Quote:
Originally Posted by
dick benbow 
rule of thumb, if you can't get atleast 4 1/2 head lengths between the nose of the koi and tail
then you have the makings of a fine football.
It's something I teach in my classes, that and look at the pattern last after EVERYTHING ELSE CHECKS OUT. it seems shiro's,showa, and Yamabuki are especially sensitive to this disposition.
Unfortunately, some lessons are more costly than others.