Kaitain said pretty much what I was trying to say.

The notion of Aikido as a 'dead' art is not as insulting as it may sound, Jack.

I personally think Aikido's a great art, with a founder who provided a great ideal to aim for.

The only point I was trying to make is that I've also heard from many VERY experienced budoka that they believed that Ueshiba's Aikido died with him, because none of his students were able to replicate the things he could do. I think the phrase I've heard most often is that none could "steal his techniques" - due to his method of teaching; that is, he would just demonstrate and then expect his students to copy, but none of them could - at least not to the same degree of skill.

If you disagree, and think that his students WERE able to continue his art, perhaps you could tell us which ones were able to replicate his level of skill - and who can do so these days.

No-ones trying to chase you out, just looking for some healthy disscussion. You don't seem to be up for that - that's ok, just dont blame us.