Higher Black Belts
Dan 4 - 9
Pyongwon (평원) - Dan 4 Black Belt
Fourth dan, Pyongwon 평원 (pyeong-won), means "open plain," and symbolizes peacefulness. The unbroken expanse of a plain bestows a sense of majesty upon mankind while presenting an impression different from that which one receives when viewing tall mountains or endless forests. This form must express the majestic but friendly spirit of a vast plain.
Sipjin (십진) - Dan 5 Black Belt
The fifth dan, “Sipjin” also spelled (십진) Shipjin, symbolizing health and longevity, is derived from the eternal 10, which advocates there are ten symbols of long life: sun, moon, mountain, water, stone, pine tree, herb of eternal youth, tortoise, deer, and crane. This form expresses endless development and growth, but a highly orderly and predictable growth that fosters stability. Therefore, each movement of this form must follow an orderly and systematic progression.
Jitae (지태) - Dan 6 Black Belt
Sixth dan, Jitae (지태) symbolizes mankind as the connection between heaven and Earth. The earth hides its greatest power deep within its fiery core, occasionally permitting it to well up and shake civilization, reminding mankind of its frailties. This form must show the vigor of life as it stems from the power welling up from strong muscles and a deep, powerful core.
Cheonkwon (천권) - Dan 7 Black Belt
Seventh dan, Cheonkwon 천권 (cheongwon) symbolizes the sky. This form must exhibit the piety and awe that the sky commands as well as the vitality it sparks in man’s imagination, driving him to strive upward. Cheonkwon should demonstrate man’s emotions as he looks up from earth and is reminded of an eagle flying off into the clouds.
Hansu (한수) - Dan 8 Black Belt
Eighth dan, also spelled Hansoo (means "water," symbolizing adaptability). Like water, which is the source of life, the strength of Taekwondo stems not from stubbornness and the refusal to yield but rather from fluidity and adaptability. This form epitomizes these qualities. Therefore, its forcefulness must originate from its fluidity.
Ilyeo (일여) - Dan 9 Black Belt
Ninth dan, Ilyeo (일여) symbolizes the Buddhist concept of the oneness of the mind and body (material and immaterial). The form, therefore, represents the oneness of mind and body achieved through training, and thus it represents the essence of martial arts. Stemming from Buddhism, the goal of spiritual life is Ilyo, oneness, or nirvana. Only in this state is ego overcome. The ideal of taekwondo is Ilyo. It is a discipline in which you concentrate your attention on every movement and in doing so, shed all worldly thoughts and preconceptions.