Learn
Learn the Basics
Every trick starts the same way: one small move, practiced until it clicks. Pick a toy and start here, then come to a meetup and we'll help in person.
Start Here
Kendama
Hold the ken by the handle, let the tama hang still, and bend your knees as you pull it up.
Spin Tops
Wind the string tight from the tip up, then throw toward the floor and snap your hand back. A hard floor helps.
Diabolo
Set it on the string, roll it to one side as you lift, then whip one stick in a steady rhythm to keep it spinning.
First Tricks
A starter list for each toy. Skip around. Every landed trick counts.
Kendama
Kendama
Knees bent, eyes on the tama.
- Big Cup
- Small Cup
- Base Cup
- Spike
- Candlestick
- Airplane
- Around the World
- Lighthouse
Spin tops
Spin Tops
Wind tight, throw smooth.
- Ground Spin
- Long Spin
- Pick Up
- Hand Spin
- Throw to Hand
Diabolo
Diabolo
Keep it spinning and level.
- Rolling Start
- Acceleration
- Toss and Catch
- Sun
- Around the Leg
Tutorials & Tools
Kendama
- 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.
Spin Tops
- Skill Addicts: How to Spin a Top Winding and your first throw.
- Getting Started with Spin Tops Forum guide for beginners.
Diabolo
- Skill Addicts: Diabolo Starting, spinning, and tricks.
- Diabolo on Wikipedia Where it comes from and how it works.
Learning is faster in person. Bring your questions to the next meetup.