Senior Instructors

How many levels of Black Belt are there? How far can I go? What does each rank mean?

These are all good questions. Each answer depends on the particular system or style, tradition and what politics shaped the leadership recognition of that particular style.

Northern Chi Black Belt ranks are divided into 5 levels attainable by any martial artist at Northern Chi. This "Five Dan" system was developed as a conscious return to the traditional values of the martial arts. While many systems will recognize 10 degrees or more, our founders wished to eliminate a large number of degree steps while emphasizing tremendous effort and contribution to the system to earn our highest ranks. At the same time, it was determined that there would be no prohibition against any martial artist at Northern Chi earning the highest level of 5th Dan no matter what that martial artist's formal participation in the development, operation or management of the system.

This essay is not meant to criticize any system that adopts other levels to recognize levels of Black Belt training. Each system must use ranking that reflects it's true values and traditions. In so doing, it's only important to understand that a 10th degree in one system may not directly relate to the same level in another.

In most traditions, the 10th degree was reserved to recognize the "Grand Master"; usually the founder of a system or a direct descendant or heir of the same. At Northern Chi, our founders are recognized with the title of "Kyoshi" regardless of their martial arts rank. The four original "Kyoshi" at Northern Chi are those who helped start Northern Chi and helped guide us through our formative years.

James Bouchard, the original leader and founder of Northern Chi is also recognized as "Kansho", or "Head Master". This means that his duties are to assure the success and growth of Northern Chi and to administer to the needs of all the Instructors and members.

It is also interesting to note that the Kyoshi did not automatically promote themselves to our highest Black Belt ranks when Northern Chi was founded. They each elected to be recognized with the ranks they earned in other systems. At that time, our highest ranking Black Belts were 3rd Dans in Shaolin Kenpo Karate.

Our 4th and 5th Dan Levels are earned through the completion of thesis projects that directly contribute to the development of our system. These projects entail years of work and service with the normal period of service as a Black Belt of 10 years to 4th Dan, and 20 years of service as a Black Belt to earn 5th Dan. At Northern Chi, this means that a Black Belt recognized with a 5th Dan will have between 20 and 30 years experience as a martial artist before taking what may in other systems be called the title of "Master".

After 5th Dan, our Senior Instructors continue to teach and study, but have by this time moved beyond the quest for recognition. It is our intention that martial artists at this level will continue their practice for the rest of their lives with their sole motivation being continued self-exploration and improvement and the sharing of knowledge with their students.

In today's martial arts world, we have vast opportunities for training and sharing of ideas. In this spirit, to date both of the martial artists recognized as 5th Dan have earned ranks as high as "Master" in other systems in addition to their study and contributions in the Northern Chi system. Both have also created new systems of study and practice which are now part of the Northern Chi heritage.

We also present "Honorary" Black Belts to martial artists who have dedicated their lives to the arts and have made significant contributions to our practice at Northern Chi. This rare honor has been given only 4 times. Recipients are Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming the founder of YMAA, Blaise Loong of Blays Halla, Douglas Young the creator of O-Ki-Tao and Grandmaster Mark Shuey of Cane Masters International.

We have allowed for the recognition of a 6th Dan. This rank has been reserved for a lifetime commitment to the martial arts and Northern Chi. This rank is intended for a martial artist in the twilight of one's career or can be given posthumously. You may understand why we currently have no candidates eager to receive this honor! Fortunately, all our Senior Instructors are alive, vibrant and in the prime of their martial arts careers!

Despite our best efforts to distinguish our ranks, comparisons are inevitable. While it is impossible to accurately equate one practice with another, particularly considering the vast differences in practice requirements and applications, the best we can do is rough approximation. This comparison is further problematic due to the tendency in many systems to recognize contributions to the system and longevity for higher ranks above martial ability. We are not critical of the merits of that type of ranking; certainly contributions to the operation and preservation of a system may be more important to the continuation of a system than individual fighting skill, however, it is another variable that makes comparisons difficult if not impossible.

Here is our best attempt:

• 1st Dan at Northern Chi should translate quite easily to a 1st Dan in any system. At this point martial skill and knowledge are the only measurable qualifications.

• 2nd Dan at Northern Chi would probably translate to a 2nd or even 3rd Dan in most systems given the required period of study and expected depth of knowledge & skill.

• 3rd Dan at Northern Chi best translates to 4th through 6th Dan levels in most systems. These martial artists have practiced for years at Black Belt level and usually hold leadership positions in individual Centers as well as in the Northern Chi system as a whole.

• 4th Dan may be considered in most systems the equivalent of between a 5th and 7th Dan. In addition to expected leadership roles and teaching service, personal knowledge and skill must be developed to a "master" level. These martial artists have completed a thesis making a significant contribution to the Northern Chi system. This thesis usually takes between 3 to 5 years to complete and may include significant ranking in another system.

• 5th Dan may be equivalent to 8th through 10th degree in many systems; however a 5th Dan at Northern Chi may not necessarily be the titular "leader" of the system; this role is filled by the "Kansho". Further, there is no prohibition against every martial artist earning the 5th Dan while most systems will reserve a 10th Dan or it's highest rank for the leader or founder of the system or his or her heirs. The 5th Dan has completed another and even more rigorous thesis project and must be serving Northern Chi as an Instructor.

Above all, earning one's Black Belt levels is an individual pursuit of excellence. Beyond the recognition and the completion of codified requirements lies the most important underlying value of Black Belt rank. Best expressed by the late Professor Nick Cerio, the earning of a Black Belt rank represents the development of good learning attitude. This attitude of continuous and relentless learning, self-examination and personal development is the purpose and the soul of martial arts practice. Our Black Belts are merely the living examples of this principle.

Our Senior Instructors have combined nearly 100 years of practice and teaching in martial arts. Their common roots in Shaolin Kenpo have been expanded through various pursuits. These martial artists have also dedicated themselves to further study and explorations and bring their experiences back to enrich the Northern Chi community.Our Senior Instructors and founders are known by the title of "Kyoshi" reflecting their dedication to expertise internally as well as their martial skills.

Our Northern Chi Black Belt ranks go from 1st to 5th degree. 6th degree is reserved for a lifetime of practice and dedication to the Northern Chi system.

• James Bouchard, 5th Dan, Kansho, Founder of Northern Chi

• Christopher Keith, 5th Dan, Kyoshi

• Peter Jordan, 4th Dan, Kyoshi

• James Ambrose, 4th Dan, Kyoshi

Click here for a special article on Northern Chi Black Belt Ranking...

Jim Bouchard, 5th Degree

Jim began his martial arts training in 1986, earning his black belt in Shaolin Kenpo Karate in 1991. 

Continuing his study and practice of Kenpo, he began to study Taiji & Qigong in 1989.  After earning his 2nd Dan in Kenpo, Jim started his first school in Brunswick in 1994 after having taught for 5 years under his previous master in Portland.

In 1997, Jim founded Northern Chi Martial Arts Center in order to offer the benefits of martial arts training to a wider segment of the community.  In 1998, he began development of the Body Energetics program to introduce Taiji and Qigong to as many people as possible.

In 2000, Jim was awarded his 4th Dan by the Executive Board of Northern Chi.  His thesis, started in 1997, consisted of his 3 book series of "Kenpo Student Workbooks", the official handbooks for Northern Chi Kenpo students. 

Also in 2000, he founded the San Chi Institute to bring martial arts seminars, workshops and cultural events to the Northeast.  He operates San Chi Publishing which produces books, videos and tapes relating to martial arts and Qigong practices. The San Qi Foundation will soon become a non-profit foundation to provide funding for martial arts study for school age children at risk, the elderly, and those without financial resources.

Jim continues his studies and practice in Kenpo, Taiji & Qigong.  He is also active with the Cane Masters program and was awarded the "Masters" rank in November, 2002.

On June 5, 2004 Jim was recognized with Northern Chi's highest rank of Godan or 5th Degree. His thesis project was the development of "Beifang Qi Taiji Zhang" or "Northern Chi Taiji Cane". He released a video featuring this original system and was recognized by Cane Masters International as a Senior Master in cane for his work on Beifang Qi. An article by Jim was published in the July, 2004 issue of "Inside Kung Fu" magazine featuring Master Shuey. Jim appeared in the photo shoot with Master Shuey. His "Beifang Qi Taiji Zhang" project was featured in the March, 2005 issue of "Inside Kung Fu".In June 2004, Jim was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame as "Master Instructor of the Year". He was nominated by Grand Master Mark Shuey for his work with Cane Masters and for the development Beifang Qi Taiji Zhang.Jim is the Senior Instructor in Residence at the Coastal Center in Brunswick teaching Kenpo, Body Energetics and Cane Masters.  He is the Dean of Curriculum for the NC Instructor's College.

Christopher Keith, 5th Degree

In 1997, Chris was recognized as the first martial artist to reach 4th Dan at Northern Chi. He presented our first Dan level thesis on the curriculum he developed through his intensive study of bo staff technique.

As Northern Chi's resident Bo Staff expert, Chris presents regular programs and seminars in staff technique for all martial styles.  In 2000, San Chi Publishing released Chris' first video, "Introduction to Asian Long Staff Fighting".  He is currently working on a companion workbook and an advanced techniques video.

Chris achieved his black belt in 1990. His areas of concentration are weapons study and energy cultivation. His hobbies include upland game hunting and writing. He has authored a biography of J.D. Nicholson, blues piano legend, entitled "Headhunter of the Blues". In addition to training and teaching martial arts, Chris has operated his own martial arts school and has served his community as a college professor.

Chris is the founder and director of the Northern Chi BoJuitsu program. In recognition of the development of Northern Chi Bojuitsu and his lifetime service to Northern Chi, Chris was the first martial artist promoted to 5th Degree or Godan, Northern Chi's highest rank on June 5, 2004. Chris's Bojuitsu system is now featured on an internationally selling video and he is the author of "Asian Long Staff Fighting" due for release in July, 2004.

Peter Jordan, 4th Degree

Peter began his study of Shaolin Kenpo Karate in 1987 and received his black belt in 1990. He continued his study of Shaolin and later American Kempo. Since 1996, he has pursued a study of Qigong.

Peter enjoys working with everyone who wants to sincerely learn the martial arts. "I believe the arts can benefit everyone. We make training fun, exciting and it's a good workout for all fitness levels."

Peter's specialty is in modifying our program for students with special needs. He is one of the co-founders of Like Water, a program which provides a gateway to martial arts training for those with physical challenges.  As of 2000, Like Water has been chartered as a non-profit organization.

Peter was recognized with his 4th Dan in 2000 for his thesis in American Kempo.  He is the Senior Instructor in Residence at the Greater Portland Center where he continues his practice and study.

James Ambrose, 4th Degree

Jim began his martial arts in Tae Kwon Do in 1983. He tells of practice in a hot Florida dojo where students dyed their one belt through their ranks to mark their progress.

In 1988 Jim received his black belt. While continuing his training, Jim worked his way through a Bachelor's degree in Political Science at the University of Southern Maine where he graduated Cum Laude.

Jim was instrumental in founding Northern Chi as the Senior Instructor of the former Central Maine Center.  During his service there, he decided to pursue a career in law enforcement graduating the Maine Police Academy in November, 2000.

Jim earned his 3rd dan in 1997. He is preparing his 4th dan thesis by continuing his study in Jujitsu. Jim is proud to say he is married and has a daughter, Sydney.

On June 5, 2004, Jim was promoted to 4th Degree or Yondan for his lifetime of service to Northern Chi and for his outstanding contributions in the area of martial arts instruction for law enforcement personnel.

Officer Jim Ambrose is now protecting and serving the people of Cumberland County as a member of the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department and serves as Senior Instructor in Residence at the Scarborough Center.

The Mystery of Black Belt Ranks...