I have wanted one like this for many years after my involvement with martial arts and love of the Bushido code in Japanese lore as well as my fondness of Native American lore. Legend has it that a Koi fish is a sign of strength, perseverance, dedication, etc. Upheld by Samurai as a desirable trait and image. They swim upstream each Spring much like salmon in United States....if they continue and never give up and are strong enough swimmers they may make it to top of waterfall and pass through the rock DRAGONS GATE. The Koi that enter the gate are then transformed into dragons.

My tattoo shows a Koi that has begun his passage through the dragon gate rocks at top of fall...and his head has already transformed into a dragon. A lotus on each side with cherry blossoms in water help signify this Spring exodus. I start the shading and coloring this week (20 April 07). Other pics will follow as more color and shading is added until finished. Ink by Tim Dennis, BLU GORILLA tattoo in Charleston SC.