Koi in Martial Arts

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When I was exposed to one of the meanings of the koi watching a program it inspired me to seek out more information for I found, as you can imagine, many symbolism and myths that represent many of the traits and concepts we aspire to achieve and absorb through the practice of our disciplines in martial arts and karate. 

In the next section I present both excerpts from the source, see bibliography at the end, along with my comments in red on how I am able to connect these symbolism to our training making it possible to teach, practice and apply certain virtues necessary to balance out, as you already know, our disciplines between the spiritual/philosophical/psychological and the physical. 

SECTION ONE —————————————————————————————————————————

Mythology of Koi

According to Chinese and Japanese myth, there was once a giant school made up of thousands of koi fish swimming up the Yellow River in China. As they swam, they gained strength by pushing against the current. However, on the Yellow River, there is a waterfall. Once the fish reached the waterfall, most turned back and just went with the current because it became too hard. The ones who remained continued to try to reach the top of the waterfall. These koi kept trying for one hundred years. At last, one koi successfully leaped to the top of the waterfall. To reward this dedicated koi, the gods turned it into a beautiful golden dragon.

My Comment/Theory: my first thought was all the symbolic meanings that do, can and would apply to at least my core karate practice through Isshinryu where the creator of the system used the dragon along with having a nickname that symbolizes and means dragon. It presents other symbolic meanings that could be the impetus behind his using it and creating Isshinryu from it along with suing it in his Isshinryu-no-megami. It doesn’t stop there because as you will read as you continue there are other philosophical aspects to the symbolism of the koi that do and would represent the moral humble aspects along with other concepts that make up the fundamental principles of all disciplines. 

The falls have become known as the "Dragon's Gate.” And legend has it that to this day, any koi that has the strength and perseverance to complete to journey up Dragon's Gate will become a heavenly dragon.

My Comment/Theory: This reminded me to go back and open the book recommended to me many years ago, “Opening the Dragon’s Gate,” with new perspectives, perceptions and concepts that have changed and evolved over the many years of study, practice and applications. When I consider how our efforts are about strength, of body and mind and character, and perseverance, necessary to not just win but to survive the spears and arrows of the self-defense defense, I see how it can remind us through understanding the koi symbolism and upon viewing it along with others how we can achieve our goals and objectives in both the dojo and life. 

Since the legend states that the koi became a dragon at the end of its long, difficult journey, the two together can represent a transformation.

My Comment/Theory: Transformation is how we use our practices to change ourselves such as change and growth from the practice of “mokuso” or what is a form of Zen Buddhism meditation breathing done at the start and finish of dojo activities. It symbolizes all the obstacles, obstructions and other lessons we will encounter in and out of the dojo that build our character and create personalities best fit for social reality and our very survival. 

The dragon koi symbolizes overcoming difficulties, alluding to the koi’s climbing of the Dragon Gate. The dragon koi shows strength and will, the will to go against all odds to reach its destiny. A dragon is also a representation of power and ferocity, along with mystery. It represents a re-birth, new start, or beginning. It indicates the ability to move on and begin with a clean slate.

My Comment/Theory: Where else has one heard things like overcoming difficulties through will power and our psychological/philosophical and physical strengths against often odds never before experiences keeping our true power and a ferocity of determination so as to move on safe, secure and within the boundaries of social and legal realities to keep our slate clean and free. This is the very essence of why we take on such disciplines as karate and martial arts, to create a sound mind and body that connects with character to ourselves, our families and our social constructs. The following describes some of the reasonings symbolic to what it is we do and why: 

SECTION TWO —————————————————————————————————————————

Koi Swimming Direction

Upstream

You are currently in a battle or struggle and are still fighting obstacles but won’t give up.

You have overcome obstacles and have now gained the strength you need to continue against the current.

Downstream

You don't yet possess the strength to make it against the obstacles and move towards success.

You have already achieved your goals and overcome your obstacles, and you are no longer fighting the current.

It is also said that if a koi is caught, it will await the cut of the knife without a quiver with the bravery of a Samurai warrior facing the sword in battle. This clearly portrays the cultural beliefs in the strength and courage of the koi.

My Comment/Theory: This seems to symbolize what we as karate-ka already know and imagine in practice and training, it is about developing the kind of strength and courage of mind then body that contributes to our evolution in life to better character, personality and abilities in peace and conflict. Hallmark concepts to develop and create that which speaks to the Way or Path of karate and martial arts. 

SECTION THREE ———————————————————————————————————————

The Strength of Koi

Koi fish are capable of adapting to many different climates and water conditions and can symbolize strength. It is inherent in a koi's nature to swim upstream. Through the koi fish legend, you can see that they show great determination, dedication, perseverance, and success. Here are some of the things that they can symbolize:

My Comment/Theory: 

Overcoming obstacles and reaching a goal

Completing a transformation in life

Worldly aspiration and advancement

Prosperity, good luck, and a long life

Power

Independence

Masculinity

Passionate love

Friendship

My Comment/Theory: Koi symbols along with the others found in martial practices are all most excellent tools for the sensei/senpai as can be seen above and most of us already know to help mentor and guide those who follow to achieve shifts and growth in their already considerable traits and concepts. We in our training and practice enhance the traits so that when extreme obstacles and goal arise we have the intestinal fortitude and mental strength to transform and overcome. This is the corner stone that drives our species and our social constructs. 

SECTION FOUR ————————————————————————————————————————

Black Koi

The black koi is associated with successfully overcoming an obstacle. This symbol is great for those who have gone through a tough battle in life and have finally made it to a place of strength. 

Blue Koi

The blue koi is often very masculine and can be associated with reproduction. Blue and white koi are symbols of the son of a family. As with anything blue, it also represents peace, tranquility, and calmness.

My Comment/Theory: In my considerable understanding and studies I find that a combination of the blue and black koi, as represented in one yin/yang symbol, represent the duality and balance we strive to achieve every day as we follow the path we chose through our imagination to foster the way we travel the “Way or Path called Do.” 

Koi fish are often paired with the yin-yang symbol. The sides of black and white are said to resemble a female and a male koi swimming together, representing the harmony of two opposite energies coming together as one, creating a perfect balance. In Taoism, yin and yang further symbolize the dueling sides of all things and the perfect balance and harmony of them. The circular movement of the fish represents the belief that all things in life are connected.

My Comment/Theory: black and white represents one thing and the blue and black koi are closer to the symbolism we seek out and train for in karate and martial arts. Regardless, as demonstrated above the symbolism benefits the practitioner as a reminder and guide in their efforts to transcend into a greater mastery of themselves and their disciplines. 

CLOSING ——————————————————————————————————-———————— 

Including both fire and water with koi fish can further exemplify the balance and harmony in life, much as the yin-yang does. It symbolizes opposite powers coming together.

Bibliography

https://tatring.com/tattoo-ideas-meanings/Japanese-Koi-Fish-Tattoo-Meanings

For reference and sources and professionals go here: 

Bibliography (Click the link)