When I first got my hands on a kendama, I had no idea what to do with it. It was just a wooden toy with a ball attached by a string—simple yet somehow mysterious. I watched kids perform tricks with ease, making it look effortless, while I struggled to keep the ball on one cup. If you’ve ever felt that same frustration, trust me, you’re not alone. But with a little patience, practice, and fun challenges, you’ll surprise yourself with just how skilled you can become.

What is a Kendama?

A kendama is a traditional Japanese skill toy with three cups, a spike, and a ball attached by a string. At first glance, it might seem basic, but it’s anything but. The goal is to perform tricks by catching the ball on different parts of the toy or spiking it on the pointed tip.

Kendamas are more than just a toy — they build hand-eye coordination, focus, and creativity. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the rush when you land your first big trick!

Getting Started with Kendama

If this is your first time holding a kendama, here’s how to get comfortable:

• Hold the Handle Properly: Grip the handle (called the ken) firmly but not too tight. Your thumb should wrap around one side while your fingers support the other.
• Understand the Parts: The large cup, small cup, base cup, and spike are where the magic happens. Get familiar with each.
• Find Your Balance: Practice simply swinging the ball in a controlled motion before trying to land it anywhere.

Beginner Tricks to Try

Big Cup (Ozara)

This is one of the easiest tricks to start with.

• Hold the ken upright.
• Swing the ball gently upward while keeping your eyes on it.
• Let the ball fall softly into the large cup.
• Don’t get discouraged if it bounces off. You’ll get the hang of it with practice.

Tip: Try to time your hand movement to follow the ball rather than staying stiff.

Small Cup (Kozara)

• Follow the same steps as the Big Cup, but aim for the smaller cup on the side.
• This requires more precision, but it’s incredibly satisfying when you get it right.

Spike (Tama no Shikake)

Ah, the elusive spike! This one frustrated me to no end at first.

• Swing the ball upward in a straight line.
• Keep the spike directly under the ball.
• Gently guide the ball down onto the spike.

If you miss (and you probably will at first), don’t sweat it. Each attempt sharpens your reflexes.

Tips for Success

• Stay Relaxed: You’ll find that tricks are easier when your hands and body aren’t tense.
• Use Small Motions: It’s all about finesse, not force.
• Watch and Learn: There are tons of kendama videos online that can inspire and guide you.

I remember watching a kid land trick after trick effortlessly while I struggled with just catching the ball. But instead of getting discouraged, I let it motivate me. You can do the same!

Taking It to the Next Level

Once you’ve mastered the basics, challenge yourself with more advanced tricks like the Lighthouse or the Airplane. I’ll never forget the first time I landed an Airplane—it felt like I had just conquered a mountain!

Here’s a fun challenge: try to string together multiple tricks in one sequence. The flow and creativity involved make it even more rewarding.

Why You’ll Love Kendama

Playing with a kendama isn’t just about tricks; it’s about the joy of learning and improving. You’ll feel proud with each new trick you master. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with others who share the same passion.

If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated, remember: every kendama pro started right where you are now, missing catches and fumbling spikes. But they kept going—and so can you.

Whether you’re looking to improve your hand-eye coordination, pick up a new hobby, or just have some fun, the kendama is a fantastic choice. With patience, practice, and a bit of determination, you’ll soon be impressing yourself (and maybe even your friends) with your skills.

Now it’s your turn—pick up that kendama and start exploring the endless tricks and possibilities it offers. You’ve got this!