Day 3 of the APKI Judging Course – with thanks to Vis en Vijverland
A day full of knowledge, fun, and passion for koi!
What a day! Our 3rd APKI Europe training day at Vis en Vijverland was truly unforgettable! Nine out of ten trainee judges were present and were warmly welcomed by Meggy and Frank. After an inspiring session by koi expert Joop van Tol, a delicious lunch with authentic Brabant sausage rolls, and some challenging hands-on exercises with stunning koi, we went home tired but satisfied.
3rd APKI Europe Training Day at Vis en Vijverland
At the third training day of APKI Europe, hosted at Vis en Vijverland, nine of the ten trainee judges were present. We were warmly and enthusiastically welcomed by Meggy and Frank, starting the day with coffee and pastries.
After a brief introduction by Ronald and Ruud, renowned koi varieties expert Joop van Tol – also known for his three-volume book series – took the lead. With great passion and expertise, he guided our students deeper into the fascinating world of koi varieties.
Recognizing varieties and correctly assigning them to the right koi group turned out to be more challenging than one might think.
A nice lunch with 'worstenbroodjes'
Lunch consisted of a selection of sandwiches, complemented by the famous Brabant sausage rolls (worstenbroodjes), which were a big hit. After this break, it was time to put our knowledge into practice.
Correctly arranging seven Mukashi in order proved to be a real challenge, as the koi looked very similar and were difficult to distinguish. Identifying them was already the first hurdle. We then worked with seven koi of different varieties: two Shiro Utsuri, two Kujaku, one Goshiki, and two Ochiba Shigure. Interestingly, within APKI, these varieties are all part of the same flower group, the Melati group.
After this demanding exercise, we were also presented with five Showa, further testing our judging skills. The day concluded with a preview of the next chapter: body and body shape, an essential part of koi judging.
Vis en Vijverland – history and expertise
Vis en Vijverland has a rich history as a specialty store and gathering place for koi enthusiasts. What started as a passion for fish and ponds has, over the years, grown into a leading business where quality, knowledge, and personal service are central. Over time, Vis en Vijverland has built a strong reputation within the koi community, not only in the Netherlands but also abroad.
In addition, the company has specialized in the design and construction of ponds.
Their expertise goes far beyond just building: Vis en Vijverland provides advice on complete setups, filtration systems, and creating a healthy living environment for koi. This unique combination of expertise, experience, and passion makes Vis en Vijverland a trusted name in the world of koi and pond building.
