Rupert Atkinson

First, of course, you need a good teacher. Then, you need to learn as much as possible and aim to be better than that teacher. Then, find another. You need to find someone of similar mind to train with at your home or elsewhere. You also need to do lots and lots and lots of self training (including weapons) everyday. This will help you absorb what you learn quicker, and, if it piques your couriosity, it will also reveal many secrets. You need to constantly test everything you know and everything you discover. It also helps to look at other arts.