Feedback on the Kodama Master Class Seminar
“It helps to understand the history and background that led to today’s different varieties of koi.” - Ben
Bushkuhl, Ann Arbor, MI
“As a pond store manager, the seminar helped me understand the development and value of koi and
will help me service my customers.” - Matt Niemic, AguaFina Gardens International, Sylvan Lake, MI
“The seminar took me to a level of knowledge that I never imagined. Mr. Kodama explained the
development of each koi variety and gave a clear explanation of how they were bred. In addition, with
this knowledge and understanding, I will be a more skilled judge of koi quality and potential. Thank you
Mr. Kodama.” - Dennis Long, Detroit, MI
“Thanks to Mr. Kodama and his son Taro, I learned koi evolution, Japanese terminology for talking about
and judging koi, and a deepened respect for Japanese culture.” - John Rae, Northville, MI
“A thumbs up for the Koi Master Class. The Kodamas are good people and they know koi. This is a must-
take class. You will walk away with an appreciation for these Living Jewels. Take it from a guy with a
50,000 gallon pond, the class has improved my eye for evaluating koi.” –Gee Pierce, Saginaw, MI
“The Kodama Koi Academy helped me understand change due to age, food, and water and how to
predict the future of my koi. The Kodamas are professional presenters as well as koi experts.” - Paul
Baresi, Pleasant Ridge, MI
“Being new to koi, I found the verbal and written information informative and valuable. The
presentation of the material was excellent, easy to understand, and made me want to learn more.
The members of the club were friendly and happy to answer questions as their goal is to grow the koi
community.” - Clinton Boyd, The Pond Place, Milford, MI
“The ability to get your questions answered on the spot from the masters is priceless. The explanation of
the meaning and origin of the Japanese terminology is extremely helpful in understanding the different
types of koi.” - Ron Kardynski, Westland, MI
“This is the second Kodama Koi Academy I have attended. The two day program is indispensable for the
koi hobbyist. Mamoru Kodama’s passion and dedication to koi education makes time with him a joy. No
questions are too simple and all answers are given with grace and charm. I cannot wait for the next Koi
Academy.” - Richard Rubenstein, Commerce Lake, MI
“Mamoru’s son, Taro, provides a contemporary translation which is warm and understandable.
The material presented is vast and yet in-depth. The counter play between father and son is to be
admired for it is filled with both respect and wisdom. It has been an honor to witness and share in this educational seminar.”
- Beth Rubenstein, Commerce Lake, MI
“There is no better place to learn about identifying the different varieties of koi and judging quality.
It’s an exceptional program and leaves one feeling like she finally understands the world of koi. Taro
and Mamoru Kodama are a wealth of knowledge and are excellent instructors.” - Nanette Winowiecki,
Commerce Lake, MI
“The Kodamas run a very successful koi business, yet they are willing to come and speak with club
members. It was easy to tell it was not about money because they taught with such joy and passion and
I felt like they were talking to me.”- Ervin Daniels, Clarkston, MI
“Through my participation in the Kodama Koi Academy II, I have developed an appreciation for the
patience of the Niigata koi breeders and for the decades they spend in developing and perfecting each
breed of koi. Because of this seminar, I am much more familiar with which characteristics are important
for each type or class of koi.” - Teri Alexander
“The Kodamas’ slide presentation showing how the different breeds evolve and the patience it takes
to breed make this format an easy to follow course. Taro and Mr. Kodama are eager to answer all
questions until you feel comfortable with their explanations. How the varieties are mixed and the colors
bred to spawn such beautiful living jewels is truly amazing.” - Sylvia Paddy, Bloomfield Hills, MI |
