George et al.
I can’t say I disagree with you. The point of my post was not that Aikido isn’t a reflection of O Sensei’s life experience, but to counter the needless speculation about arts he may or may not have studied as influences on Aikido. The silly “create your own mythology” speculation about the hidden influence of “my favorite MA of the moment” in the formation of Aikido. Stanley was pretty clear about the lack of any evidence underlying such speculation and he did issue a disclaimer at the beginning of his talk - it will change your view of O Sensei and Aikido.
Again, I don’t see this as a problem and don’t understand the fuss.

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-DougWalker