There are 9 different coloured belts or grades between
white belt, beginner level and black belt. These are:
White Belt, Yellow Stripe (9th Kup)
Yellow Belt (8th Kup)
Yellow Belt, Green Stripe (7th Kup)
Green Belt (6th Kup)
Green Belt, Blue Stripe (5th Kup)
Blue Belt (4th Kup)
Blue Belt, Red Stripe (3rd Kup)
Red Belt (2nd Kup)
Red Belt, Black Stripe (1st Kup)
Kernow Tae Kwon-Do Academy also operates a programme of 9 Steps of achievement, leading to Black Belt level, which runs alongside the normal coloured belt grading system. The 9 steps ensure that a high standard is maintained. Students are assessed at certain grades and if successful, they are able to proceed to the next step and will receive a certificate of achievement. The Kernow Tae Kwon-Do Academy 9 Steps to Black Belt are:
Step | Assessment Criteria | Grade |
| 1 | Performing 10 press ups whilst counting from 1 to 10 in Korean | 10th Kup |
| 2 | Performing the first pattern in Tae Kwon-Do, CHON-JI | 9th Kup |
| 3 | Performing all 10 three-step sparring sequences | 8th Kup or 7th Kup |
| 4 | Performing all 4 two-step sparring sequences | 6th Kup or 5th Kup |
| 5 | Performing a normal, and a reverse kick to head height | 4th Kup |
| 6 | Creating a personalised routine of 9 self-defence techniques | 3rd or 2nd Kup |
| 7 | Creating a personalised routine of 12 one-step techniques | 3rd or 2nd Kup |
| 8 | Performing a jumping, and a jumping reverse kick to head height | 2nd or 1st Kup |
| 9 | Performing all 9 coloured belt patterns in sequence | 1st Kup |