by Jim Bouchard Kansho

Walk in to the Junior Advanced class any given day and you're likely to hear me call out "What class is this?" The students shout "Traditional class, SENSEI!"

I then yell "What do practice here?"

They shout back "EXCELLENCE SENSEI!"

You have a fundamental choice in everything you do. You can choose average, or excellence. Average nearly guarantees results; and the result is that you'll do and be no better or worse than anyone else.

Excellence, however, carries no guarantees. It's risky. Will you achieve your goals? How long will it take? Will you have what takes to make it all the way? When you set your sights on excellence, there is always the chance for failure. When you think big, you may fail big!

Of course when you succeed, your success is huge!

There's nothing wrong with average; that's what most people accept. If it weren't for average, we'd have no standard for excellence. The problem with average is that it promotes complacency and scarcity.

Strive for excellence and you're developing the habits of discipline, perserverance, fortitude, resilience and effectiveness. Excellence creates greater value. You become more valuable to yourself and those around you. Excellence generates power: your ability to act or perform effectively. Excellence develops your talents and abilities to your fullest potential.

It's up to you! Play it safe and settle for average, or risk everything and strive for excellence! At Northern Chi those who have risked everything are wearing the black belt!