In Choi Kwang-Do Belt Rank System, Ninth DAN (9th Degree Black Belt) is the highest rank and is held only by Grand Master Choi. Fifth DAN and above denotes a Master, while Eighth and Ninth DAN indicates the Rank of Grand Master.
The purpose of the belt rank system is to demonstrate progressive levels of seniority and proficiency in the skills of Choi Kwang-Do and to distinguish Junior from Senior students. This provides positive incentives as well as establishing a hierarchy of command from Senior to Junior. This hierarchy instills a feeling of pride and achievement in each belt attained and also develops the student's social skills. By learning to give and take orders, students at any level or age group learn cooperation as well as leadership qualities and skills. Furthermore, students learn that in order to be respected, one must respect others.
The belts below are broken up into two major groups, the solid and the senior belts and represent the belt system up to 1st Degree Black Belt. The solid belts are just as described: a belt that is entirely one color. The senior belts are the indicated color with a horizontal black stripe through the center of the belt for the entire length.
