Phil Van Treese

Tomiki Shihan was always refining his aikido. Refining/taking big moves and making them small and swift---sort of like Small Circle Theory. Compared to the "eye" of a hurricane---the bigger the "eye" the less organized and effective it is. However, the smaller the eye, the more compact and strong it is and the power then is devastating. I saw some changes but a lot were subtle changes. The one change he did insist on is a "sensitivity to touch." No one should grab you without you reacting immediately to the aggression. Whether it's the wrist, elbow, etc, "nage" (tori is used also), should react immediately with a technique. Other than that, practice hard and be respectful of others.