As I mentioned in another article, "You need to find a real teacher, one who has the 'creds' and the ability to teach.
" What does this mean? Well, unfortunately, not everyone who calls himself or herself a teacher is actually qualified to teach a martial art.
There are unqualified instructors.
I think most teachers are probably credentialed and are sincere in their efforts to teach.
However, the mere desire to teach is not a guarantee of the ability to teach.
There is much more to opening a school and charging dues.
A real teacher is one who has paid his own dues.
Watching a movie or even watching all of the martial arts movies does not qualify one as a teacher.
There are very few martial arts "geniuses" who can simply invent an effective art and establish a valid martial art.
If you are looking for effective technique you are better off sticking to the "established" schools of the martial arts.
This article is not intended to offer a comparison between the various martial arts.
I simply want to comment on what constitutes a teacher in this particular context (a "real" teacher).
Here is a partial list of things to look for if you want to study under a teacher: · Credentials.
A real teacher will have rank issued by a competent authority.
For example: a rank certificate, possibly a teacher's certificate, literature that identifies that teacher as a member of a particular martial arts organization.

• A cohesive program of instruction.
  
• A group of students at various levels of rank in their particular art.
  
• A clean, well-lit school.
  
• A good atmosphere in the school.
  

As I said, this is a partial list of things to look for.
And, I really believe that there are many exceptions to the rules.
A good teacher may just be starting out.
The school may not be located in the best part of town.
A new teacher may not be able to afford a building that rivals a health club in terms of amenities and lighting.
He may be young, he may be older.
That is not necessarily a measure of his competence.
But, a good teacher will be qualified.
He will be professional.
He will be on time.
As an aside, if you don't see rank certificates and licenses on the wall, you are always within your rights to ask.
A real teacher will have these proofs; he may just not be the type of person who is comfortable with displaying his trophies or certificates.
But, that teacher should not be offended if you ask in a polite way.