Taekwondo:

The IKMAF's Taekwondo program accepts Taekwondo practitioners regardless of style. However, the IKMAF provides a comprehensive curriculum and technical support for those members who need such guidance

Ranking System
The IKMAF's ranking system is a standardized ranking system that serves the three martial arts (Choson Kwon Bup, Bo Dul Sin Hapkido, and Taekwondo) methods (Sam Bup) currently under its umbrella. Participation in the IKMAF's ranking system is not necessarily synonymous with training. It is meant as an incentive system for those who wish to serve as future teachers and ambassadors of one or all of the three aforementioned arts. Advancement in rank is a privilege, and not right - it is a meritocracy. Therefore, training is not a guarantee for advancement. The student/practitioner must demonstrate a genuine willingness to accept the teachings of these arts without compromise.

The ranking system for gup (grade) and dan (black belt) levels observed by the IKMAF's martial art programs are based on a modification of the "Five (5) Phases (aka Five Elements)". There are ten (10) gup levels and nine (9) levels. They are as follows:

White Belt (10th & 9th Gup):When the beginner begins training it is assumed that he/she is pure and without knowledge, a blank slate. The white belt is likened to a prism that when the light of knowledge and training is reflected through it, the primary (belt) colors are reflected. In Oriental Medicine, Qi (the breath of life) is first metabolized by the Lungs which are controlled by the Metal Phase and its associated color is white.

Yellow Belt (8th & 7th Gup):Yellow belongs to the Earth Phase. Once life is manifested it is sustained and nourished by the earth. During this phase of training the student is nourished, sustained, and grows as a result of the benefits gained from training. This phase rules the muscles, the four limbs, and ones intention. Therefore, this phase is marked by the effort of the mind to affect the body.

Green Belt (6th & 5th Gup):Green belongs to the Wood Phase. The practitioner continues to grow - reaching toward the sky and limitless potential. This is usually also a period of frustration as the practitioner grows but still has not fully assimilated the knowledge gained. This phase rules the tendons and sinews and is marked by upward and outward movement or growth. Therefore, flexibility and direction of mind, body, and spirit are marked by this phase. The guidance of a teacher is necessary to transition this difficult phase.

Purple Belt (4th & 3rd Gup):Purple belongs to the Ether Phase. The practitioner now has a firm grasp of the basics of the martial arts and now begins to concentrate on the subtlety of its mental, physical, and spiritual aspects.

Red Belt (2nd & 1st Gup):Red belongs to the Fire Phase. The practitioner is now forging his/her mind, body and spirit in the fire of their will and desire to achieve balance and coalescence of these tripartite facets. This phase rules the heart and the circulation of blood. The heart houses the Shen (spirit) which generates the mind and consciousness. The practitioner now understands the importance of being present in the now, "mindfulness", "attention and intention", that building a strong mind and a centered spirit is through the vehicle of the physical (training).

Black Belt (1st - 9th Dan):Black belongs to the Water Phase. The practitioner now has a firm grasp of the basics of the martial arts. This color absorbs light (knowledge) - the previous colors. The practitioner is now a "point of light" - an example of moral certitude, intellectual clarity and physical perfection. The water phase rules the bones, a metaphor for stability and structure. The bone produces marrow which manifests as the brain. Therefore this phase is marked by a strong mind and will, courage, and fearlessness.

Time In Grade Requirements:
10th Gup - 1st Dan: Minimum of three (3) years
1st Dan - 2nd Dan: Minimum of two (2) years
2nd Dan - 3rd Dan: Minimum of three (3) years
3rd Dan - 4th Dan: Minimum of four (4) years
4th Dan - 5th Dan: Minimum of five (5) years
5th Dan - 6th Dan: Minimum of six (6) years
6th Dan - 7th Dan: Minimum of seven (7) years

Qualification for Participation in Rank Examinations:
In order to qualify for participation in rank examinations, the student practitioner must satisfy the following requirements
1. Attend the required amount of classes and log the required number of training hours
2. Demonstrate a willingness to accept the teachings of the martial arts without compromise
3. Demonstrate a satisfactory competency in the training curriculum at each respective level
4. All gup and dan candidates must seek a written recommendation from a qualified IKMAF instructor 3rd dan or higher. In the case of dan candidates, at least two (2) dan ranks above that of the candidate's.
5. Be a member in good standing of the IKMAF.


Lateral Promotions and Certifications:
The IKMAF does not issue lateral certifications/promotions in its three martial arts programs without the candidate or applicant first meeting equivalent requirements through credential review and skill assessment.

Rank Examination and Certification Fees:
IKMAF gup certifications: $10.00
1st Gup II - 1st Dan: $100.00
1st Dan - 2nd Dan: $150.00
2nd Dan - 3rd Dan: $200.00
3rd Dan - 4th Dan: $300.00
4th Dan - 5th Dan: $400.00
5th Dan - 6th Dan: $500.00
6th Dan - 7th Dan: $600.00

* All applications for Dan Examination and Certification must be submitted with three (3) passport photographs.

Note: All promotion and certification fees must be paid by cachiers check or money order made payable to Ian A. Cyrus.

Supporting Certifications:
The IKMAF maintains relationships with the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and the United States Taekwondo Union (USTU), the Korea Kido Hae (KKH), The World Kido (Hapkido) Federation (WKF), and the Han Min Jok (All Korean) Hapkido Association. Certifications in Taekwondo, Hapkido, and Choson Kwon Bup are available from the aforementioned governing bodies upon request. However, the applicant must first be a member in good standing of the IKMAF and must first or simultaneously apply for IKMAF certification.