"Grasshopper sed " It's a lifelong practice. I've been studying Karate and Ju Jitsu for 9 years and many days I feel like a beginner...To really learn the art, is a special thing and requires a special teacher with a lot of experience"

8-) my goal after training since 1975 is to get ONE technique sorta-kinda right each day. You're so right, it's a lifelong goal.

Similar to looking for that perfect LBS things to look for in an exceptional school are:

does the teacher inspire you? How involved are they? Does the head instructor only show up once in a while or often? Beginners in our school get daily attention from our head instructor, a 6th degree black belt.

watch advanced students. you should feel a sense of "wow! I'd love to be able to do that"

most important, how do they treat beginners. You'll be one for a looooong time. are instructors patient? do they stress safety? How do they deal with injuries? Are they respectful of students limits or push training while hurt?

beware of schools that have classes that are off limits, you should be able to watch both advanced and beginning classes. It's one thing to put you on automatic payment for convenience, but avoid contracts at all costs.

style is not so important, all are good. Look for the right school and teacher.

good luck and keep cycling!