Taekwondo Uniform "dobok" And The Belt "tti"
- The Significance -

By Jimmy Jagtiani *

Taekwondo Uniform (Dobok) consists of three pieces.

1. The Tunic
2. The Trousers
3. The Belt, Tti

Except the Belt, the Trouser and the Tunic are white. Therefore many people ask the same question, 'Why Taekwondo Dobok is white?' The strongest theory is that seven rainbow colours, in sharp rotation of the galaxies in the deep dark universe release the tinge of white glare which represents purity, sublimity and unblemished characteristics.

Further, Taekwondo professor Master Yong Kyu Ahn said, 'White Colour of Dobok is the historical tradition of our ancestors', "preference of colourlessness" and he also added that, 'The Martial Art's artistic philosophy of Dobok in Taekwondo is in Doeui (moral principal) of maintaining Dobok clean and improving one's mind and body.' White colour may promote serenity it is also a colour that shows off every dirt and grime stain that it comes into contact with.

Also another theory is that Korea is the Baekeuiminjok (the white-clad Nation). The Taekwondo practitioners in the olden days preferred the colour white as symbol of holiness, purity, innocence and nobility. The white colour is the purity of consciousness and peace. The Koreans wearing white traditional suit, is exactly with essence of Taekwondo philosophy and this is the reason why Taekwondo uniform is white.

A Notable Taekwondo scholar said, 'As Taekwondo is a Korean traditional martial art, Taekwondo's uniform should be in accordance with historical tradition and philosophical meaning of 'Taeguk-ki' (The Korean flag). They explain their theory by saying that as "Taeguk-ki" has got four colors i.e. White background, "symbolizes cleanliness of the people".

Red (Yin), the negative aspect. Blue (Yang), the positive aspect and Black (four trigrams surrounding the circle), relates to the five elements i.e. Fire, Water, Earth, Wood, and Metal. This means that, we should not just focus on keeping Dobok white, but we should adapt the Dobok in four colours as per the colour of the Flag.

Their opinion was disapproved by the Grandmasters and based on the above theory, the Colour Belt (Tti) which includes white, blue, red & black belt and were adapted accordingly, differed by rank which shows order and dignity in process of training. The Tti starts with white belt for the beginners followed by yellow belt, green belt, blue belt, red belt and ends with black belt for experts, which has direct connection with one's identity.

Master Kyung Myung Lee - 'Taekwondo Culture Research Center of Korea' describes belt 'Tti' as a oriental mentality "Ki–energy", a vital force that underlines functioning of body, mind and spirit.

Tti is the one that connects Yin and Yang, "known as 'Um-Yang' a Korean word for Yin-Yang of Chinese". The purpose of wearing Dobok, and wrapping Tti twice around Danjun (abdomen) is to gather Ki (energy), where Yin and Yang, meet. Therefore, it is said that Tti is the one that links Yang (Positive) of jacket and Yin (Negative) of pant.

According to the Yin and Yang theory the three main components of the universe and the geometrical shapes of Dobok have their meaning - the trousers symbolize the Earth, the belt stands for man and the upper garment - heaven. So the endless form of the belt - A Circle - symbolizes the circuit of human life among heaven and earth.

Since Taekwondo demands strict discipline, and through the colour of Tti one's dignity and seniority is clearly distinguished. Accordingly, Tti represents the Universe in Dobok. People of Taekwondo give lots of importance in treating, taking care and respecting the Universe of Dobok.

Therefore, Taekwondo Dobok (Uniform) and the Tti (Belt) also hold the spiritual meaning.

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* Jimmy R. Jagtiani, ( Grand Master & 8th Dan, Founder: Taekwondo in India, International Advisory Board: Kukkiwon, Korea, Technical Advisor; Taekwondo Hall of Fame, USA , Father of Taekwondo in India (Titled by Tkd Hall of Fame, USA) ) , contributes regularly to e-pao.net . He can be contacted at jimmy_jagtiani(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)in . This article was webcasted on March 30, 2010.

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