Judging in the UK began in the early 1970s where the only judging rule book in existence was that of the Federation of British Aquarists Society (FBAS). These rules applied to fish judged in aquaria from the side, on a points system. They were not readily applicable to Koi which are judged in vats from above. In the FBAS Koi supplement produced at that time they only mention one appreciation point which is still applicable today, that of the importance of kiwa (pattern edges). At no time during the 1970's and early 80's were there any clear show rules and guidelines available to BKKS members.

In November 1985 the BKKS Council gave a remit to the newly formed Judging Standards Committee (JSC) to bring some order to the confused state of British Koi showing and judging. The rest, as they say, is History.