>> But an hour's drive (one way!) is going to be a logistic and financial problem for his mom if it becomes a regular thing. <<

It's a nuisance, but it's not impossible. I did that for two years of high school and four years of college, every weekday. It sucked.

>> Or will Sensei Takenana take him every time? <<

I'm sure he would if it's necessary. You don't find a student that good very often. They're worth the extra effort.

>> I'm so proud of Phil. I bet not many people make it this far by twelve. <<

Sooth. I mapped his development along the lines of the fastest examples in the descriptive resources. There are people who do that well, but not a lot. Starting young isn't as rare, though. Many dojos have a tiny tots class.