Henry, I understand what you mean but I think Seagal was just being mindful of keeping his answers concise and clear so that people don't misconstrue what he means. Personally I think Seagal came across as very modest, clearly he has much experience of the Aikido world and developed a deep passion for Aikido, but when you begin to talk about the mysticism of some schools of Aikido it can be easily twisted or you could come across as arrogant and conceited. I thought he handled the questions deftly.