One or two trips to Japan for AJS will be wonderful. No doubt that any trip to any koi show will gain extra knowledge in general as well as koi judgement, speically trips to AJS....
But as for another condition to become an AKCA koi judge is way too far and to much for requirements and it can become unfair for qualified koi kichi that do not have strong financial status to support the exepensive...
I have studied quite well about AKCA and ZNA judge program, process, and requirements and how to become one. My study is not for me personal to get in the program. Never intent to become a koi judge, but during formation of ZNA NorCal, I have to write the ByLaws and I have to learn in order to draft the "Shows and Judging" Articles for our club. Man, AKCA Judge's requirements and processes are too much and way to hard to difficult. Seems like it is harder than get a law degree or judge in real life.... It is not just knowledge, commitments, etc...., but the time that koi judges have to spend in order to get certify as well as maintain the title.... My hat off to all for sacrifice their time and financial they make just for the koi hobby that we all enjoying so much.
--Dinh