Future British comps/meets .... thoughts?

[BKA]

Now we've just about recovered from the BKO[nb]Video coming soon, by the way.[/nb], it's time to look ahead at what direction we're going to go in with future meet-ups.

The Southern Regional was a success as a standalone event, and given the price/awkwardness of getting non-juggler kendama players into a BJC, in future the BKO will also be a standalone event. (A vague idea currently floating around is for it to be a weekender, with 1 day in a hall for competition etc, and a second day of socialising/filming/playing/whatever for those who are able to hang around for the whole weekend.)

But what of regionals? The Northern went well at a 1-day juggling convention (not too expensive entry, 'free' venue), but had a slightly disappointing turnout. Chocfest (York) have asked us back for next year already (Jan 26th), which is nice of them, but having to cram all the kendama stuff into a 3-hour window is perhaps a little awkward. Wouldn't a longer day with more chill-out time be better?

Then again, the Brit player-base is currently quite juggler-centric. Can we muster enough of a contingent keen enough to travel to a kendama-only day?

And what is it that draws you all to come to events? Location? Prizes? Grading opportunities? Generally hanging out with other kendama players? Or alternatively, what is it that stops you from coming? Travel costs? Distance? Lack of interest in "competing"?
How much are you prepared to pay to attend an event?
What do you want in an event that you feel is not currently provided?
Do you know a good location for an event (hall, etc)?

So, give us your thoughts, suggestions and ideas. We're interested in hearing from Brit players, but also from non-Brits who have, or would consider coming to a Brit event.

[Harrydh3]

And what is it that draws you all to come to events?    Generally hanging out with other kendama players the competition its self obviously

what is it that stops you from coming?    Travel costs Distance although they roll into one pretty much

How much are you prepared to pay to attend an event? for a 1 day kendama only event... £5 ( i'd pay more but wouldnt be happy about it hahahaha )

What do you want in an event that you feel is not currently provided? if its a big event then dedicated judges but that seems a long way off

Do you know a good location for an event (hall, etc)? i wish

[BKA]

140 views, and 1 reply? C'mon people, this is your kendama community.

[KendAlex]

I think the weekend sounds great, and if i have to pay 20 pounds each day to be with all other players i don't mind,
i know it cost a lot to organise a stand alone weekend, you need to find some place to stay and play dry if it is not in the spring/summer/Autumn.
maybe a special kendama as a trophy gift if you show up will helps too.
I'm sure everybody have a lot of fun, and that is more worth then the money they pay to take part of the event
if there is a introduction 5 months before the weekend everybody can save up,
and if the weekend is hold in the centre of England, everybody get a chance to come.
for me the distance is a bit expansive, but i guess it is totally worth it.

cheers

[ChrisD]

Here's my perspective as a Kendama-newby, who's been a juggler for longer:

I'm much enjoying learning this new prop, and Kendama events are a great addition to juggling conventions – they've certainly been highlights of of Chocfest and this year's BJC for me (thankyou to all of you who've made them possible).  The inclusion of a Kendama event would make me more likely to attend a one day juggling convention.  Currently though I probably wouldn't travel that far for a Kendama-only event.  Partly this is down to other commitments, especially to my wife and daughter.  Partly it's because said wife and daughter would be less likely to want to come with me to a Kendama only event than a wider juggling event.  Partly it's because shows are an important part of juggling conventions to me, and Kendama is, for me, more something to do than to watch.  Partly it's because I like doing toss-juggling too.

To touch on the other points:

The following are all plusses

• Competitions (much enjoyed taking part in these)
• Prizes (very nice, but I'd take part anyway¹)
• Hanging-out with other Kendama players – good, plus, as a beginner, workshops would be a draw too
• Grading opportunities - a nice bonus

Cost isn't a big factor at present.  I fully appreciate that no-one is making any kind of direct profit from the events themselves and am grateful for the organisers.  That goes for every juggling convention I've ever attended.

Chris

1 - That said, I'll buy a Sunrise as my next Kendama, thanks to their sponsorship of the comps.

[BKA]

Thanks Harry, Alex and Chris. We'd still love to hear from the rest of you!

[Harrydh3]

Victory kendama devised a new ladder system today.

Each person has 3 attempts at each trick on the ladder

land 1st go is 10 points
2nd go is 5
3rd is 1 point
and if you miss all three attempts you get zero points

at the end whoever has the most points wins! HOORAY!

if a draw occours then both players race to finish the ladder, american style


this gives everyone the ability to get more playing time aswell as getting to do the whole ladder.

still needs refining but i think we're onto a winner here