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Bob and Steve
Thanks for all your candid asessment of your trip down judges lane. Now that I'm retired I certainly have the time but unfortunately not the funds. Hopefully things will change here over the next year.
When you talk about going to visit breeders in Japan you're correct! A little knowledge is dangerous - more is better. If you can somewhat talk to a breeder and inquire e.g. about his oyagoi and what his philosophies are for his breeding program, you can gain respect for your knowledge and inquisitiveness while at the same time show them the respect they so richly deserve. These guys are basically farmers (though very sharp) and they work very,very hard and long to achieve their stature within the Shinkokai. This, as growing bonsai for example, doesn't blossom overnight. It takes years and years to understand. That's why most don't want to give away their success story to just anyone. It took them too long a journey to get to where they are. I have been very fortunate in my travel to Japan to have made friends with a couple of high profile breeders. The next time I go over (hopefully in Oct.) I can discuss more of their philosophies with them. I think by this trip, they may let me know a little about how they see things.
Thanks again for both of your input. It has helped open my eyes a little more to what it takes
Regards
Mike
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