Sorry, I guess i just focused on part of your post.
[QUOTE=sanjuro_ronin;763252]Now, all a good teacher needs is a good student.
I think those are even rarer.[/QUOTE]
my teacher likes to say that a good student has 3 qualities:
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they come to the teaching with an open heart (trust)
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they verify for themselves what they are being taught (skepticism)
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they stick with it when things get difficult (perserverence)
“3. She/He is a superior martial artist, but does not act as if she/he is a superior human being. Humility goes a long way and, if you know your stuff, your students will recognize that and (hopefully) emulate your approach.”
This is very important. I just recently changed teachers to one who is incredibly skilled and very humble. My previous teacher was also incredibly skilled but was very into being “the master.” After a few years of that, I decided I had enough and moved on.