Prior to the 1970's Hapkido possessed only four stages of rank advancement between the White and the 1st Dan or Degree Black Belt. The Belts were: White, Yellow, Blue, Red, Black. As the modern era dawned, many modern schools of Hapkido adopted either a seven or ten step approach to promotion between White and Black Belt. Many traditional schools utilized the seven step approach. But, due to the fact that many Hapkido Masters were either involved with or influenced by Taekwondo, many instructors have chosen to employ the more common nine step method of promotion used in Taekwondo. No matter what rank promotion method is employed, it takes approximately three and one half years to achieve the 1st Dan Black Belt in Hapkido.

Following is an common example of Hapkido promotion standards:

The Minimum age one must be to obtain the 1st Dan Black Belt in Hapkido is either sixteen to eighteen years old, depending on the organization. For younger students, who have studied Hapkido for the necessary amount of time and have demonstrated proficiency in the art, they are awarded the Junior Black Belt. Junior Black Belts may be awarded up to the 3rd Degree.

Whereas, full Black Belt holders are known as 1st Dan, 2nd Dan, etc. Junior Black Belts are referred to as 1st Pum, 2nd Pum, or 3rd Pum.

If a young student has advanced to the level of 3rd Pum Black Belt, they may then either be recertified a full 3rd Dan Black Belt, or, if the appropriate amount of time has elapsed, they may test for the 4th Dan Black Belt when they reach the age of eighteen.

Approximately 3 1/2 years from the beginning of Hapkido training.

Minimum age eighteen years old.

Approximately two years of continued training after receiving the 1st Dan.

Approximately three years of continued study after receiving the 2nd Dan.

Approximately four years of continued training after receiving the 3rd Dan.

The Hapkido 4th Dan is the minimum rank a practitioner must possess to be considered for instructor status. Prior to this, the Black Belt holder is understood to be simply an advanced student.

Upon obtaining the rank of 4th Dan, the Hapkido practitioner may then apply for Instructor Certification -- this involves demonstrating an advanced knowledge of the art and passing the Instructor Certification Examinations.

Approximately five years of continued training and teaching after receiving the 4th Dan.

Upon successful completion of the 5th Dan Promotional Testing, the Hapkido practitioner may apply for Master Instructor Certification. The testing process for this involves demonstrating an advanced knowledge of the physical, mental, and internal energy aspects of Hapkido -- through both physical and written testing.

The title Master, Sabumnim in Korean, may only be rightly used by those technicians who have successfully passed the examination and have achieved this level in the art.

Approximately six years of continued involvement after receiving the 5th Dan.

Minimum age -- approximately 30 years old.

Approximately seven years of continued involvement after receiving the 6th Dan.

Minimum age -- approximately 37 years old.

To obtain the rank of 7th Dan Black Belt in Hapkido involves extensive physical and written testing. Not only must the practitioner prove superior knowledge of the physical and mental aspects of the art but must write an extensive thesis on Hapkido, as well.

The 7th Dan Black Belt is the first rank where the Hapkido Master may recommend a student for promotion to the rank of 5th Dan Black Belt. If their student passes the 5th Dan testing and is awarded the title of Master, the Hapkido 7th Dan may, if desired, attach the title of Grand Master, Kwajangnim in Korean, to their name.

Approximately 8 years after receiving the 7th Dan.

Minimum age -- approximately 45 years old.

Approximately 9 years of continued excellence and devotion to the art after receiving the 8th Dan.

Minimum age -- approximately 55 years old.

Reserved for the founder of the system.

In the case of Hapkido, Yong Shul Choi.

The 10th Dan is also used by the successor to a system. In the case of Hapkido, this is in dispute. Thus, several Hapkido organizations have arisen and a few individuals claim the rank of 10th Dan due to the fact that they have alter the original art to a significant degree and have founded their own Kwan or branch of Hapkido.