[schildkoi]

I don't personally know any AKCA certified judges who have not been to Japan. I am sure they may be some. Requirement to the All Japan Show? I don't look at that as a big of a learning experience in and of itself (not that it definitely would not be beneficial) due to reasons already mentioned, going to Japan, most definitely where, at least in my personal experience, I had the oportunity to talk and discuss one on one attributes of varying Koi with the experts who bred themThat being said, exposure to high class Koi over and over again is what helps to train a person's "eye". Having knowledgeable people helping with that understanding also helps that training process. The key, regardless of location (although quality Japanese Breeders are the best) is that repetitive exposure to high class Koi. This single, true requirement can be accomplished in a number of ways. Bottom line, its whether a person "has an eye" or not, not "where" they got it.

But, there is also much more than "having the eye" as to, being a judge. The ability to translate the visual attributes to verbal communication, to teach and make the comparisons while yet doing so in a manner not only to educate but do so without offending other competitors. The ability to track and organise decisions while making decisions, and the list goes on. There have been many AKCA candidate judges with good "eyes" that have not been able to fufill the other aspects required of a good judge. They should be respected for their eye and their drive and not felt any less of since not all people have all qualities for all things, in Koi or any other area.

Steve