The Kendama Forum

Forum categories => Events, meets & competitions => Topic started by: BKA on 10 February, 2012, 16:33:23

Title: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 10 February, 2012, 16:33:23
Ladies and gentlemen, set your watches, pen in your calendars, and get yourselves to Poland for August 1st!
Come on over America, come back over Japan, come along Europe, let's make this the biggest kendama event ever!

http://www.kendama.co.uk/EKO2012.html (http://www.kendama.co.uk/EKO2012.html)

(http://www.kendama.co.uk/images/JKAseal.jpg)

Facebook Event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/297710770303466 (http://www.facebook.com/events/297710770303466)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: SamB on 10 February, 2012, 16:44:45
Finally! Hooray! Hopefully flights back won't be too much. Bloody olympics! *Shakes fist*
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: shalafi on 10 February, 2012, 17:00:10
Not sure if I'd attend the EJC this year, but we'll see.

That being said, I think the list trick of 2011 was better. I especially dislike the pinkie and the thumb trap, they don't look like "proper" Kendama tricks.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 10 February, 2012, 17:01:21
The EKO trick list has not been announced yet.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: SamB on 10 February, 2012, 17:07:24
Quote from: BKA on 10 February, 2012, 17:01:21
The EKO trick list has not been announced yet.

Oooooooooooooooh suspense.................
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: HansNickmans on 10 February, 2012, 17:10:58
Will there be a ticket for only the EKO, like for the BKO? Cause I'm not able to go to the entire convention but I would love to enter in the EKO and maybe take a whack at a 2nd Dan grading.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 10 February, 2012, 17:18:01
EJC has not yet announced their prices, but I suspect not. You will probably have to buy a day ticket for the convention. And I would not necessarily rely on being able to do a grading on the same day as the competition, so you better stay for 2 days at least.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: HansNickmans on 10 February, 2012, 17:26:19
Okay, thanks for the info! I'll probably be able to go for 3 or 4 days, I didn't expect everything to happen in one day :-)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: shalafi on 11 February, 2012, 10:34:04
Quote from: BKA on 10 February, 2012, 17:01:21
The EKO trick list has not been announced yet.
Ups, ok, other years it has been the same as the BKO, I guess it is not impossible that this year that happens as well. :)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: Damadude on 12 February, 2012, 14:52:59
Nice to see the date could be confirmed. Good work Void!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 22 February, 2012, 15:29:58
EKO 2012 Beginner list, and a slight rule change, confirmed:
http://www.kendama.co.uk/EKO2012.html (http://www.kendama.co.uk/EKO2012.html)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: shalafi on 22 February, 2012, 16:38:53
mmm, with that rule change I may have won the EKO beginners 2010 and the BKO beginners 2011, my typical no miss ladder until I miss 3 on a row.

Edit: I should have won the beginners on the BKO, but still 2nd on the EKO.

I like the new rule, rewarding consistency.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 26 February, 2012, 18:14:30
EKO Advanced tricklist finalised. To be announced, with video, by Wednesday. #teaser
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: KendaMushroom on 26 February, 2012, 20:28:58
can't wait!

by the way I have a suggestion to make on the way the comp actually goes down...I found very annoying that there was a 20 trick list last year, but that in the whole competition, pretty much only 12 of them came out. I think that if a trick is picked out and a point is scored with it...the trick should bounce. no point in having to do it again, especially if there is a whole list of tricks :)

know what i mean Void?

I say this as a friend, and because I'm traumatized by the F*"ç%+=/ BAT!! hahaha

Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 26 February, 2012, 21:19:31
Hi Nic,

You mentioned this once before, and we took it on board. Since October, once a trick has been drawn in a battle, we've been setting that trick aside until the end of that battle. (Or until all the other tricks have also been drawn and the battle is still going on, in which case all the tricks go back into a bag.) So no repeats within a battle any more (or very unlikely to be).

So thanks for the suggestion. (Both times)  :)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 27 February, 2012, 16:04:24
Advanced tricklist is out. Video to follow very soon.

Listed, with printable tricklist, at:
http://www.kendama.co.uk/EKO2012.html (http://www.kendama.co.uk/EKO2012.html)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: shalafi on 27 February, 2012, 16:32:41
Is ti just me or the difficulty of the ladders keeps increasing with each competition?

Its going to be fun to watch, but hard to compete :)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: SamB on 27 February, 2012, 17:00:52
Holy moley thats a tough looking list. Long too! Pushing the standard ay?
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 27 February, 2012, 23:40:53
EKO 2012 Advanced Tricklist - juggling videos hosted @ Juggling.tv (http://juggling.tv/11705#id=http://juggling.tv/nuevo/econfig.php?key=34f2610014e8361d088f)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: ChrisD on 28 February, 2012, 10:38:18
Awesome skills and lots of interesting tricks1.  Wish I could get to Lublin to see this.  Maybe one day I'll even be able to do some of the tricks too!?

Chris

1Plus bonus of the acclaimed characterisation from Serious  ;)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: shalafi on 28 February, 2012, 12:57:04
scoop big cup and whirliwind big cup are not THAT difficult, some others are quite insane
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 28 February, 2012, 18:02:49
Quote from: SamB on 27 February, 2012, 17:00:52Holy moley thats a tough looking list. Long too! Pushing the standard ay?
etc etc
The standard is rising irrespective of us. Which is a good thing. But yes, we should reflect that, whilst retaining things at a reachable level. Everything up to quarter final is definitely reachable. As for the Semi & Final tricks... only 4 people will even have to attempt those.

The fact that it is a longer list does not mean anyone will have to do more tricks in the competition. Remember, it's not a Ladder, it's random draw. More tricks means more variety for the audience. Okay, a few more tricks for the players to learn too, but most of them are familiar by now anyway.
QuoteYou may not like it now but you will - Adam and the Ants
Everybody now has 5 months to learn to love this list. :) 5 or 10 minutes practice a day goes a very long way.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: Mirek on 29 February, 2012, 07:58:55
Nice ladder, finally something that pushes me to learn new tricks.  8)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: shalafi on 29 February, 2012, 08:37:04
In case I was not clear, new tricks are good, it helps (at least me) focus on practicing new stuff

I am getting self-certified pre-dan quite regularly now as well.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: KendaMushroom on 04 March, 2012, 10:54:58
Cool Void.

man what a tricklist...I think this time I'm not gonna wait a week before to look at it. The japanese players are gonna have fun with that one too ahhaha
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: SamB on 06 March, 2012, 23:15:56
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6814087036_490892f0c5.jpg)
I did the sums and bit the bullet. Flights booked. Poland here I come!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 08 March, 2012, 23:08:15
What a good idea. :-)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: ChrisD on 09 March, 2012, 11:22:31
Have a tuneful flight Void, from Munich F.J. Strauss to Warsaw Frederic Chopin!

(Why am I reading someone else's itinerary, to a convention I'm not going to1?)


Chris

1 not jealous at all, oh no.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 09 March, 2012, 13:49:38
:) I'll make sure I have a waltz or 2 on my iPod when I go!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: Damadude on 26 March, 2012, 15:45:51
Quote from: KendaMushroom on 04 March, 2012, 10:54:58
man what a tricklist...I think this time I'm not gonna wait a week before to look at it. The japanese players are gonna have fun with that one too ahhaha

The Japanese are already practicing. No bad "bat" suprises this year  ;)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: KendaMushroom on 12 April, 2012, 17:49:50
Quote from: Damadude on 26 March, 2012, 15:45:51
Quote from: KendaMushroom on 04 March, 2012, 10:54:58
man what a tricklist...I think this time I'm not gonna wait a week before to look at it. The japanese players are gonna have fun with that one too ahhaha

The Japanese are already practicing. No bad "bat" suprises this year  ;)

I've tried that yoyo trick and I think I'm not gonna bother....keeps hitting so hard against my ken...I'm not having that ^^ so if that trick comes out, i'm doomed! haha
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 15 April, 2012, 22:11:23
Quote from: KendaMushroom on 12 April, 2012, 17:49:50
I've tried that yoyo trick and I think I'm not gonna bother....keeps hitting so hard against my ken...I'm not having that ^^ so if that trick comes out, i'm doomed! haha
You mean Half-Swirl Aeroplane? That's more a diabolo trick.

If I get time, I'll make a tutorial on it.... Probably won't be until early June.... But maybe early May.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 16 April, 2012, 15:38:59
Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/297710770303466 (http://www.facebook.com/events/297710770303466) Are you "Going"?
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: KendaMushroom on 19 April, 2012, 23:23:23
Quote from: The Void on 15 April, 2012, 22:11:23
Quote from: KendaMushroom on 12 April, 2012, 17:49:50
I've tried that yoyo trick and I think I'm not gonna bother....keeps hitting so hard against my ken...I'm not having that ^^ so if that trick comes out, i'm doomed! haha
You mean Half-Swirl Aeroplane? That's more a diabolo trick.

If I get time, I'll make a tutorial on it.... Probably won't be until early June.... But maybe early May.

that would be cool...right now I can't figure it out! haha
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 21 April, 2012, 14:57:29
5 Japanese players have confirmed they will be attending. Don't miss this chance to meet and click with some true kendama masters!
QuoteI will be there with my friends, Tomoya Mukai, Toshihiko Ogawa, Tajima Akira and Tensui Sakai. It will be great kendama summer. - Katsuaki Shimadera
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: AlexSmith on 23 April, 2012, 08:45:32
Looks like I'll have the pleasure of finally meeting a lot of you folks, cause my girlfriend and I have officially booked tickets to Europe! & of course the EJC is going to be one of stops! I think I'm the first N American player to have flights booked, but from what I've heard there are a few others considering hopping the pond as well.
Plus an old friend of mine who's been studying in London for the past year will be joining as well if all goes according to plan. Definitely going to be one of the highlights of the summer.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 23 April, 2012, 13:35:25
That's great, Alex. I look forwards to meeting you both! :)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: AlexSmith on 24 April, 2012, 05:29:30
Quote from: The Void on 23 April, 2012, 13:35:25
That's great, Alex. I look forwards to meeting you both! :)
Thanks, Void! I would say I'm excited... but I think thats a vast understatement. Over a week of hanging out with top notch kendama players, plus getting to see experts from every other field of juggling? Yea that sounds like a pretty damn fine way to spend time.
I already regret the amount of money I'm likely to spend on new juggling toys...
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: KendaMushroom on 24 April, 2012, 08:13:18
sweet Alex! looking forward to meeting you there! (p.s: check your fb inbox)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: shalafi on 15 June, 2012, 12:57:25
I think I will be finally attending EJC this year :)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 16 June, 2012, 22:24:18
Quote from: shalafi on 15 June, 2012, 12:57:25
I think I will be finally attending EJC this year :)
Yay! Going to fight to get your Spanish title back, huh? :)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: shalafi on 17 June, 2012, 18:34:13
Quote from: BKA on 16 June, 2012, 22:24:18
Quote from: shalafi on 15 June, 2012, 12:57:25
I think I will be finally attending EJC this year :)
Yay! Going to fight to get your Spanish title back, huh? :)
I lost it without fighting, and yes, I want it back. And a 1st Dan Grade as well (minimum of a pre-dan)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 27 June, 2012, 17:31:24
Timeslot confirmed. http://www.kendama.co.uk/EKO2012.html (http://www.kendama.co.uk/EKO2012.html)
Just over a month to go. Get practising!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 01 July, 2012, 12:31:55
Exactly a month to go!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: shalafi on 08 July, 2012, 16:59:47
Ok, I have booked my plane, now is official that I am going :)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: AlexSmith on 10 July, 2012, 20:17:30
Hey guys, quick little announcement for anyone attending the EJC:
We are going to be bringing some Terra Kendama products to sell! We'll only have a couple items, so anyone interested can come find me at the EJC for some more info. I'll be making a separate post about this in a few days time, with some more info and photos. We're excited to get some more Terra goods into the hands of European players! One of the kens we're bringing is probably one of the most beautiful we've ever made... can't wait to show off some photos!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: KendaMushroom on 17 July, 2012, 02:38:12
save me something purple hearty!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 18 July, 2012, 17:52:19
Two brand new sealed Mugens in the prize pool. See my Twitter!

Thank you Yano-San!!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: SamB on 18 July, 2012, 17:57:02
Holy tamas! I'm off to practice...
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: AlexSmith on 19 July, 2012, 12:01:09
Today I begin seriously practicing. Have a few hours to kill before taking a train into Belgium. Woo!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: HansNickmans on 19 July, 2012, 15:01:57
Dude, you're coming to Belgium? Where are you staying and for how long? Our community is only 5 (core) people or so, but still :-)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 20 July, 2012, 12:15:25
Schedule:
Sunday - Play!
Monday - Beginner & Advanced workshops. JKA gradings
Tuesday - JKA gradings
Wednesday - EKO
Thursday-Saturday - Play! BKA gradings for anyone who missed the chance of a JKA one.

Plus a 3pm game of K.E.N.D.A.M.A. Monday-Friday (http://www.kendama.cz/text/kendama-game-at-the-ejc-2012) hosted by Mirek.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: KendaMushroom on 20 July, 2012, 14:58:25
Tuesday it is!!! raaaaaaaaaaaaaage!!!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 20 July, 2012, 18:04:14
Some of the prizes for the EKO. Click the pic for more.
Also more prizes from Sunrise and Play, not pictured.
(http://www.kendama.co.uk/galleries/EKO2012prizes/mediafiles/l1.jpg) (http://www.kendama.co.uk/galleries/EKO2012prizes/index.html?)

More valuable than any of the above: The amount of fun you'll have if you come.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: AlexSmith on 20 July, 2012, 20:25:29
Hans, we're in Brussels for the night, then heading to Bruges in the morning and staying there for a night. Not sure how much time we'll have to meet up and play since our stay is rather short, but if you're near Bruges let me know! Will you be attending EJC?

Prize pool: Ooh OG sky blues! hehe

Also! I put a post up in the Gear forum (Check it here! (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,551.0.html)) about some Terra gear we're bringing to the event. Check the post for more info and some photos!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: HansNickmans on 20 July, 2012, 23:05:18
Too bad Alex, I live in Hasselt, which is the other side of the country from Bruges. Hope you have a great stay! Can't make it to the EJC..

Great prizes for the EKO! What type is the red one? An ancient JKA-kendama?
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 21 July, 2012, 05:33:02
HELP NEEDED!

Okay chaps, I need a little bit of help to run the EKO. Is anyone up for one of the following roles?:

Kendama checker: All competitors will need to have their kendamas checked before they come onstage to make sure they are approved (http://www.kendama.co.uk/approved.html). Requires: Reasonable knowledge of a wide range of kendama models, and a willingness to say no firmly but fairly if they're not. You'll get a good seat for the whole comp.

Best Trick Compère and Secretary: I will be compiling the results as this goes on, so I can't run it. See the EKO 2011 video (http://www.kendama.co.uk/EKO2011video.html) to see how it works. Requirements: (Compere:) Willingness to not participate in Best Trick, and the ability to keep talking and keep people moving with the mic. A good knowledge of kendama trick names will be useful. (Secretary:) The ability to listen, and write!
Raul will compère (Thank you!), just a secretary required now.

Speed Trick Challenge Judges: This year there will be no Pre-qualifying, all the heats will be onstage, but they will probably be several people at a time, so I'll need several judges at a time. Requirements: STC trick order committed to memory, plus the ability to shout "No" or "Yes" loudly and point at the same time.

Beginner Division Judges: 3 people required. Requirements: Good knowledge of all the tricks on the Beginner List (http://www.kendama.co.uk/EKO2012.html). Scoresheet marking system will be explained. Positions filled, thanks, guys!

Advanced Division Secretary: Requirements: Someone who can write X for "miss" and O for "hit" when I call them out. Willingness to not participate in Advanced Division.

Registration: You have to register for the comp by 12.30 on the day, but it will help me a lot if I know roughly the numbers of people to expect in each division. So please reply here with which divisions you wish to enter: Beginner OR Advanced, and/or Speed Trick Challenge. (You do not have to register for Best Trick.)

Thanks for your help!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: shalafi on 21 July, 2012, 08:13:40
You can count with me for the Best Trick Compère and Secretary (I don't mind not participating) and Beginner Division Judges for sure.

Speed Trick Challenge Judge I can do as well.

I plan to participate in the Advanced, not sure of the STC, probably not if I judge, yes otherwise.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 21 July, 2012, 11:22:06
Great, thank you! But "Best Trick Compère and Secretary" is 2 people, which would you like to be?
Oh, and you can be an STC judge and still compete, if we have enough judges... Actually, I may be just telling people on the day "You're a judge this round!". It seemed to work out okay last year.

Okay, let's start this list.

Beginner Competitors
?

Advanced Competitors
Raul Portales (ES)
Oase (RO)
Sam Bradley (UK) Pre-Dan
Matt Nix (UK)* 1st Dan
Johnny Malcolm (UK)*
Ian Haworth (UK)* 2nd Kyu
Katsuaki Shimadera (JP) 6th Dan
Tomoya Mukai (JP) 6th Dan
Toshihiko Ogawa (JP) 5th Dan
Tajima Akira (JP) 5th Dan
Tensui Sakai (JP) 5th Dan
Nicolas Schopfer (SUI) 3rd Dan
Daniela von Rohr (SUI)*
Thomas Holzer (SUI)*
Marc Wibbels (DE)* Pre-Dan
Alex Ruisch (NE) 2nd Dan
Jeffrey van Reeven (NE)* 1st Dan
Florian Zolda (AT)*
Mirek Šiřina (CZ)* 1st Kyu
Raphaël Cochet (FR?SUI?)*
Alex Smith (CA)
Kristin Olinyk (CA)*


STC Competitors
Raul Portales (ES)
Katsuaki Shimadera (JP)
Tomoya Mukai (JP)
Toshihiko Ogawa (JP)
Tajima Akira (JP)
Tensui Sakai (JP)
Alex Smith (CA)
Sam Bradley (UK)
Alex Ruisch (NE)
Nicolas Schopfer (SUI)


Best Trick Compère
Raul Portales

Beginner Judges
Raul Portales
Katsuaki Shimadera
Tomoya Mukai

Advanced Judge
Void

*Assumptions
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: Oase on 21 July, 2012, 11:42:30
i`m there !!!! i just organized everything so...i`m coming to !!...yes !!! please do tell me your email Void ..i need some guiding ..thank You !! Oase
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 21 July, 2012, 11:48:27
Great! I'll put you down for Advanced!

You can send me a Private Message on the forum, but if email is easier for you, then

void                    <---- at
tlmb                    <---- dot
net
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 21 July, 2012, 13:02:27
The site address for the EJC is at http://ejc2012.org/strona/82/HOME (http://ejc2012.org/strona/82/HOME) , along with directions. It's really close to the train station. I'm flying to Warsaw, and getting the train from there.

Once you're at the EJC, it should be pretty easy to find the kendama crowd. If you're only there for Wednesday... The competition will be in one of the big tents. (The Renegade tent, I think). Otherwise, look for the "けん玉" flag, which we will put up somewhere.

The price of the convention includes free camping, if you bring a tent. You don't have to book that in advance, you can just pay when you arrive. 80PLN per day (includes 1 night camping, until noon the next day). Otherwise, you can get a hotel, but they might be quite expensive this close to the date.

See you there!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: shalafi on 21 July, 2012, 21:09:10
For the Best trick I don't mind the mic :)

When are you going to warsaw? maybe we can take the train to Lublin together, I'll drop you a mail
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: Daniela on 22 July, 2012, 09:48:05
hey void!!

When are you going to warsaw? thomas and I will also going to warsaw (airplane).... We also must take the train....

Little hint for you (because of the list of players): my name is Daniela von Rohr, hahahaha... All the people all around the world apart from Switzerland have sooo much troubles with my name! :-) you're not the only one!

I'm really looking forward to EJC!!! CYA there or may be at warsaw :-)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 22 July, 2012, 10:13:22
Oops, sorry, I corrected it!

I fly into Warsaw Frederick Chopin on Saturday 28th at 12.25pm. You? Shalafi?
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: shalafi on 22 July, 2012, 16:29:48
I fly on Wednesday (25th) , but I'll take the train to Lublin on Saturday (probably morning)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 22 July, 2012, 16:41:06
There's a 14:20 train from Chopin airport. I guess I'll be getting that, if I'm not delayed too much.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 22 July, 2012, 17:44:35
Right, I made a mistake: We have 2 Mugens as prizes for the top 2 non-Japanese players in Advanced. And they came from Tsutsumi-San of the JKA. Very generous, thank you!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: AlexSmith on 22 July, 2012, 19:21:00
Im in for advanced and speed trick! best trick as well.

also, OOOOOAASSEEE Im so stoked youll be there. Best news all day!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: Daniela on 23 July, 2012, 11:21:00
no problem, void!

thomas and I will come later.... so we will meet us directly by the EJC in Lublin :-) have a safe travel and cya soon!!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: SamB on 23 July, 2012, 15:36:35
I'm in for the advanced division and the speed trick too!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 24 July, 2012, 14:59:50
Come and get 'em! Your name here?! Honour and glory can be yours. Fun guaranteed!
(http://kendama.co.uk/images/EKO%20certs%20pic.jpg)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: KendAlex on 24 July, 2012, 15:20:49
ofcourse i will attempt the speed trick list and the best trick as well,
i'm off starting practice
see you all next week
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: shalafi on 24 July, 2012, 16:04:21
I need the honor and the glory :)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: KendaMushroom on 25 July, 2012, 06:21:32
I'll enter speed trick and best trick as well! ^^ just for the sake of it
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: KendaMushroom on 25 July, 2012, 16:57:12
Hey Void, is it me or is the trick list a little weird? (yes 1 week before the comp i finally realize). Like thumb trap as starter yet around europe at almost the end? Yeah slip grip final last year and quarter this year?

Oh well i think some tricks in initial round are higher level than semi final :) see you next week!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 25 July, 2012, 17:38:03
Well, we ain't changing now! :)

Gently pushing the standard, as the standard pushes us.
Criticism last year seemed to be that the 1st round tricks weren't quite challenging enough, so this year's thinking was "throw in a few curveballs" (at all levels). The audience love to see you[nb]Non-specific "you".[/nb] squirm.....  ;D

Enjoy your week's practice!

"Number 10, BAT!"
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: SamB on 25 July, 2012, 18:14:30
Quote from: KendaMushroom on 25 July, 2012, 16:57:12
Oh well i think some tricks in initial round are higher level than semi final

I was just thinking the exact same thing that they aren't in strict difficulty order. Ah well mixing it up should mix up the field a bit I guess.. My PB thus far is 32 misses for the whole list, candle flip and half-swirl aeroplane being my weakest. FTG is slowly improving ...
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 25 July, 2012, 18:29:51
Quote from: HansNickmans on 20 July, 2012, 23:05:18Great prizes for the EKO! What type is the red one? An ancient JKA-kendama?
Did you not read the page title/comment on http://www.kendama.co.uk/galleries/EKO2012prizes/pages/page_3.html (http://www.kendama.co.uk/galleries/EKO2012prizes/pages/page_3.html) ? :
Quote03 Modern replica of the original 1918 kendama "Nichi Getsu Ball"
That's all I know about it.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 25 July, 2012, 19:10:47
A triumph of engineering. Look for this in Lublin!
(http://kendama.co.uk/images/JKA-Banner.jpg)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: HansNickmans on 26 July, 2012, 07:24:13
Can't believe I read over that, to baffled by the pictures I guess :-)

Looks like it's going to be one hell of an event, I can't believe I have to miss it...
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: Patryk on 31 July, 2012, 00:25:12
Quote from: HansNickmans on 26 July, 2012, 07:24:13
Looks like it's going to be one hell of an event, I can't believe I have to miss it...
Yh, same...

But, i hope that you will make any edit from there, huh? ^^

Little ask. I know it going to be funny for you, but you know. I had to be there but i not gonna be able to be there , coz i need to go back to the country so... if some polish players you will meet there and they will ask about any polish board or something, could you tell them to visit www.kendama.com.pl? (http://www.kendama.com.pl?) I know how it looks, i had to do it myself, but eh...
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 31 July, 2012, 09:49:32
Sure Patryk, we will mention it!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: Patryk on 31 July, 2012, 16:12:43
Many, many thanks! :)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 01 August, 2012, 20:26:19
Well, I mentioned it Patryk, but sadly there were no Polish people at the competition at all! :( But we'll try to tell people in the next few days... Maybe we will get some converts.

EKO was great, a small showing in Beginners, but a good turnout in Advanced. Random draws saw a repeat of last years final in this year's semi, and the headline results are:

Tomoya Mukai (JP)- EKO Champion for the second year in a row.
Johnny Malcolm (UK) - European Kendama Champion
Nicolas Schopfer (Sui) - Swiss Kendama Champion
Mathias Steen Rasmussen (DE) - Danish Kendama Champion
Lars Sundøen (NO) - Norwegian Kendama Champion
Mark Wibbels (DE) - German Kendama Champion
Raul Portales (ES) - Spanish Kendama Champion
Alex Ruisch (NE) - Dutch Kendama Champion
Philippe Bontemps (LUX) - Luxembourg Kendama Champion

Lars Burgstahler (DE) - Beginner Division Winner

Tensui Sakai (JP) - Speed Trick Challenge Champion (20.3sec)

Daniela von Rohr & Thomas Holzer - Best Trick

Thank you all. BKA was too busy running the event to get any photos, so please upload your photos and post links/embeds here!

Thank you to all attendees, and to all the sponsors:
Yano-San of Kansai Branch of the JKA for many kendamas, and Fujis and NichiGetsu Ball
Tsutsumi-San of JKA for Mugens and charms
David from Sunrise for Euro Champ sponsorship deal for 2013
Alex Ruisch for his beautiful custom trophies
Void for the holster and books


Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: shalafi on 01 August, 2012, 20:37:46
It has been a really fun day.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 01 August, 2012, 20:42:21
The competition was tiring to run, but went smoothly. Thanks all competitors and audience.

For me, I may best remember the post-comp session of drinks, talks, K.E.N., Last Man Standing, Candle Conkers, Unicorns, photos and kendama-signings.

Lovely day, lovely people, lovely clicks. You are a great bunch of clickers. :)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: Patryk on 01 August, 2012, 22:43:51
Damn, reget that we wasn't there.

No problem, thanks anyway, it means a lot for me and our team. :)

P.S. yh, people. I'm waiting for photos and videos. ;)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: AlexSmith on 02 August, 2012, 11:48:53
Super fun day, again nice work Void. Now that my headache is subsiding I think I better hurry on down to the hall to say goodbye to some of the folks who are leaving!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 03 August, 2012, 10:30:19
2011, Munich: 53 competitors of ~6000 convention attendees=~0.088%
2012, Lublin: 28 competitors of ~2000 convention attendees=~0.14%

So this year's comp was bigger than last year's!

For the record, 32 people said they came to EJC just for the kendama.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 03 August, 2012, 14:22:19
Somebody move those decimal points....
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: Patryk on 03 August, 2012, 15:26:37
Quote from: BKA on 03 August, 2012, 10:30:19
2011, Munich: 53 competitors of ~6000 convention attendees=~0.088%
2012, Lublin: 28 competitors of ~2000 convention attendees=~0.14%

So this year's comp was bigger than last year's!

For the record, 32 people said they came to EJC just for the kendama.
Expect me in the next year(i bet)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: LarsVegas on 04 August, 2012, 15:10:23
This was so much fun and I'm more than happy to fail in next year's advance competition. At least, that gives me the chance for an official title :)
Thanks to all who made this competition happen (organisation, judges, ...).
It was also very nice to meet some of this list's regulars in person - and also to meet some that aren't on this list.

I'm looking forward to the next Kendama meeting, lars
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: Patryk on 04 August, 2012, 19:17:03
btw anyone already know where EKO gonna be next year?
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 04 August, 2012, 21:21:19
Pretty likely to be at EJC Toulouse, France. To be confirmed....
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 04 August, 2012, 21:37:46
Raph's EJC/EKO Photos start here:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2323189096000&set=a.1101379071513.12038.1737804271&type=3 (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2323189096000&set=a.1101379071513.12038.1737804271&type=3)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 05 August, 2012, 15:28:38
Toshi's photoset:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.370686896338480.84547.100001915175445&type=1 (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.370686896338480.84547.100001915175445&type=1)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 05 August, 2012, 15:32:01
Shima's photoset:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.468639053155484.113182.100000281792255&type=1 (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.468639053155484.113182.100000281792255&type=1)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 06 August, 2012, 16:14:03
Tomoya's set:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.252350444867627.38056.100002780197833&type=1 (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.252350444867627.38056.100002780197833&type=1)

Luke's set:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.506383902711462.136274.100000195692660&type=1 (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.506383902711462.136274.100000195692660&type=1)

Mirek's set:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151160775524673.497871.69876059672&type=1 (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151160775524673.497871.69876059672&type=1)

Sam's set:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100504683497635.2645280.61412333&type=1 (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100504683497635.2645280.61412333&type=1)

Single photo from Piotr:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3955054427507&set=o.154846677933963&type=1&theater (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3955054427507&set=o.154846677933963&type=1&theater)

Daniela's set:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3781231681696.2153282.1004065273&type=1 (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3781231681696.2153282.1004065273&type=1)

Some pics on Mark's wall:
http://www.facebook.com/KendamaAroundTheWorld?sk=wall (http://www.facebook.com/KendamaAroundTheWorld?sk=wall)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 06 August, 2012, 18:20:45
My photos:
http://tlmb.net/galleries/EJC2012/index.html (http://tlmb.net/galleries/EJC2012/index.html)
No re-uploads, please, just share the page URL (eg "http://tlmb.net/galleries/EJC2012/pages/page_48.html")
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: Daniela on 06 August, 2012, 19:24:46
thanks void, to collect all the links of the photogalleries from the EJC!!! pretty well to see another pics from the event  :D
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: SamB on 07 August, 2012, 12:34:44
I'll just say thanks to everyone who came to the EJC. Chris and I had the best time[nb]despite being eaten alive by bugs, losing about 5kg in sweat and never mastering the Polish language[/nb] and I can't believe how cool and skilled all you kendama people are in real life.
It was great to see some legendary and rare kendamas in the flesh and some unbelievable tricks pulled every couple of minutes.
When we left my right arm and my legs ached but my skills have improved a lot and I have so many new tricks I want to learn.

And obviously huge thanks and respect to Void for organising and getting all these people from all over the world into a single place all in the name of playing a bit of cup and ball! Seriously dude that's pretty amazing!

Here's to next year!

2013 - Toulouse - 4th Dan and the EKO title will be mine![nb]Maybe if no one else turns up....[/nb]
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 07 August, 2012, 15:16:45
Two photos of Shima and Tomoya on the Open Stage on Tuesday by Luke (scroll down):
http://www.lukeburrage.com/blog/archives/1709 (http://www.lukeburrage.com/blog/archives/1709)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: ChrisD on 07 August, 2012, 21:52:56
Great to see all these reports, photos etc, thanks.  Compensation for those of us who couldn't be there!  I've seen no comparable reports on the rest of the EJC anywhere yet.

Congratulations to the competition winners - I'm particularly thrilled that our local Norwich lad Johnny is European Kendama Champion - is there no end to his talents?  Congratulations also to the many who've increased their gradings, in some cases quite steeply.  Respect, Sam and Void1!

Chris




1 - and no doubt others, I just happen to know these two....
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 08 August, 2012, 17:05:06
Time for an essay.... Are you ready?...

(http://tlmb.net/galleries/EJC2012/mediafiles/l48.jpg)

An early start, a long travel (including being thrown off a Polish train for having the temerity to only have notes, not coins!) , but finally got to the EJC in the early evening, to find Alex, Kristin & Raul clicking away in the middle of the main hall. Already it feels like "kendama home". Then we met up with the Japanese players, with hellos and hello-agains all over the place. Finally I got my tent set up, and on the way to brush my teeth, ran into 2 young clickers I'd not met before. More of them later.

Sunday was a general play day, with a side order of a grading for Raul. Those 2 chaps from last night turn out to be Thorkild and Mathias from Denmark, and they waste no time in impressing everyone with their fast and furious skilful moves. In the evening, some of us head into town to watch the opening show - a trapeze show based on an impressive large circular rig. Looked really good in the night lighting, with the moon shining down over all.

On Monday, many JKA gradings took place, with lots of people getting their first feet on the Kyu ladder. I had some unfinished business from my trip to Japan, and after having had a double confirmation that my 45.9 Speed Trick B could be rounded down to 45 seconds, I set about trying the compulsories to complete my 4th Dan. I'd been practising it nearly daily since the EJC, and the practice paid off for me. I was very chuffed to get it. Also, to be the first "Westerner" to hit that level was a nice bonus. (Curse those talented Mongolians for depriving me of the "first non-Japanese" tag! ;) ) This year I managed to retain my composure and not blubb my eyes out, but I was quite shaky. Shame my girlfriend wasn't there to see it (again). Well, that put me in a class of my own, but not for long, as Thorkild and Mathias soon followed along to 4th Dan, with Alex Smith getting 3rd too. An evening meal outside the bar tent, chatting and drinking was just the ticket. By now the Dutch contingent had arrived too, so all was merry.

On Tuesday, the Swiss posse and Czech crew showed up, and the party was really in full swing.  More gradings, including Nic stepping up into the 4-strong 4D club, and Sam leaping 3 levels to 3D. In the afternoon I got my paperwork into gear for the next day, and decided not to do Seeding this year, but go for Random Draw for the Advanced division. I made the draw, but kept it secret - people could discover their opponents when called onstage. Another evening session in the beer garden, now with Matt and Sam in attendance, along with friends Luke and Chris who got well into the spirit of things. Luke's comment of "I don't know where to look!" is typical of a first-time attendee of an EJC. Later we all snuck into the big top just in time to catch Shimadera-San and Mukai-San's appearance on the Open Stage. To a tent-full of jugglers, they both rocked some great stuff, Shima with a standard set-up, Tomoya with stringless, juggling style. I'm glad to say the jugglers really liked it. Outside, Raphaël had brought a bilboquet with a crescent moon instead of a ball, and my achievement of the night was to get a Furiken-Earth (Moon!) Turn- Fast Throw Lighthouse-Swap In. Woo!

Sleep. Need sleep....

Wednesday morning saw Alex R sneak in a grading, and get himself up to 3rd Dan. Go KendAlex! Headed over to the renegade area with Thomas and Daniela to prepare for set-up. (Remember to eat! Remember to drink! Check.) News comes through that Jeffrey was feeling really rough, and had gone back to his hotel to recover. No Dutchkendama in the comp then. :-( After the tent looking bare the day before, Wojtek and Daniel provided us with a stage, lighting and sound system. Now that that arrived, I decided we would stay in the tent after all, and not head outside, which had been the back-up plan. Right, roll up those tent sides!

Okay, let's get this comp underway!

The new rule of "only 4 misses" for the beginners worked out fine, rewarding consistency as intended. Phillips gave Lars a run for his money, but couldn't quite pip him to the top.

This year for Speed Trick Challenge, there was no Pre-qualifying, as it was all decided on live heats, 4 players at a time.

The advanced random draw threw up some interesting matches, but all in all I thought it worked out well. Last year's final was repeated in this year's semi-final, but no appearance in the final for Nic this year. After having to enforce a couple of rules quite strictly, and some close calls here and there, it all boiled down to a final between the polar opposite styles of Johnny Malcolm (nervous, smiley, fast) and Tomoya Mukai (focused, slow, deliberate). By getting to the final, Johnny had already guaranteed himself the title of European Kendama Champion 2012. J had his chances to score points off Mukai-San, but Tomoya's intense focus saw him triumph... For the second year in a row. Congratulations to both of them.

While I went through the paperwork to get the exact results in order, Raul ran the Best Trick competition. It sounded great, but I didn't see a single trick, so I look forwards to seeing it on video! Thanks Raul.

Prize-giving and a group photo, and time to relax after another successful EKO. Lublin was a little awkward/far for several people to get to, but I expect we will have a large turn-out again next year in (...To Be Confirmed...) Toulouse.

I was quite exhausted after the comp, but after eating food (thanks, Mirek!), and drink, and issuing the certificates to all the title-winners, I began to recover. By now it was ~5.30 (?) , and the next few hours were a complete blast. (Hey, Jeffrey's back! Hooray!) We had group games of Candle Conkers, Last Man Standing, K.E.N., and Unicorns (if you don't know what those are... I believe/hope there will be video forthcoming...),  and a mass session of "will you sign my kendama please?", photograph taking, drinking chatting and relaxing. A wonderful day, thanks everyone for coming!

A little later, back at the hall (to escape the mosquitos!) there was unicycling attempts, Running Aeroplane silliness, Raph dancing his butt off, and general Hanging Out with friends. (No, that's not a trick, it's a lifestyle :) ) Oh, and goodbye Matt and Luke, off in the early hours....

Sleeeep? Well, maybe a little.

Thursday. More gradings. It's a new month. I'm allowed to have a crack at 5th Dan compulsory tricks (Moshi Kame and Speed Trick B already under my belt). Well, I have very little hope of actually doing it, but let's give it a go... Shimadera-San: "Please let me know when you are ready." Me:"I'm ready." Here we go.

Cosmos and Birds went okay. Likewise Hanging Spike, but Jumping Stick takes 9 goes. Oof. 4 1-Turn Aeros should be pushing it, but no, they're okay. The 1-Turn LHs I'm less worried about and they pass by fine. Now the new level of tricks. Slip Grip Special? Settles in okay. Now BFOTValley... Getting very tricky, missed a couple of the "...and In"s, but got there in the end.

Home stretch? Well, yes, but now it's getting stupid hard. The Somersaults I'm okay with, and get them in a few goes. But now Hanging 1-Turn Aeroplane, and surely this is my demise. By the start of the week, I've realised that everyone is doing this trick "string in the middle", and I'm a "string outside" kind of guy. But.... Do I change my technique at this stage? No, I'll stick with what I know. Got one on 2nd or 3rd go! Phew. But then, it's miss, miss, miss. And add a couple of misses for good measure. Damn, those were all SO close, the spike was RIGHT by the hole. Okay, focus,... Miss. Last go then, oh well, it was fun to get this far, and I'm very happy to have got my 4th Dan, so no worries. Hold, backswing, lift, throw, grab the ball, maybe it should go somewhere about..... There?

It's In! PHEW. I've got to admit I didn't really know a lot about that last catch, but I'll take it.

But now 2-Turn LH. I hate this trick, and despite getting some tips when I was in Japan, I'm still very inconsistent,  and I would put myself somewhere around 1 in 25 with it. And I need 1 in 10. Okay, let's try.

Miss, miss, miss, etc. Then a couple of cup-to-ball contacts, but not smooth enough to hold the balance. Another miss, then on the 7th(?) go, the ken lands on the ball.... Without touching my fingers.... And... Stays there? Yes? Still? For 3 seconds?

YES!

Shimadera-San says "Congratulations, you are 5th Dan!", but I can't quite believe it. Shaking. (Thanks Jeff, but I can't shake your hand yet, I need to bow to my examiner first...) When Shima stands up, it's all I can do to squeeze out a Thank You and a handshake, before the tears start coming. Now I'm looking around at all my lovely clicker buddies standing around and applauding me, (Thank you, guys, that's a lovely mental photograph that will stay with me forever!) and I lose it completely. Face in towel time. No girlfriend here again, damn. I sneak out to phone her, and blubb into her answer phone. :-) Back in for the presentation of my certificate, and I can just about keep it together to smile for a photo.

Wow, that was my lucky day for sure. Wow. Did I say Wow?

Raul, Eelco, Mirek and Jeffrey all boost their gradings too - Big Congrats, guys!

Later in the day, I finally get the chance to induct some non-Brits as BKA examiners. Thanks for spreading the grading system, dudes!

Time for another of Mirek's K.E.N. games, and then it's time for the Japanese contingent to pack and head off. Many more photos and goodbyes. It was great to see you again/meet you, and a big Thank You from me and all the European players for coming so far on your holidays to meet us all, and share your knowledge and expertise with us all. We are all so grateful for the huge input you have given to our scene. I look forwards to meeting you all again in Toulouse ( and if I'm lucky, in Japan again, too).

On Thursday evening, some clickers and I head into the renegade tent to check out the completely indescribable Rumple, who was 24 hours in to an attempted 53 hour show. Yes, 53 continuous hours onstage. I'm glad to say that the clicker crew did not think I was completely mad for suggesting we go and see him, and shared my view that Rumple is bizarrely fascinating. "It's just a man looking for things!!!" - Chris. More of Rumple later....

Back in the gym, there was a little clicking, but quite a lot of sitting down, and a mass ken-balance session.

Friday, and the fatigue was beginning to set in. I've done more clicking this week than I've ever done before. It's been great, but my legs are starting to feel it. So, a slow start to the day, some lunch, a little light clicking, and then it was head into town for the gala show. I met up with Nils and Lars in the queue, and Alex and Kristin joined us soon afterwards. (It was at this point that I realised that I'd missed saying goodbye to the Dutch crew. See you next time guys, and great to meet you Eelco!). I've seen loads of shows, so I'm a bit jaded, but there were 4 acts I thought were really really good. A skate/ball bouncer, a ring juggler, an acrobalance duo (someone later said, "Hey, he was doing kendama tricks with her!", which made me laugh), and a hoop roller.

After slightly melting in the hot tent, Alex, Kristin and I headed for food. We found a restaurant with good vege options, and K and I both ordered big! Thorkild and Mathias joined us, and we collectively approved of the ice coffees that contained ice cream. Yum.

Back to site, and a slightly depleted crew spent the evening hanging in the beer garden, chatting. Then it was back to check on Rumple again. Still going strong, and Mirek plays his hunting horn. I went back to the gym for a while (D.A.M.A. With Raul, and the Danes, and I FINALLY manage to give someone a letter with Half Swirl Aero! Also, I remember far too late that I'd recently spent 2 months practising the WKC tricks, so manage to score with one or two of those too. Thorkild still beat me tho, :-) ), but was gutted to later hear that I missed Mirek becoming Rumple for a couple of minutes, to give the Worldly Kangaroo Jester of Oz a loo break. At least there are photos!

Back at the renegade tent, we head back for Rumple's finale. The tent is JAMMED, but we manage to sneak in behind the stage to get a front-back row seat for the craziness that followed. Again, indescribable, but we'll never hear Iron Man again without thinking back on this. 53 hours, he did it. A late evening farewell to Sam and Chris.

Saturday morning, and I've missed Mirek & Lucia's departure. :-/ Cya guys! Another chilled start to the day, and it's Goodbye to Thorkild and Mathias as they pack their tents away. Raul and I head into town to watch the juggling games. We meet up with Kristin, and then Alex, for a nice afternoon sat on the castle steps watching jugglers compete in skills technical and silly. Ice cream helped. Food time.... Back to the same restaurant as yesterday - it was that good! After food, on to the local park, where we realise that we were now down to the same group of 4 clickers that we each first encountered on arrival. First in, last out. Fighting off the mosquitoes, we had a chill click, then sat down for a rest before the fire show. On the way to the fire show, though, I realised that I am completely exhausted, and have to pack up before my early morning departure.... And I've seen a squillion fire shows anyway. So it's goodbye to Canada, and back to site for me before falling over.

Sunday morning, and off I trudge to the train, to start my long journey home, leaving Raul as the Last True Clicker onsite. What a great week, thank you everyone for showing up, and for all being such a lovely bunch of people to hang out with. To those who *couldn't* come, hope to see you next time. To those who could, but *didn't* come... Your loss - don't make the same mistake next time!

So many more memories I've left out... I'm tired, so tired.... But very happy. :-D

CLICK CLICK!
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 08 August, 2012, 17:09:44
Thanks everyone for sharing your photos. Mirek, I love your shots (and since you are in some of them, Lucia's!). I hereby appoint you official EKO photographer! ;) The one of Kristin and the fishing toy is brilliant.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 08 August, 2012, 17:14:53
Two more photos of Shima and Tomoya in EJC Lublin's Tuesday night photoset:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.337888912963071.79454.154846677933963&type=1 (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.337888912963071.79454.154846677933963&type=1)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 08 August, 2012, 22:35:26
Quote from: The Void on 08 August, 2012, 17:05:06Time for an essay.... Are you ready?...
(http://tlmb.net/galleries/EJC2012/mediafiles/l48.jpg)
An early start, a long travel.....
I forgot something. At some point during the week, Jeffrey asked me what seemed like a slightly odd question: [With respect to me having been a juggler for many years...] "So, do you get disrespected by other jugglers now that you only do kendama?". (Question possibly arose from another "do some sections of the juggling community look down on others?" conversation.) I wasn't sure quite how to answer, as I don't really see things "working" like that. I answered something along the lines of "No, people know me as a person, and it doesn't  matter what prop I favour. Sometimes there will be the odd teasing joke about 'cup and ball', but there's no real malevolence behind it."

Anyway... The reason I bring this up is that a day or two after the competition, a friend of mine, Pieter, (who is predominantly a club juggler/passer, and does not play kendama) said to me "I saw the competition from the quarter finals onwards. Amazing! Some of those guys are as artistic as the top jugglers. And to do the tricks so solidly, time after time is really incredible!" [approximate quote], which was really nice to hear.

So, yeah, I think that qualifies as the opposite of disrespect, Jeffrey! :D
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: LarsVegas on 08 August, 2012, 23:26:05
Quote from: The Void on 08 August, 2012, 17:05:06
Time for an essay.... Are you ready?...

(http://tlmb.net/galleries/EJC2012/mediafiles/l48.jpg)

...

CLICK CLICK!

Damn, I missed being on that photo. That would have been nice, because there doesn't seem to exist a sharp photo of the final stage of the competition ...
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 08 August, 2012, 23:49:18
Quote from: LarsVegas on 08 August, 2012, 23:26:05Damn, I missed being on that photo. That would have been nice, because there doesn't seem to exist a sharp photo of the final stage of the competition ...
No? (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151179281424673&set=a.10151160775524673.497871.69876059672&type=3)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: shalafi on 09 August, 2012, 08:09:46
Quote from: The Void on 08 August, 2012, 22:35:26
Anyway... The reason I bring this up is that a day or two after the competition, a friend of mine, Pieter, (who is predominantly a club juggler/passer, and does not play kendama) said to me "I saw the competition from the quarter finals onwards. Amazing! Some of those guys are as artistic as the top jugglers. And to do the tricks so solidly, time after time is really incredible!" [approximate quote], which was really nice to hear.

So, yeah, I think that qualifies as the opposite of disrespect, Jeffrey! :D

That is interesting, I sort of had the impression of being a semi-isolated group and I was afraid of the same jokes as have been made about contact jugglers.

It seems that we are more open than I thought, and that other jugglers appreciate kendama. That's very good to hear.

Nice essay by the way.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: shalafi on 09 August, 2012, 13:10:43
My own photo set: http://album.shalafi.net/thumbnails.php?album=68 (http://album.shalafi.net/thumbnails.php?album=68)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 10 August, 2012, 18:26:47
Full results:
http://www.kendama.co.uk/EKO2012results.html (http://www.kendama.co.uk/EKO2012results.html)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: The Void on 15 August, 2012, 18:03:39
Igarashi-san has sent me some footage. It's a bit fiddly for me to edit, but here is the STC semis and Final:
EKO 2012 Speed Trick Challenge Semis & Final - juggling videos hosted @ Juggling.tv (http://juggling.tv/12299#id=http://juggling.tv/nuevo/econfig.php?key=dd0a5b027e13e62fc694)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: BKA on 05 September, 2012, 13:24:53
The Kendama.dk crew has put together a nice video of the EKO Best Trick comp:
Best Trick Battle at the European Kendama Championship 2012 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL8rFPLaoiw#ws)
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: shalafi on 05 September, 2012, 13:52:32
Really cool video!

I agree on the best "single trick" given by the public (and we had a really hard time picking tricks) well, maybe not completely, but the crowd made its decision.

The fact that Shimadera-san and Tajima-san made at least 3 tricks each worth being in the final but we only put each person once made me feel like we should have given them some more credit... which I said so myself to them after the competition.

Anyway, there were amazing tricks.
Title: Re: European Kendama Open 2012
Post by: KendAlex on 05 September, 2012, 18:00:40
yeah really good edit, nice to see it back.
especialy that i knew that i was not listed that best trick wit my best trick, and i think it was a pretty nice one.
but oke, i already reach my goal in the morning that day and that was what count for me the most of the whole trip.
THIRTH DAN Kendama.

ofcourse it was super great to meet all the players and chill out for the week.
I do hope everybody can come again next year in France

:)