Learning Nishikigoi

[lildude]

Quote: Originally Posted by aquitori One thing to read and there is another to have that "Eyes on approach"...Meaning, reading and applying is a whole different thing...It took me years to read all the books, then applying what I read was even harder. Aline yourself with people who have the knowledge in your area. I have talked to many new beginniers that I have come across at the shops and talked koi...but to a certain extent I find myself holding back alot more because they dont have the basics down. Learn the Basics first!!! Learn the different varities, then so and so on...

I am pretty sure I know all of the varieties, its hard for me to differintiate the Hajiro and Matsukawabake. but I just learned that the Hajiro has white on the tip of its nose, so kind of like a shiro kuchibeni, and it has white on the tips of its fins. and the entire koi is black

The Matsukawabake is like somewhat of a black koi with kage on it, but the kage is revealing the white under the black...

Maruten is a red dot on the head of the koi, but the koi also has the same colors and different ones present on its body, making it maruten.

I think I need to evaluate what I think I have down to a proficient level, and work from their..
Nvm, I am not my sensei. That is for my sensei to decide.

[l113892]

I don't think knowing every variety is a must. I couldn't be on the benching team at this point.

[koiczar]

The reason people on this board have taken a liking to you is it is rare to find a young individual with this much entusiasm about something we all have grown to love. Most guys at your age are out partying, girl-hunting and just plain goofing off. You, on the other hand, have a SERIOUS desire to learn about something that requires a lot of time and serious energy. The fact that you know Japanese so well allows you to bridge the language gap and actually get more out of written or spoken information than most of us. A lot can get lost in the translation. As I'm sure you know, there are multiple meanings and/or words in Japanese that can be used to describe subtleties that we Westerners are totally oblivious to. From your postings, I can see a developmental change in your knowledge (and penchant for more). It will be easier to absorb at a younger age so keep studying. I know, a high school kid whose being told to study more - YUUCCKKKK! No matter, you show you have direction which is more than what 90% of teenagers have. Just ask your friends what they want to do when they grow up. Most don't know or "haven't yet decided". I can't begin to tell you how important it is at your age to have direction, of any kind. You're light years ahead of the curve. Just don't lose sight of your goals, long range as they may be. It's the only way to recognize the doors being opened for you as you grow.

I would think you're on the right track with your sensei(s). Bob Winkler is very knowledgeable and you will gain much information from him and others on this forum. However, as Aquitori mentioned, there is nothing like being able to APPLY what you've learned from the written word and can relate it to what you see in person. Therefore, if you stick with Russ and Kari, as your local dealer/ sensei, you will able to take a journey very few individuals will be able to take. Their horizon has now become limitless and you'll be getting in on the ground floor. Enjoy the elevator ride, grasshopper!!

[Bob Winkler]

Quote: Originally Posted by lilhelper I am super comfortable with kari and russel, but I hate requesting things, It makes me feel rude. I would love you to teach me bob, I really would be honored. Right now I am looking at momotaro koi and Sakai koi, trying to find out why they are so much money.

Beep Beep Beep. Back up the truck...

Study first... then you shall see and will become more clear. Patience Grasshopper, Rome was not built in a day.. I have said b4; My first trip (1998) to Japan, I couldn't tell the difference between a $500 koi and a $5000 koi less'n it was Monsta Lahge. Easy to tell a $25 koi from the above for most people.

Hang out with Russ and Kari. This can only help their business, but realize that your "target" is not the only one with something to offer. The more educated you become, the better customer and referral source you will be. But don't use them as your sensei unless they have the time and inclination. Which they might, one never knows til one asks. Politely asking a question is not rude, unless one does not pay attention to the answer. And maybe the question might just be "how can I best accomplish what I want to do? Or maybe ask them to point you toward one of their more experienced customers. Or you could ask questions as you meet others who are there when you are. The more experienced and good Sensei "candidates" will be likely just hanging out there alot, or probably swoop in and out when new shipments come in. I know if I had your resources in my area, I would be there alot in just that way.

Thank you for asking me to help you. As I mentioned, I am honored and happy to help as I can and appropriate. I do have an arsenal of saved articles and pictures that I, and others, have written that may be helpful and you are welcome to read. But unfortunately, the best lessons I will not be there for. Unless we see each other at a koi show or event, in which case please feel free to come up and grill me..LOL

[karipeters]

Quote: Originally Posted by lilhelper I am super comfortable with kari and russel, but I hate requesting things, It makes me feel rude. I would love you to teach me bob, I really would be honored. Right now I am looking at momotaro koi and Sakai koi, trying to find out why they are so much money.

You can ask us any time. These are big subjects that work best when there is a visual, so it's especially nice when you can come to the store.
Sometimes I get very busy, so please understand that I like hearing from you - it's just crazy now & then and I can't reply right away.

I only made a point to introduce a few people to Mr. Sakai because it can be overwhelming, but it was important to me that I introduced you. I'm proud of you!

[lildude]

Sugoi ne!!!!. I like the nick name grasshoppa, I guess it fits me well..because I try to jump ahead of things to quick.

I can very much understand kari that you are busy, after all you and russel are running a business, and I know how frustrating that can be.

Im sorry that I am asking such general questions but I am a traveler in the koi world with no compass. You all may have already pointed me in a direction but I am still clueless.
The kohaku is where I should start. Are there any particularly great threads I might be able to check out?

I am becoming more active on this forum, Yipee!

I think I like this forum alot!!!!!!!!!

[aquitori]

Mix reading with hands on experience....I can tell you this most hobbyist dont even know how to net or handle their own koi...so the basics are a must.

I take everything back earlier...Get your water quality down then learn koi...

[lildude]

Well my water quality believe it or not is perfect.
I had an extremely hard time getting it right, I look back and see how I did things and I feel so bad for the koi. I would clean the ENTIRE pond out each time it was to be cleaned. this did not go good with the koi. And totally cleaning the filter was not good either.

[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by lilhelper Well my water quality believe it or not is perfect. I had an extremely hard time getting it right, I look back and see how I did things and I feel so bad for the koi. I would clean the ENTIRE pond out each time it was to be cleaned. this did not go good with the koi. And totally cleaning the filter was not good either.

How long has the pond be up?

[Bob Winkler]

perfect.... Hmm... While I have yet to see "Perfect Water" in any of my travels, I have seen some very very good water... And it can change quickly in some circumstances. It has been my experience, including in my own sad case, that just when someone says or thinks their water is "perfect", that it is, um...not. Cant tell you how many times that comes up while a person is asking for help with their "problems"... it is a matter of education as to the goal.... what is perfect to one might be sewer water to another. You may have heard of the "humble koi keeper" Thom Blischok? Please bear firmly in mind that I am not saying your water is not very very good. Not at all. Just trying to understand where you are, and communicate that perfect water is a very high, and perhaps unattainable, goal.

What makes perfect water to you? Think and Step carefully Grasshoppa..