George S. Ledyard

Ditto all the others about shopping for a teacher, not a style.

Go watch class. See how beginners are treated by the Sensei. See how beginners ar treated by the senior folks. Watch an advanced class and see how the students interact.

Notice I am saying look at the students alot... that's because they will truely reflect what is being taught at that dojo regardless of what the Chief Instructor says. Any experienced instructor can sound good when you are a beginner but the students will reflect in their attitudes exactly what the Sensei is modelling.

If you see a bunch of arrogant or rough and violent behavior in the senior students, that's what is being taught. If you see a group of people that you'd like to be a part of, you are probably at the right place.

The teachers history and credentials are important but finding a compatible group to train with is just as important.