup)
No Belt (10 gup) - White Belt (9 gup)
No Belt (10 gup) - White Belt (9 gup)
Yellow signifies the first beams of sunlight that gives new growth and new life. As such, the yellow belt is worn by a beginner who has learned to practice the basic moves of karate.
Focus: Learning basic stance, punches, and kicks. We begin light sparring at 50% contact. Stress learning about focus, disciple, and bully prevention.
Curriculum Requirements
- Yellow Belt Combinations 1-4
- Belt level Punches & Kicks
- Yellow Belt Self Defense 1-5
- Basic Sparring techniques
- 3 Count Round Kick & 6 Count Side
- Form to learn at this level is Jayoo
- Average advancement: 3-4 months
Orange Belt (7 gup)
No Belt (10 gup) - White Belt (9 gup)
Orange Belt (7 gup)
Orange represents the growing strength of the sun, given to a beginner once he or she has mastered karate’s 10 self-defense moves.
Focus: We begin practicing more advanced combinations and takedowns. Our lessons stress the importance of learning that giving feels better than taking. Being courteous and generous is the key to martial arts.
Curriculum Requirements
- Orange Belt Combinations 1-3
- Belt level Punches & Kicks
- Orange Belt Self Defense 1-5
- Point Sparring techniques
- 4 Count Round Kick & 6 Count hook
- Form to learn at this level is Hanguk
- Average advancement: 3-4 months
Green Belt (6 gup)
Purple Belt (5 gup)
Orange Belt (7 gup)
Green is a representation of growth, so it is the first step given to intermediate students who are learning to strengthen and refine and grow their Martial Arts skills.
Focus: At this stage, we mix striking, sparring and situational awareness. Students must start practicing at home, which takes discipline.
Curriculum Requirements
- Green Belt Combinations 1-3
- Belt level Punches & Kicks
- Green Belt Self Defense 1-6
- Intermediate Sparring techniques
- 6 Count Hook, Side Kick
- Form to learn at this level is Chosang
- Average advancement: 4-6 months
Purple Belt (5 gup)
Purple Belt (5 gup)
Purple Belt (5 gup)
Purple represents the color of dawn, so a purple belt is given to a student who is transitioning into the middle of the intermediate level.
Focus: At this stage, students learn advanced footwork. The curriculum is similar to our adult program by this point.
Curriculum Requirements
- Purple Belt Combinations 1-3
- Belt level Punches & Kicks
- Purple Belt Self Defense 1-6
- Intermediate Sparring techniques
- Counter Hook, Round & Side Kick
- Form to learn at this level is Meegook
- Average advancement: 6-9 months
Blue Belt (4 gup)
Purple Belt (5 gup)
Purple Belt (5 gup)
Blue represents the sky and the light it provides all growing things, Students at the stage of their studies when they begin to learn additional knowledge in the minds and strengthen their bodies development.
Focus: At this stage, students will be able to actually defend themselves. Real life sparring begins at this level.
Curriculum Requirements
- Blue Belt Combinations 1-3
- Belt level Punches & Kicks
- Blue Belt Self Defense 1-6
- Intermediate Sparring techniques
- 7 Count Hook, Round & Side Kick
- Form to learn at this level is Jung Yi
- Average advancement: 6-9 months
Red Belt (3 gup)
2nd Brown Belt (2 gup)
2nd Brown Belt (2 gup)
Red symbolizes the red hot strength of the Sun. In the same way that a growing plant must stretch its way slowly toward the Sun, students with red belts learn to be cautious of their practice. As red is also the sign of danger, a student with a red belt is learning to become dangerous in his or her knowledge and skills.
Focus: Students begin informally teaching younger and less-seasoned students by assisting in classes.
Curriculum Requirements
- Red Belt Combinations 1-3
- Belt level Punches & Kicks
- Red Belt Self Defense 1-7
- Advanced Sparring techniques
- 6 Count , Round & Side Kick
- Form to learn at this level is Pyung-wa
- Average advancement: 6-9 months
2nd Brown Belt (2 gup)
2nd Brown Belt (2 gup)
2nd Brown Belt (2 gup)
2nd Brown is a representation of the ripening of a seed during the maturing and harvesting process, so a brown belt is awarded to advanced students who are beginning to realize the fruits of their beginner studies and whose techniques have begun to mature.
Focus: Sharpening kicking, punching and physical technique that we’ve been practicing for years.
Curriculum Requirements
- 2nd Brown Belt Combinations 1-3
- Belt level Punches & Kicks
- 2nd Brown Belt Self Defense 1-7
- Advanced Sparring techniques
- 6 Count double round & Side Kick
- Form to learn at this level is Might for Right
- Average advancement: 6-12 months
1st Brown Belt (1 gup)
2nd Brown Belt (2 gup)
1st Degree Black Belt (1 Dan)
1st Brown you are considered a “senior student” and you are able to start teaching the lower belts if your instructor allows you.
Focus: Sharpening physical technique that we’ve been practicing for years. Now we perfect our weaknesses - being mentally strong is key here. This is the last step before black belt.
Curriculum Requirements
- 1st Brown Belt Combinations 1-3
- Belt level Punches & Kicks
- 1st Brown Belt Self Defense 1-7
- Advanced Sparring techniques
- 9 Count kicks, Hook, Round & Side Kick
- Form to learn at this level is Chashin
- Average advancement: 8- 12 months
1st Degree Black Belt (1 Dan)
1st Degree Black Belt (1 Dan)
1st Degree Black Belt (1 Dan)
When you get your first degree you, then you will start teaching the white belts and the younger students first and as you gain experience in teaching ( not as easy as it may look) you will be allowed to teach the older and more advanced students.
Curriculum Requirements
- 1st Degree Black Belt Combinations 1-3
- Black Belt level Punches & Kicks
- 1st Black Belt Self Defense 1-7
- Advanced Sparring techniques
- Form to learn at this level is Koryo
- Average Advancement: 1-3 Years
Black symbolizes the darkness beyond the sun, and a person who has been awarded a black belt seeks to gain a deeper and further understanding of the physical and mental teachings of karate. Many people who are awarded a black belt begin passing on their knowledge to help others advance in their own belt rank.
Focus: At this stage, the student needs to be able to defend themselves and show honor, discipline, focus, and respect in your life. The ultimate goal is to be well rounded.
2nd Degree Black Belt (2 Dan)
1st Degree Black Belt (1 Dan)
2nd Degree Black Belt (2 Dan)
When you get your 2nd Degree your title will change that to “Kyo San Nim”. A 2nd Degree black belt is naturally more experienced and skilled. At this level you will often be a certified Instructor teaching the older students and those that are more advanced under the guidance of a Master.
Curriculum Requirements
- 2nd Degree Black Belt Combinations 1-3
- Black Belt level Punches & Kicks
- 2nd Black Belt Self Defense 1-7
- Advanced Sparring techniques
- Form to learn at this level is Keumgang
- Average Advancement: 2-4 Years
3rd Degree Black Belt (3 Dan)
1st Degree Black Belt (1 Dan)
2nd Degree Black Belt (2 Dan)
This is where it really start to change and your title will change to “Sam Dan”. A 3rd Degree has gained a higher proficiency of both the color belt material, and advanced Black Belt training and is qualified to be certified as a Sr. Instructor.
Curriculum Requirements
- 3rd Degree Black Belt Combinations 1-3
- Black Belt level Punches & Kicks
- 3rd Black Belt Self Defense 1-7
- Advanced Sparring techniques
- Form to learn at this level is Taebaek
- Average Advancement: 3-6 Years
4th Degree Black Belt - (4 Dan)
4th Degree Black Belt - (4 Dan)
4th Degree Black Belt - (4 Dan)
A 4th Degree is considered to be either a Master rank, or a Junior or Associate Master. They are usually qualified to lead the Black Belts, and promote color belts under their teaching up to he 1st Dan. Your title will change to “Sa Bum Nim” and you will have the ability to open your own school. You need to be at least 21 years old to test for this level.
Curriculum Requirements
- 4th Degree Black Belt Instructors Course
- Black Belt level Punches & Kicks
- 4th Black Belt Self Defense
- Advanced Sparring techniques
- Form to learn at this level is Pyonwon
- Average Advancement: 4-8 Years
5th Degree Black Belt - (5 Dan)
4th Degree Black Belt - (4 Dan)
4th Degree Black Belt - (4 Dan)
From the point on it less about what you can do physically and more about what you have done for Taekwondo and the organization. Therefore, a 5th Degree is essentially an experienced 4th Degree with greater knowledge and skills in both the physical and technical side and one’s teaching ability. At this level you have the ability to promote black belts to higher levels and teaching the Assistants to become Instructors and Masters. You need to be at least 25 years old to test for this level.
Curriculum Requirements
- 5th Degree Black Belt Masters Course
- Black Belt level Punches & Kicks
- 5th Black Belt Self Defense
- Advanced Sparring techniques
- Form to learn at this level is Sipjin
- Average Advancement: 5-10 Years
6th Degree Black Belt - (6 Dan)
4th Degree Black Belt - (4 Dan)
6th Degree Black Belt - (6 Dan)
At 6th degree one is at even more rarefied air and at this level and the main job, in addition to continuing one’s own training, is to teach other instructors.
One is under direct supervision of a Grandmaster (8th and 9th Degree). You are referred to as a Senior Master.
Curriculum Requirements
- 6th Degree Black Belt Masters Course
- Black Belt level Punches & Kicks
- 6th Black Belt Self Defense
- Advanced Sparring techniques
- Form to learn at this level is Jitae
- Average Advancement: 6-12 Years
7th Degree Black Belt - (7 Dan)
7th Degree Black Belt - (7 Dan)
6th Degree Black Belt - (6 Dan)
The earliest one is able to reach this rank is the age of 36 and its very difficult to reach this rank before that regardless of one’s training schedule. As with the 6th degree, one is under the direct supervision and constant instruction of a Grandmaster 8th or 9th Dan.
Curriculum Requirements
- 7th Degree Black Belt Grand Masters Course
- Black Belt level Punches & Kicks
- 7th Black Belt Self Defense
- Advanced Sparring techniques
- Form to learn at this level is Chongkwon
- Average Advancement: 7-14 Years
8th Degree Black Belt - (8 Dan)
7th Degree Black Belt - (7 Dan)
8th Degree Black Belt - (8 Dan)
At this stage one is referred to as a Grandmaster. At this point one will need to get physical exam and a doctor’s note. In addition, sparring and breaking is not mandatory. One has to be at least 53 years old and one is looking at probably 40 years to get it.
Curriculum Requirements
- 8th Degree Black Belt Grand Masters Course
- Black Belt level Punches & Kicks
- 8th Black Belt Self Defense
- Advanced Sparring techniques
- Form to learn at this level is Hansoo
- Average Advancement: 8-16 Years
9th Degree Black Belt - (9 Dan)
7th Degree Black Belt - (7 Dan)
8th Degree Black Belt - (8 Dan)
This is the last and highest active rank . Its very difficult to reach and cannot be done unless you are at least 53 years old. It takes incredible devotion to the art, hard work and consistent training for life.
To get to this point one should have had to serve on a board, or acted as a referee for many years. One will also have to have overseen a significant number of black belts and/or other such accomplishments.
Curriculum Requirements
- 9th Degree Black Belt Grand Masters Course
- Black Belt level Punches & Kicks
- 9th Black Belt Self Defense
- Advanced Sparring techniques
- Form to learn at this level is Ilyeo
- Average Advancement: 9-18 Years
10th Degree Black Belt - (10 Dan)
This is the highest black belt level in Taekwondo. Its really just an honorary title and given to those who have influenced or affected the growth and development of Taekwondo.