It occurs to me that with the need to grow/style and dojo changing, as well as natural events...that few people these days have the opportunity to train long-term with a single instructor. I think it makes a really big difference in the depth of the learning, in keeping up with the changes that an instructor makes over time, as well as the ability to pass along the art to another generation. Some teachers move on in their studies...did you follow them?

What is the longest you have trained with an instructor?

About 8 years with one instructor was the longest term for me.

I have trained with the same group since the start of my goju experience. The senior instructor "retired" about five years ago and I've been training with his senior student since then. Randy, the senior student, is 42yrs old and a yon dan (4th dan), he has been at it for over 20yrs.

Almost 4 years.

I trained with my first teacher, Tae Kwon Do sensei, for 4-5 years.
Last school trained for about 2 years.
New school for a couple months.

I trained with his under study and then him since 1973 until 1995 he moved out of state, before that I studied 4 years with my 1st Instructor.

I've been with my sifu for like 6 years now, though these last 2 years I've been trying other things out and learning more of other arts since I went away for college. But everytime I go back I go back to train and manage to pick up a few new things here n there.

Just for the heck of it, I'll throw this out. I first started with my Sensei in 1982. Still with him.

Started MA in 2004...so only 3 years so far, and with same instructor.

Thats a long time Sam. I wasnt even alive.