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About Jim Bouchard...
Jim’s resume is colorful. As a former television writer and producer, Jim has done everything from fitting pipes on submarines, mopping floors, pumping gas and selling hot dogs to producing television commercials, fighting fires, boxing, playing drums in major concerts, hosting radio shows and kicking for semi-pro football teams. According to Jim, he got his mid-life crises over early. “I didn’t know what self-esteem was; I had no sense of self-value or self-worth.” At age 25 Jim faced one of life’s low points and was caught in a cycle of self-destructive behavior, drugs and alcohol. Knowing he needed to make a change… “I was living in Portland, Maine. No car. No money. Crummy apartment. My girlfriend had just left me and my band was breaking up. I took a walk up the main drag and looked up and saw a gigantic sign on the side of a building. In 3 foot letters it spelled out K-A-R-A-T-E. I went inside and saw some guys throwing each other around. I thought, ‘This is fantastic!’ Then I turned around and left!” Jim’s first instructor needed new students and chased Jim down the stairs and talked him into trying an introductory program. That started him on life changing journey that would lead to his career as a professional martial artist, and in Jim’s words “…laid the foundation for everything I’ve done so far in my life and everything I’m going to do.”
Martial arts became both the binding force and the transformational energy in his life. Jim decided to become a full-time instructor and entrepreneur opening his own center soon after earning his first black belt in 1991. Jim later founded Northern Chi Martial Arts Center, became a Master Instructor with Cane Masters International, created the Beifang Qi Taiji Cane system, was twice featured in Inside Kung Fu magazine and in 2004 was inducted into the US Martial Arts Hall of Fame as Master Instructor of the Year. During this time he also wrote a series of martial arts instructional manuals, starred in training videos and launched San Chi Publishing. At age 44 Jim started playing semi-professional football. “I figured if George Foreman could win the title after age 40, why couldn’t I play out my dreams? Life isn't over at 40; that's just the start of the second half!” He is still an active player as of 2009. In 2007 Jim decided to share the philosophy of self-improvement he developed through his life as a martial artist and entrepreneur. His first book, Dynamic Components of Personal POWER also launched him on his next career as a speaker and media personality.
Jim believes that a session with him is unique and an invitation to challenge oneself to new levels of achievement and a celebration of the “full catastrophe” of life with all the blood, sweat, tears, joys, triumphs and fears! His adventure is just beginning! Come along and see what adventures he can create for you Jim teaches you how to Think Like a Black Belt! “Perfection is not a destination, but a never-ending process. Enjoy it!”
Alex is the VP of Event Management at DCPP LLC and the voice of Black Belt Mindset PowerPOD. She's a gourmet cook and oenophile and is currently a 2nd degree black belt! To book Jim for
speaking or media appearances,
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Questions or problems
regarding this web site should be directed to info@JimBouchard.org.
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Jim
Bouchard Thinks Like a Black Belt; of course, he is one!…
Martial
arts transformed Jim’s self-perception and helped him realize his
true potential. He began to see
opportunities instead of disasters. He continued his music career
and shared the stage with Dolly Parton, Vassar Clemens and NRBQ. He became a
television writer and producer. 
“The
more I studied martial arts, the more I realized that I could shape my own
vision of success & happiness through discipline, focus and self-motivation.
It’s a matter of developing a life of practice and committing yourself to
continual self-improvement. Just like earning a black belt; simple, not always
easy!”
Currently,
Jim tours nationally to teach his Black Belt Mindset philosophy for
conference and corporate audiences. He is working on his second book, Think
Like a Black Belt scheduled for release in early 2010. He regularly appears
on radio and TV around the world sharing his message of excellence, discipline,
focus and opportunity. His future personal appearances include motivational
speaking in
Kenya, Ghana, Dubai, Australia and Canada and the United States.
Jim is a natural teacher who
welcomes you into his story and process. He has a gift for helping others realize
their true talents and abilities and encouraging them to reach their true
potential. Jim is the "Everyman's Renaissance Man," who always appreciates
from where he’s come. 
Jim
met his wife, Alex Armstrong while working on her karate aerobics video
The Bench Defense. Alex later earned her black belt with Jim and joined
him in operating Northern Chi Martial Arts Center where she is now the
Center Director. 
