Private lessons or personal trainer?

[LLLEARNER]

Disclaimer: I have not taken private lessons.

I have would not be opposed to private lessons. I see value in both group and private and that value can be different for different people. Our class is small enough that when some people cannot make attend, it feels like a private lesson. I do enjoy the more in-depth attention to technique and application that results.

As for training with famous people... to quote our own famous Sensei8 "the proof is on the floor." It depends on why they are famous. If they are famous through more shameless self-promotion than through proving themselves, I tend to seek other sources.

That being said, teaching is a whole separate skill than performing. I want a great teacher with proof.

I once read an article on "The Art of Manliness" website about reading habits of Teddy Roosevelt, one quote that struck me was "don't follow your mentors; follow your mentors' mentors" (David Leach). Another application of that is to observe the mentees that mentors have influenced and look for results that you want to incorporate into yourself. Then study the mentors.