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PNWSat, Mar 13, 2027 · Tacoma, WA

Contest rules

Rules

Pacific Northwest Kendama Open 2027 · Sat, Mar 13, 2027 · Tacoma, WA

Contest rules

Contest Ruleset

Kendama contests don't share one rulebook, so here's exactly how this one works. Each division's trick list is below; the lists are final at the rules briefing.

Trick Ladder Format

  • Each division has its own trick list, from easier to harder. The lists are below.
  • You get a set number of tries per trick, listed with each division.
  • Land the trick to score its points and move on. Miss every attempt and your run ends, or you skip ahead, as announced.
  • Ties are broken by a sudden-death trick chosen by the judges.

Battles

  • Single elimination 1v1 bracket. Players take turns calling and landing tricks.
  • The judges vote on who advances each battle.
  • The two semifinal losers play a match for 3rd place.
  • Bracket seeding is random unless announced otherwise.

Equipment

  • Any standard kendama. Check your string and replace it if it's frayed.
  • Judges may inspect equipment before you compete.
  • Keep spare string with you.

Judging & Conduct

  • A trick counts when it's landed clean and held, as the head judge calls it.
  • Judge decisions are final.
  • Respectful conduct is required. Unsportsmanlike behavior may mean disqualification.
  • Organizers may adjust the format based on registration numbers.

Questions about the rules? Email contest@example.org.

Sources: Kendama USA: Tricks & Tutorials

Divisions

How Each Division Works

Open Division

Called tricks from easier to harder. Land each one within your tries to move up the ladder.

  • Trick ladder · 6 tricks · 2 tries per trick

Trick list · 2 tries per trick

  1. Spacewalk
  2. Lighthouse Flip
  3. Lunar Flip
  4. Stuntplane
  5. Earth Turn Spike
  6. Bird Flip

Intermediate

Called tricks from easier to harder. Land each one within your tries to move up the ladder.

  • Trick ladder · 6 tricks · 3 tries per trick

Trick list · 3 tries per trick

  1. Around the World
  2. Around the USA
  3. Earth Turn
  4. Bird
  5. Lunar
  6. Stilt

Beginner

Called tricks from easier to harder. Land each one within your tries to move up the ladder.

  • Trick ladder · 8 tricks · 3 tries per trick

Trick list · 3 tries per trick

  1. Big Cup
  2. Small Cup
  3. Base Cup
  4. Candlestick
  5. Spike
  6. Around Japan
  7. Airplane
  8. Lighthouse

Kendama Battles

Head-to-head battles. Win a battle to move on to the next round.

  • Bracket · single elimination battles · judges vote · three trick turns each · 3rd-place match