Kendama
Master the Japanese ball-and-cup skill toy that's taken the world by storm. Kendama looks simple but requires balance, timing, and whole-body coordination. It's meditative, portable, and endlessly challenging as you progress from basic cups to complex spike tricks.
What You'll Do
What You Need
Required
- ●Kendama (basic wooden kendama)($15-25)
Optional
- ○Premium kendama (Sweets, Sol, KROM)($25-40)
How To Do It
- 1
Learn the basic grip
Hold the (handle) with the pointing up. Place your thumb and index finger below the big and small cup. Let your remaining fingers rest naturally along the handle. The big cup should face you.
- 2
Practice the knee bend rhythm
All dama tricks use a 1-2-3 rhythm with your knees: bend down, straighten up (this pops the ball), bend again to cushion the catch. Practice this motion without trying to catch anything first.
- 3
Land the big cup
Let the (ball) hang straight down. Bend your knees, then straighten up while pulling the upward. The ball should pop up. Position the big cup under it and bend your knees to cushion the catch.
- 4
Progress to smaller cups
Once you can land the big cup 10 times in a row, practice the small cup and base cup. The technique is the same - only the target changes. These require more precision but build essential control.
- 5
Attempt the spike
This is the signature dama move. Try the spin first: spin the ball with your fingers so the hole faces down, pop it up, and guide the into the hole. Keep your eye on the hole, not the ball.
Tips
- →Bend your knees! The power comes from your legs, not your arm. Think of it like a gentle jump.
- →Common mistake: swinging the ball. Keep the string vertical and use an up-down motion, not a swing.
- →Take breaks. Frustration leads to bad habits. 15-minute practice sessions work better than hour-long grinds.
- →Keep your eyes locked on the hole in the ball, especially when attempting s.
Communities
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What kendama should I buy as a beginner?
Get a quality wooden dama from brands like Sweets, Sol, KROM, or dama USA ($20-30). Avoid cheap ones - the wood and paint quality affects playability significantly.
How long does it take to learn kendama?
You can land the big cup within 30 minutes of practice. Consistent cup landings take a few hours. The usually takes days to weeks of practice.
Why do I keep missing the cups?
Most likely you're swinging instead of popping straight up, or not bending your knees enough to cushion. Focus on the 1-2-3 knee rhythm and keeping the string vertical.
Should I spin the ball for every trick?
No, spinning (gyro) is a training wheel for s. Once you understand hole position, practice without spinning. Cups don't require any spin.
How do I take care of my kendama?
Store it away from extreme heat and moisture. The will chip and dent with use - that's normal and actually improves grip. Keep the string clean and replace when frayed.