The Art of Uniting Contrasts:

柳柔不斷，玉剛含柔  -  武者亦需剛柔並濟。

The willow bends but never breaks; the jade is hard yet holds the softest glow - so too must the warrior cultivate both.
- Classical Chinese Training Maxim

In both nature and art, the most captivating forms arise from the harmony of opposites—strength tempered by grace, vigor balanced by serenity. Few creatures embody this duality as vividly as goldfish, whose diverse breeds mirror the dynamic interplay of forces found in martial arts philosophy. 

My favourite crossed-eye celestial pompom
with ying & yang pompoms (circa 2002)
- photo courtesy of Mr. Alvin Lim

The robust Ryukin, Oranda, and Ranchu, with their bold contours, evoke the explosive power of external martial arts like Shaolin Lohan Quan (少林罗汉拳) or Karate (空手道）, where technique harnesses raw, structured
force. In contrast, the delicate Bubble Eye, Butterfly Tail, and Phoenix Tail varieties reflect the fluid elegance of internal arts like Taiji Quan (太極拳) or Aikido (合氣道), where softness conceals precision, and movement flows like water. 

Just as martial artists progress from admiring raw power to appreciating subtle control, goldfish enthusiasts often follow a similar journey. Beginners may be drawn to dramatic fins and bold contours, much like students first marvel at spectacular kicks and punches. Yet with time, the eye learns to value refinement — the Celestial Eye’s upward gaze, the Pompom's nasal growth, or the Pearlscale’s intricate scales.

High quality mascular-looking Ryukins

This is not a matter of choosing sides. A true master knows when to apply force and when to yield, understanding that strength resides in softness — like bamboo, unyielding yet bending with the wind. Likewise, gentleness persists within strength— like the pine tree, steadfast yet cradling snowfall upon its branches.

The goldfish embodies this equilibrium: a prime specimen of the robust varieties balances muscular power with effortless grace, while the delicate varieties draw strength from a well-toned, resilient frame. Neither extreme is superior; beauty lies in harmony, in the tension between opposing qualities.

Dragon Eyes Crown Pearlscales cruising like mythical dragons 

And just as no two martial artists move identically, no two goldfish, even within the same spawn are identical. Their proportions, hues, and temperaments vary. In this, they remind us: mastery is not uniformity, but the art of balancing contrasts.

Aesthetics, after all, are as subjective as cultural ideals — whether in judging a Miss Universe’s poise, the bold lines of architecture, or the hues of traditional dress. What one culture prizes as elegance, another may find excessive. Yet all reveal the same truth: beauty thrives in diversity, in the dialogue between opposing visions—and, ultimately, in the eyes of the beholder.

A pair of elegant ballet dancers

So unless you’re preparing a champion for competition where judging criteria, scoring merits, and even the preferences of the panel come into play, why fret over others’ opinions? Love your fish for their unique balance of contrasts. (And for those curious about competitive standards — well, that’s a discussion for another day.)