there aren't many things which help your training more than having a rival i have found, yes it is motivation to do better but i also find it teaches you just how competitive you can be and i am always criticizing myself if i am under performing when sparring or are just training together.

the best fights are between rivals and this can be said for a number of sports
so does anyone else have a rival either at training or on the competition circuit?

We employ No Ego what so ever in our training. It clouds judgement and makes for retaliation. Our training is to harmonise and flow. Rivalry, ego, competition causes aggression and disharmony and Arrogance. A person can spend more time thinking about how good they are rather than just being good and training. It is not good in our methods to think your better than someone.

I am not attacking competitive arts I am speaking from our club and training point of view so please don't take offence.

none taken!

just speaking from a personal point of view, its what motivates me to improve.
i don't think there is any ego involved as such, more a desire to fulfill potential and a reason not to get lazy

We all have our motivations. I have certain people I enjoy training with when sparring with Kumi-Tai because I know they are a challenge and will make me work. If thats what you ment by rivalry... It good to have someone you know will push your abilities.