Learn
Learn Kendama
A kendama has three cups, a spike, and a ball called the tama. Here's how to start. Then come to a session and we'll help in person.
Start Here
Know the Parts
The ken is the handle with the big cup, small cup, base cup, and spike. The tama is the ball. The string ties them together.
Hold It Right
Hold the ken by the handle, just under the cups, like a pen. Let the tama hang still before every trick.
Bend Your Knees
Your legs do the work, not your arm. Dip, pull the tama straight up, and bend again to catch it soft.
Fix the String
Replace the string when it frays. Twisted string? Let the tama hang and spin until it untwists.
Trick Ladder
A rough order to learn things in. Skip around. Every landed trick counts.
First Cups
Pull straight up, bend, catch.
- Big Cup
- Small Cup
- Base Cup
- Spike
- Candlestick
- Around the Block
Building Up
Flips, swings, and balances.
- Airplane
- Around the World
- Around Japan
- Lighthouse
- Bird
- Moshikame
Going Further
Spins, juggles, and style.
- Earth Turn
- Juggle
- Stilt
- Lunar
- Your Own Combo
Tutorials & Tools
Learn Tricks
- LearnKendama First 50 Fifty starter tricks, in order.
- Kendama USA Tutorials Trick videos from beginner up.
- Skill Addicts Kendama Tree See what to learn next.
Apps
- Skill Addicts (iOS) Trick trees on your phone.
- Skill Addicts (Android)
Learning is faster in person. Bring your kendama and questions to the next session.