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British Kendama Association

Kendama: "Elegant Simplicity. Infinite Complexity. Ultimate Fun."

Welcome to the BKA: the ultimate resource for all kendama-related information. You'll find the all latest kendama news, and a wealth of other info on the pages linked below. If you're completely new to the Japanese skill-toy that is kendama,
and don't know what it's all about, watch this.

Approved kendamas

All BKA-approved kendamas are competition size. The BKA currently approves the following models of kendama for use in competitions/gradings:

shin fuji
Shin-Fuji
mugen
Mugen
shin sakura
Shin-
Sakura
tk16
TK16
oozora
Oozora9
meijin
Meijin
stars
Stars
sunrise
Sunrise1
royal seal
Royal8
play pro k
Play2
street
Street
sweets focus
Sweets3
tribute
Tribute4
street
Classic
krom
Krom5
yumu
Yumu Basic
trojka kyu
Trojka Kyu
Su Lab
Su Lab6
nativ
Nativ7
Baseline
Baseline10

Only standard paint finishes are accepted, unless otherwise stated. No sticky/tacky formulas.
1Sunrise: Standard/metallic/Neon finish.
2Play: 2012 & later models. 2011 "vinyl sticker seal" not approved.
3Sweets: 2015 F3/2014 Focus. Standard and stained models only.
4Tribute: Standard and Translucent paint finishes.
5Krom: Standard model Naturals only.
6Su Lab: Naturals only.
7Nativ: Uncoated naturals only.
8Royal: Original or SuperNatural models only
9Oozora: All models EXCEPT the "Reshape" kens.
10Baseline: Naturals only.
NEW! Please note that kendamas bearing a JKA "recommended product" seal
ARE now approved for competition or grading use.
JKA "recommended product" seal (note the extra text at the top):
recommended


FOR GRADINGS FOR COMPETITIONS
For all models above, only single paint colours, or 1 colour with a single horizontal stripe are accepted. NEW! For all models above, any pattern on the tama is accepted.
For all models above, only single wood type kens are accepted. NEW! For all models above, any wood/woods combination is accepted.


Only one kendama may be used by a competitor. Competitors must own their own kendama.
Deutsche Übersetzung der Kendama Zulassung

The following lists show which modifications to kendamas are allowed or not. Judges may use their discretion, but if there is any doubt, they may ask a competitor to use different kendama.

Allowed Modifications
  • Replacing the string
  • Re-stringing from right to left-handed, or vice versa
  • Adding or replacing a bead
  • Glueing the cross-piece to the ken
  • Screwing the cross-piece to the ken, providing the head of the screw does not protrude.
  • Reinforcing the tip with glue (down to the end of the tip's slope only)
  • Tying a knot in the string, above the ball, to prevent the bead slipping
  • Natural wearing-in of a kendama through use
Disallowed Modifications
  • Adding glue below the tip's slope
  • Altering the ball's (paint) surface in any way
  • Sharpening the spike
  • Re-building a bluntened spike with resin, or other substance
  • Adding any markings to the ken or ball
  • Removal of original sticker/seal
  • Mixing parts of different kendamas
  • Modifying the ken or dama in any way that alters the original design (other than through natural use)
  • Excessive wearing-in. A judge may disallow a kendama if it has too many nicks or notches, which may provide an advantage for balance tricks.
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