John Hogan,
Thanks for posting that quote from Toyoda shihan. For those who don't know, Toyoda followed Tohei and was with the Ki Society for a long time. In time, he founded his own school (Aikido Association of America) and eventually reaffiliated with the Aikikai.
I train at an AAA dojo, and have attended seminars taught by Toyoda and his suceesor, Andy Sato sensei. I'd say our approach to ki is a middle of the road one. We have ki tests as part of our testing requirements, but we tend not to view ki as a mystical energy.
For a good discussion of ki, please read The Spirit of Aikido by Kisshomaru Ueshiba. Part of the book features a good, rational discussion of ki, the founder's concept of it, and why it's important.
Regards,
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