Phil Van Treese
My big break was when Tomiki Shihan allowed me to come on the mat and when he invited me to learn.
Can you tell us more about what training with Tomiki Shihan was like? For example: What did he emphasize? How did he teach? Did he use a distinct pedagogical structure? If you took ukemi for him how did that feel?
I really enjoy comparing what different students of Ueshiba sensei from that era took away with them. I think it is interesting to note the commonalities and differences.
You can PM me if you think your answer will derail the thread.