what a great question, in my opinion no he doesn't HAVE to be sub to learn, but it does offer a more rounded perspective.Alot of Dom/mes try to find mentor Dom/mes to learn the ropes so to speak, I would suggest checking with your local BDSM community, going to some meet and greets and munches, and WATCHING. Watch how people interact, watch when your group does demos, watch at play parties etc...Hope this helps and if not please feel free to contact me if you or he has any questions they would like answers for, if I do not know the answer I might be able to assist in helping you find them. ~Wyked~