Hi everyone!
Perhaps I can help to clarify the Darmouth College Aikido lineage as it appears on their web site.
I have taken a look at the site and seen that Mr Pristow cites Shihan Takeji Tomita under the Aikido section of his group.
As an aside, I have also noticed in the last couple of days that the words "main influence" have been removed from the site. I will not speculate as to what this might mean.
I can speak about Sensei Tomita as his official representative in the UK.
Sensei Tomita studied with 'O'-Sensei and Saito Sensei (9th Dan guardian of the Aiki Shrine and head of the Iwama Dojo).
In 1996 he was nominated as Aikido representative for IMAF.
You can view his bio on my website at
http://www.geocities.com/~aikidodojo/tomita.htm
I know has travelled to the USA on several occasions over the years to teach.
I do not know if he has a representative in the USA and whether Mr Pristow and him are currently in any kind of contact and therefore cannot comment on what Mr Pristow may or may not be doing in his Aikido practice.
I would, however, be able to verify any information directly with Tomita Sensei if this is required.
[Edited by chris on February 1, 2001 at 05:58am]