hi Zhong_Kui,
i'm glad you were able to meet up with su dong chen.
i think he's a generous man, a good teacher, and an excellent MAist. as your post implies, i think his teachings are best for someone who has a background already. some IMA training which acts as an "entry point" to what he has to offer.
IMO, he's kinda like "graduate school". which is to say if one has skills already, one is likely to take away more, and appreciate more the conceptual things he has to offer. and have the ability to execute (at least in some manner) what he asks you to do.
i know i would have been completely lost if i hadn't had a background already, and in addition, already questioned and investigated the assumptions of that background.
at the same time, if one has an entry point, i think his exercises, and movement, can be inspirational. kind of like watching/hearing a musical virtuoso, and learning from that.
your metaphor of jazz seems to me right on.
i can't really comment on your statement about his students not getting it, as i wasn't there. i'd just refer to my above statement, about having some background. "a 'school' is an entry point to MA".
i didn't study with him as long as i wanted to, because he moved away. but i know i will always recognize him as someone who helped open my mind. and i'd gladly study with him again.
i have very high admiration for him as a teacher; and the highest admiration for him as a practitioner. the more one can bring to him, the more he can teach you.
i also really like him as a person.
happy trails...
ps: the only thing i'd add is: if you just watched, then go ahead and taste. i think i learned a lot from feeling from su dong chen. even if you watch, and have a good eye, feeling is much better! it's true with any teacher, imo, but perhaps especially so in this instance.
if you have questions: PM me.