Greg, Michael,
Here some examples of asymptotic activation in other arts. It's the vibration you see at the end of the staff at strike termination.
from 30 seconds in:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7Z_xmo2Apg
As I mentioned before it's more often done empty hand in Chinese arts. The vibration, contracted asymptotic activation, is very apparent at strike termination in:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxxebP0u31g
O Sensei trained exclusively with asymptotes, albeit more in the decontracted. Being the foundation of O Sensei's practice, it needs to be reintroduced if one is really interested in learning Aikido.