I started this same thread over on FMA Talk, but I'm interested to see how people over here respond. Here's the deal: a lot of martial arts instructors have verifiable certificates from well respected masters and assocations. Others do not. Would you train under an instructor who seems top notch and has been seriously involved in the martial arts for decades, but has trained here and there with different people, never got any certification--and doesn't care?
Wait, there's more. It's an Asian (FMA) martial art, but he's not of that nationality (although about half his students are). And, in his classes there's no rank or uniform. As far as rank is concerned, he says he knows where you're at. If you like uniforms, you can buy the school T-shirt...or not. Classes are friendly and informal. His students refer to him --respectfully-- by his first name. Regarding the value and practicality of technique, he encourages questions, and will answer them at whatever level of "reality" the student requires--from a patient explanation to a full speed, full contact demonstration if, "you really gotta know". Although, he is always careful about the safety of his students.
So, how would you feel about this guy?