What qualities and characteristics of an Aikido (or any type of martial arts) instructor impress you most?

Question

What qualities and characteristics of an Aikido (or any type of martial arts) instructor impress you most?

Answer 1

With any martial art I look to see if the person can do the techniques well but using very little strength.  If someone has mastered the techniques he should be able to accomplish things so that it looks like he is using almost no effort. Watching things like their shoulders will tell you a lot about the persona abilities. If they raise and tense their shoulders it indicates that they are using strength rather than perfect technique. This hold true in most martial arts. When my student are doing a technique and tightening their shoulders, I do this.  I have them stand behind me and place their hands on my shoulders. I then do the technique to someone and let them feel if my shoulders tighten or raise. That gets the point across very quickly. Good technique does not require the application of strength. That is why the founder of Aikido being a tiny old man could do such amazing things to attackers. This principle holds true in many other arts.

Answer 2

I second what pugpaws stated.

I also look for... if he can explain well the points he's trying to impress, isn't a biggot, or cruel to the students, and has the ability to remain calm and centered all the time.