Kodomo (子供) is the Japanese word for “child.”

It can be used to refer to children of any age, from infants to teenagers, but at Nintai Martial Arts it is the name of our  class for ages 4-7.

The koi is the symbol for the Kodomo class for two reasons:

The Folktale

The Story:

In ancient China, there lived a group of koi fish in a small pond. They dreamed of swimming upstream to the Dragon Gate, a mythical waterfall that was said to transform any koi that could reach it into a powerful dragon. Most of the koi were discouraged by the daunting journey, but one young koi named Li persisted.

Li faced many obstacles along the way. He had to swim against strong currents, leap over waterfalls, and endure harsh weather conditions. But Li never gave up. He used his determination and perseverance to overcome every challenge.

Finally, after a long and arduous journey, Li reached the Dragon Gate. As he leaped through the waterfall, a powerful force lifted him into the sky. When he emerged from the clouds, he had transformed into a magnificent dragon. The other koi, who had witnessed his transformation, were filled with awe and inspiration.

The Meaning:

The story of the koi and the dragon is a symbol of the Chinese belief that with perseverance and determination, even the most humble of beings can achieve great things. It’s a reminder that dreams can come true, no matter how difficult the journey may seem.

Key Themes:

• Perseverance: The koi’s determination to reach the Dragon Gate despite facing many obstacles.
• Determination: The koi’s unwavering belief in his dream and his refusal to give up.
• Transformation: The koi’s transformation into a dragon, symbolizing the power of self-belief and hard work.

This story has been adapted into various forms of media, including art, literature, and film, and continues to inspire people around the world.

The Festival

The Children’s Day (こどもの日, Kodomo no Hi) in Japan is a national holiday celebrated on May 5th each year. 

Children’s Day is a day to celebrate and cherish children. It is a time for families to spend quality time together, enjoy outdoor activities, and express their love and appreciation for their children.

Traditional Activities:

• Koinobori: Flying colorful koi carp windsocks, symbolizing children’s growth and aspirations.
• Family outings: Visiting parks, zoos, and other child-friendly places.
• Children’s festivals: Local communities often hold festivals with games, performances, and food stalls.
• Gift-giving: Children may receive gifts, such as toys or sweets.

It is a day for families to come together and create lasting memories.