Hwa Rang ITF Taekwon-Do Black Belt Academy
The Hwa Rang Black Belt Academy welcomes students from their very first class through to advanced training. You can join as a complete beginner, learn new skills and work through the colour belts with guidance from our coaching team.
Whether your goal is to build confidence, improve your fitness or work towards black belt, your journey starts with learning the basics and enjoying training.
ITF Taekwon-Do for children aged 4+, teens and adults in Dubai and Sharjah.
How Students Progress at Hwa Rang
Our instructors adapt their teaching to each student’s age, experience and needs. In every class, students receive clear feedback on what they are doing well and what to practise next, so they always know how to work towards their next grade.
From White Belt to Black Belt
Beginners start at white belt and progress through the colour-belt grades towards 1st Dan black belt. Each grade introduces new skills while building on what students have already learned.
For students training consistently at least twice a week, approximately three to five years is a guide to preparing for a first black belt grading at Hwa Rang. This is not a guaranteed timescale: students must demonstrate the technical understanding and readiness required at each stage.
Building Skills Through Patterns
Patterns are set sequences of Taekwon-Do movements that students learn step by step. As they progress through the colour belts, they learn more complex techniques and combinations, developing coordination, balance and control.
Students learn both the sequence and how to perform each movement with understanding, precision and confidence.
"It's not about the belt, it's about individual progress. Everyone is there for a different reason, and it's important to enjoy the process and grow to become a better version of yourself, rather than just collecting the next belt."
by Sabum Sergios
The Hwa Rang Journey
From first class to black belt and beyond
ITF Belt Order
Experienced Coaches, Personal Understanding
Our coaching team combines international Taekwon-Do experience with an understanding of how students learn. Master Carlos Bazan leads the programme, while Sabum Jana brings a degree in Education and Sabum Sergios brings a parent’s perspective as the father of two Hwa Rang black belts.
Together, our instructors help students understand their next steps and develop confidence in their own abilities.
How Belt Gradings Work
"A belt does not only recognise what a student can do, it also reflects the person they are becoming."
Master Carlos Bazan
On 20 September 2026, Master Carlos Bazan and Sabum Sergios Petridis led separate colour-belt and black-belt sessions at Rugby School, Dubai, focusing on patterns, body positioning and precision.
Further seminars are planned throughout the year.
Explore the Seminar on Instagram →
Red Belt - 2nd Gup
Before becoming eligible for their black stripe grading, students must complete at least 30 classes, train at least twice a week and assist alongside Master Carlos or Sabum Sergios.
Red Belt with Black Stripe - 1st Gup
Before becoming eligible for their black belt grading, students must complete at least 60 classes, including 30 as an assistant, while training at least twice a week. They must also demonstrate their understanding of the techniques, patterns and theory from the preceding colour-belt grades.
Meeting attendance requirements does not automatically qualify a student to grade. Students must also demonstrate the required technical standard and readiness.
What Happens at a Grading?
Assessment includes fundamental techniques, patterns, sparring, breaking and theory, as appropriate to the grade. Grading days bring our club community together to recognise students’ preparation and celebrate their progress.
If a student does not pass, instructors explain what needs improvement and help them prepare for a future assessment. A grading missed through illness can be rescheduled.
Senior Colour-Belt Grading Requirements
As students approach black belt, they learn to support others as well as develop their own skills. Under instructor supervision, senior colour-belt students demonstrate familiar techniques, help less experienced students and practise giving clear instructions. This assisting experience develops communication, patience and responsibility while deepening their understanding of the techniques they explain.
Gradings give students the opportunity to demonstrate their progress and move to their next belt. At Hwa Rang, students do not grade on a fixed timetable. They are invited to grade once the coaching team sees they can demonstrate the skills, knowledge and attitude required for the next grade, with Master Carlos Bazan making the final decision on readiness.
In Practice: Hwa Rang’s
First Tul & Techniques Seminar
Values Developed Through Training
The five tenets of ITF Taekwon-Do guide how we train and how we treat one another. Students learn their meaning through everyday actions on the mats.
Courtesy (예의) - Listening when someone is speaking, greeting instructors & treating everyone with respect.
Integrity (염치) - Being honest in effort & mistakes, taking responsibility and doing what is right.
Perseverance (인내) - Practising a difficult technique, listening to feedback and continuing when progress takes time.
Self-Control (극기) - Managing frustration, controlling movements and responding thoughtfully under pressure.
Indomitable Spirit (백절불굴) - Finding the courage to try something challenging and continuing after a setback.
Our aim is to help students carry these habits into school, work, family life and the challenges they meet beyond training.
Celebrating Our Students’ Achievements
Behind every belt are classes attended, corrections practised and challenges worked through.
We celebrate Hwa Rang students earning their first black belt and those progressing through further Dan grades. Their achievements are part of our club’s shared story and show newer students what sustained commitment can lead to. We are proud to honour and recognise the dedication behind every promotion and the contribution these students make to our training community.
Black Belt Achievements and Dan Promotions
2026
Sabum Jana Al Rayes - 2nd Dan
Sabum Dzhozefina Girich - 2nd Dan
Sabum Aboo Shahjahan - 1st Dan
2025
Sabum Angele Dentant - 1st Dan
2024
Sabum Sergios Petridis - 3rd Dan
Sabum Pavel Druzkhin - 2nd Dan
Sabum Mia Croall - 2nd Dan
Sabum Arturo Bonilla - 2nd Dan
Sabum Keane AlMadanat - 2nd Dan
Sabum Roc McDonnell - 2nd Dan
Sabum Atharva Vadeyar - 2nd Dan
Sabum Petros Petridis - 1st Dan
Sabum Chrysoula Petridi - 1st Dan
Sabum Kamalini Shurain - 1st Dan
Sabum Karl Aoun - 1st Dan
Beyond Black Belt
A first black belt opens a new stage of learning. At Hwa Rang, students can continue through dedicated advanced and black belt training, refining their techniques, learning more demanding patterns and preparing for further Dan grades. Our instructors help them choose suitable sessions and work towards their next goals.
Our coaches continue their own development too. Master Carlos Bazan, 7th Dan, is preparing for his 8th Dan grading, while Sabum Kinfemicheal, 3rd Dan and nine-time African Champion, combines competition training with preparation for 4th Dan. Their commitment shows students that learning and improvement continue at every level.
Competition and Specialist Coaching
For Students Who Want to Compete
Competition is optional at Hwa Rang. Some students enjoy testing their skills in tournaments, while others focus on fitness, technical development and belt progression.
For those who choose to compete, our instructors can advise on suitable events and preparation. Hwa Rang students competed at the 10th World King of Taekwon-Do Tournament in Thessaloniki, Greece, in December 2024 under Master Carlos Bazan’s guidance.
1-2-1 and Small-Group Coaching
Focused coaching provides additional support for grading preparation, specific techniques and competition goals.
Sessions are led by Master Carlos Bazan, 7th Dan and three-time ITF World Champion, whose coaching experience includes working with the Spanish National Team at the 2022 World Championship. Training is tailored to the student’s level and goals.
Fees depend on the coaching format, frequency and preparation required. Contact us on WhatsApp to discuss a suitable training plan.
Hwa Rang Black Belt Academy FAQs
Is Hwa Rang’s Black Belt Academy suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. Hwa Rang welcomes complete beginners, including children aged four and above, teens and adults. All members are part of our Black Belt Academy - it is included in your membership, with no separate enrolment required.
Students learn the Art of ITF Taekwon-Do and progress through the colour-belt grades with instructor guidance. You do not need to commit to earning a black belt before joining.
How often should I or my child train to progress towards black belt?
Beginners can discuss a suitable training routine with our instructors, based on their age, experience and goals.
At senior colour-belt levels, students must train at least twice a week and meet Hwa Rang’s attendance, assisting and technical requirements before being invited to grade.
See our Senior Colour-Belt Grading Requirements for details.
How long does it take to earn a black belt at Hwa Rang?
Students training consistently at least twice a week can typically prepare for their first black belt grading in approximately three to five years. This is a guide, not a guarantee: progression depends on individual readiness, technical understanding, starting age and successfully passing each grading.
Does Hwa Rang offer additional support for grading preparation?
Yes. Alongside feedback in regular classes, students can explore technical seminars and one-to-one or small-group coaching for particular goals. Contact us for availability and fees.
How do belt gradings work, and what happens if a student does not pass?
Students grade when they are ready, not after a set period. Once the coaching team believes a student has reached the required standard, they are invited to grade, and Master Carlos Bazan confirms their readiness. Gradings assess the techniques, patterns, sparring, breaking and theory appropriate to each grade.
Students who do not pass receive specific feedback on what to improve, and their instructors help them prepare for their next attempt.
Read How Belt Gradings Work for more information.
How much do gradings and equipment cost?
Grading fees are charged separately and include breaking boards, certification and the belt. Black belt gradings involve extended assessments, with fees varying by Dan grade. Uniforms and protective equipment are purchased separately. For membership prices and family discounts, see our FAQ Page
Who issues Hwa Rang’s black belt certificates?
Hwa Rang students who successfully complete their black belt grading receive certification from the International Taekwon-Do Federation under Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa. Hwa Rang Martial Arts Club LLC is registered with this organisation under membership number MO790.
If you plan to move or transfer clubs, check the receiving club’s requirements for recognising your grade and placing you in a suitable class.
Come and meet the team, join a class and see how it feels. We welcome children aged four and above, teens and adults, including complete beginners.
Tell us the student’s age and preferred area, and we will help you find a suitable session. Wear comfortable sports clothes and bring a water bottle—your first trial is free, with no uniform or equipment needed.
Start with a Free Trial in Dubai or Sharjah
Phone or WhatsApp:
+971 56 785 2822
© Since 2022-26. Hwa Rang Taekwon-Do Club. All rights reserved.
Meydan South | Production City | Jumeirah | Motor City | Al Waha
Nad Al Sheba | Al Mizhar near Mirdif | The Villa/Dubailand | Tilal, Sharjah
Hwa Rang Taekwon-Do Club
(formerly Dubai Taekwon-Do Academy) is a licensed and ITF-certified martial arts club registered in Dubai
as Hwa Rang Martial Arts Club LLC and is a member of International Taekwon-Do Federation Reg No: MO790.
Family and other discounts available
Hwa Rang Taekwon-Do Club