The Kendama Forum

Forum categories => General Discussion => Topic started by: BKA on 24 June, 2011, 15:09:04

Title: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 24 June, 2011, 15:09:04
Welcome to the BKA forum!

Why not take the time to introduce yourself in this thread? Perhaps give us a little bit of info about yourself - where you are, how long you've been playing, or anything else you feel like sharing with your fellow Clickers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: GbH on 24 June, 2011, 17:15:13
So, this is my first post!

Hi all - I'm Guy Heathcote (aka GbH) one of the more elderly Team KD members.

I've been playing with kendamas since first seeing Donald Grant and Fritz Grobe (of Mentos/Coke fame!) practicing with them at a juggling convention many years ago.  For a long while, I just used the plastic versions that were, back then, occasionally found in British toy shops.  As I knew all-but-nothing about Japanese kendama culture and what was really possible, I didn't make too much progress (some might argue I still haven't....).

Eventually, having looked around the web for any English-language instructions, I decided to write my own Kendama page (which can still be seen here - http://www.guyheathcote.com/KendamaBriefGuide.html (http://www.guyheathcote.com/KendamaBriefGuide.html)).  I still didn't know any of the terminology or many of the standard tricks at the time, but the page came to the attention of at least some people in Japan and I was kindly sent my first proper JKA damas (yep, including my first Mugen), along with some other cool stuff.  As it happened, this also seemed to coincide with a slight increase in interest from at least a few others in the juggling community, eventually leading to the whole Team KD idea getting hatched on a long coach journey from Bodmin to Redruth during the 2006 British Juggling Convention.  The Team KD idea seemed almost like a joke at first, but somehow Robin (and, later, Void) managed to turn it into something real.  I was officially asked to join the team some while later and wear my official shirt with pride (when Void makes me...  :) ).

I've since competed in each of the UK competitions, previously winning both the Advanced Trick List and Speed Trick Challenge competitions.  I also won the recent BKA art competition, which was a nice surprise.  I've also served as a competition judge.

I've been responsible for two kendama videos, Kendama Variations and More Kendama Variations, both of which can be found on juggling.tv.  I've also made appearances in a few of the other TeamKD/BKA productions, to a greater or lesser extent.

Personally, although I still like to learn a certain amount of standard technique, I seem to have more fun thinking up different ideas, silly variations and eccentric ways to present the prop to others.  But, maybe this is just an admission that I'm not good enough to be attempting the 'sick tricks' that now feature in so many on-line videos? 

Oh, and before you ask, no, I don't know how many kendamas I have, nor what make they all are.  And, no, I'm not currently interested in selling Mugens!

Click, click....


Guy
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 25 June, 2011, 16:35:11
Hello, I'm Void. I've been playing since 2006, but seriously since 2007. Based in the UK, and I usually run the British Kendama Open, and so far I've also run 1 Dutch Kendama Open, and 3 European Kendama Opens.

I love meeting up with other players, and having fun.
I like kendama 'cos there's always a new challenge around the corner. I also [noembed]make videos (http://juggling.tv/users/8/TLMB)[/noembed]  - on kendama and other stuff.

See you around!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Dave on 29 June, 2011, 18:21:58
Hello,

I'm Dave and i have been playing kendama for about 137 days and Im totally addicted. i basically haven't put the thing down and I m coming up with some really fun stuff. Loving the Hydra kendama since Leicester convention after playing with Voids.

i Have 3 regular oozora's a Yumu and a Deathray Hydra with an oozora ken.

Im a big fan of the Kendama Kettle Rule and my current Kettle Trick is speed Trick B which Im down to nearly 100 seconds!!!!

Big Love For Kendama

Dave

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Juggle Sensei on 30 June, 2011, 18:54:06
Hi everyone!

My name's Matt Hall and I've been a kendama enthusiast since 2000.  The short version is that I was the translator for Masahiro Mizuno at the 2000 Portland Juggling Festival, and as a thank-you gift, he gave me my first kendama--an old school Japanese Kendama Federation model (that's right, there used to be TWO organizations).  Being a Japanese teacher gave me ample opportunity to travel to the Land of the Rising Sun and score some great learning materials in the original Japanese, as well as get tested for a JKA 1st kyuu certificate (still need to go back and get my 1st dan....sigh). 

For many years I dabbled with translating some of the classic Japanese kendama instruction books, but thanks to the herculean efforts of The Void and Donald Grant, I no longer have to sort that out.  Cheers to them! 

Peace be the journey!

matt
Team KD
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Arron on 30 June, 2011, 19:03:21
I'm Arron, I'm an Alcoholic and I've been sober for 12 days I've been playing with KD for a few years, before that I used to amuse myself by laughing at GbH play with them.

I also make my living performing with Yo-Yos, juggling and other KD related stuff.

Arron
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Tom Derrick on 30 June, 2011, 20:26:37
Hello!

I'm Tom Derrick, one of Team KD, and have been playing since 2007. I learnt from the incredible Matt Hall at the IJA, got hooked, and bought one at the same convention!

I'm fairly active on the juggling convention scene, so if you see me about, then come and say hello :-)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Looby on 01 July, 2011, 08:53:46
Morning all

I'm Louis but tend to be known as Looby amongst friends.  I've been clicking on and off for a few years now thanks to Void getting me hooked at BOB three and a bit years ago.

My Ken was admittedly gathering dust up until the beginning of the year when Dave sprung up as an instant master and motivated me to put some more practice in.  We're heading to the French convention next weekend in a bid to gather some interest and finally give the hydra a proper whirl, can't wait.

Thanks for setting this up chaps, I genuinely think it'll become a brilliant resource, there isn't a dedicated forum out there from what I can see and looking at numbers on facebook groups and video views, kendama's getting super popular. 

Tata for now and keep clicking!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: orinoco on 02 July, 2011, 15:49:29
Afternoon all. I'm Jon from TWJC.

I first picked up a kendama at BJC 2006 for one of Matt Hall's workshops, I still use much of the innuendo I learnt in that workshop today.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: MisterJumpshoe on 02 July, 2011, 19:44:47
Wow, what a great idea!  A forum at last.

Hi, I'm Grant (a.k.a Mr Jumpshoe).  I was introduced to kendama in 2006 by a Japanese friend I met in Canada.  I learned the beginner tricks (putting myself through the licence - I was honest and didn't give myself any extra goes or anything), then kind of forgot about it.  I was given one in Canada and brought it back to the UK with me, but didn't play with it much.  Then in 2008 I started watching kendama vids on YouTube.  By that summer, I started to take kendama more seriously.  I made my first edit and contacted Void to show him.  Even though it's a very boring video, Void was delighted that there was another UK player emerging.

Since then I've done four more edits, a promo video, two short videos with a balero I found, a bloopers vid and a couple of online reviews.  Much to my surprise I became the Scottish kendama champion at the BKO this year.  I have it tattooed on my face so that people know.  (No, I don't - that would be wrong for many reasons).

Unlike most people on here, I have no other circus skills at present.  I thought of taking up cigar boxes because they kind of appeal to me.  That and I thought I might try busking with 'em.

I'd love to go to next year's BKO if I can.  Void & co did a bang-up job this year.

Looking forward to seeing how this forum progresses.

Cheers,

MrJ
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Roam on 05 July, 2011, 09:19:55
Hello

I'm Rob I first saw a Kendama in 2007 when a friend picked one up on holiday. We both had no idea what it was but found it addictive, I will be honest the novelty wore off after a few weeks as we was unsure how to progress and carried on YoYoing instead. Skip forward to six weeks ago and I stumbled across a Colin Sander video on youtube and my mind was blown, I have been watching load of videos and reading up on the subject as much as I can. I have just ordered a SunRise Kendama and I look forward to starting the hobby for real.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 05 July, 2011, 10:49:26
Welcome aboard Roam, (and everyone else too, of course!) and welcome to your new addiction. May we introduce you to a fun little concept (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,27.0.html)?

Click on!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: sunnyD on 06 July, 2011, 08:12:44
Tx to Void for fueling the fascination with the kendama. BJC kendama viewed from a table at the back in 2009 did it for me plus a now battered green Ozora.

So dave spotlight finds a new passion after making juggling props for 25 years. String driven things Donald & Void inspire.
Off to the Japan juggling festival in 2009 just outside Tokyo, met a bunch of great and crazy people then off to the Ozora factory to take (smuggle) a suitcase+golf bag full back to Amsterdam. Turns out that there is no import duty on wooden toys so smuggling was not even possible.
Met Yuji and had a good time together. But no way was he allowed to make any other colours in the days of plain/green/red/pink/light blue from the competition seal issuers - the JKA. This organisation is probably run by some nice people but at the time was experienced as the Spanish Inquisition by kendama manufacturers. Now wonder how the JKF would have reacted? (thanks for that Matt). On to Naranja shop in Tokyo but still only five colours available and about 2000 different types of finger-spinning pens. Oh well.

So no kendama available in my favourite colours? Back to basics and design my own, SunRise. No JKA sticker so EKA is born to take over exactly the same ruling on manufacturing as JKA but without colour limitations. Void & co make sure that the models are up to expectations and not too easy to play (hard but fair critique). First models made in China then after a year of that brought the entire production line back to Europe. Less co2 from airfreight and I can now hop on the bike and be on the front line as required. European paint does not chip and is lead free which makes kendama ok for the USA!

Working/travelling with Alex (supernog73) and Jeffrey (dutchkendama) has been great and good for kendama in Holland, thanks guys and your BigBoy Performers are ready next week.

Thanks to kendama for meeting some really fine people on this journey, click-click-'dama

   
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: AlexSmith on 07 July, 2011, 00:28:39
Hey guys,
My names Alex, I've been playing kendama for just a little over a year now. I bought my first red tk16 almost two years ago now, but didnt use it much as I didnt have any friends to play with. Then about a year ago a couple of my friends were playing with my dama and decided to order some of their own. Soon I had a number of friends hooked, and we decided to start a group called Kendama Edmonton. We've now imported and sold over 150 kens (mostly Oozora and Shin Fujis) to people in and around Edmonton, so we have a fairly strong community of players here. All the profits were put towards things like hosting competitions and buying prizes, and it's been a super fun time being a part of it all. We produce videos (I've posted a link to our two most recent edits in the videos forum), as well as Tshirts and other things like that.

Kendama is a strange little toy... it's funny how addicting it can be. I love it though haha
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Thorny on 07 July, 2011, 09:17:15
Morning people,
I've not been playing kendama for very long, it'll be coming up to a year or so in September time.

I first learnt about kendama around two and a half maybe three years ago when three of my friends got a TK16 each. I dabbled with theirs but never took it too seriously, which I regret because if I had from the word 'Go.' I might have been able to find a Shin Sakura. or even a Mugen at a reasonable price, from owners willing to part with their (then) not so recently discontinued kendamas.


But yes... I'm 18, I'm from England. I like to play kendama and to drink tea:)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: peterthake on 07 July, 2011, 14:17:48
Hi everyone,

My name is Pete, I run kendama-world.com and some other online shops. Just got an email from Void announcing this new forum and thought I would check it out. Looks good - it is about time there was a forum for kendama, well done BKA! I hope I can learn a lot here, and maybe give something back too.

I am not really much of a kendama player, but I started selling kendama some years ago when a customer who was into yo-yos asked me if I could get kendama. At the time I had never heard of them. After a few more customers also asked I spent ages tracking down a source of kendama and kendama-world was born. At that time it was really hard to find out anything about kendama (I remember Guy's web site was one of the few with any information in English) and it is really amazing how much kendama have taken off since then, both here in the UK and around the World.

Anyhow, good to meet you all. If anyone has any questions or suggestions for kendama/accessories I should sell do let me know.

This post is not intended as a sales pitch or anything; I hope everyone is ok with it.

All the best,
Pete

PS I will add a link to this forum from my Links page.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 07 July, 2011, 15:44:31
Welcome, David, Alex, Thorny & Peter.

Yes, Peter, that's fine. Manufacturers/retailers/etc can feel free to add a link to their site in their signature[nb]Profile>Forum profile>Signature. Use..... [url][/url].....tags around your link[/nb]. As long as their posts are more "human" than "shop assistant" then that's cool. :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Harrydh3 on 07 July, 2011, 23:29:31
Hey.
I'm harry
I'm 18 and have been playing kendama for roughly six months, Thorny got me into it and I was addicted straight away :)
Theres a minature kendama scene in our town.
Cheers
Happy 'damaing
Harry.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: lucid916 on 12 July, 2011, 11:22:47
yoooooooo, im luis from california.  Been playin kendama for almost a year now and absolutely love it! I started off with a TK 16 black tama, then got a red oozora, then I won a red Yumu in our first battle here in my city.  Now I recently purchased the new "focus" line of kendamas from sweets kendamas! I have edits out, basic stuff, i'll post those also.  Shout out sackendama! Like the page on facebook if you have one! Have a great day!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BatDancer on 13 July, 2011, 07:46:19
I'm Richard

Started playing kendama a couple of years ago when Void ran a workshop at BOB. Entered the BKO that year and didn't come last!!!

Since then, progress has been slow, but steady :)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: John on 13 July, 2011, 15:01:22
Alright chaps, been lucky enough to meet a fair few of you on here already at various conventions and whatnot around the UK. Nice to see you all again :)
I've been a casual dabbler of 'dama for a few years, picked up a cheapo Japanese model around 5 years ago and thought around the world was the complete limit of it. I then attended one of The Void's "kendama out of a suitcase" sessions and was introduced to a whole new spectrum of tricks and was caught hook, line and sinker as a result. Over 2 years on and I still refuse to be beaten by this game! Well, usually....
(Incidentally, I have finally conquered lunars...! I was practising them in the school hall yesterday, and a student asked me why they were called that, and I replied "Because by the time it takes someone to get to the moon, I will only just have managed to land one....")
Click click,
John.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 13 July, 2011, 15:04:02
Welcome aboard, Harry, Luis, Richard and John.

I suppose this must mean there is a fiendishly difficult trick out there waiting to be discovered, called "Manned Mission to Mars"! :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: kendamatty on 16 July, 2011, 11:11:39
Hello forum-folk!

I'm Matt, and I first met a kendama  November 2007 when my mate Tim brought back one from a rollerblading competition in Germany from the guys who were in the early Kendama USA videos. So I scoured the internet for my first TK16; and then it spiraled out of control...

Well not out of control, but I loved the idea of a similar thing to the COTT, except I wasn't allowing myself to go to a lecture until I landed a trick.

So many late lectures later I was playing with it everyday, smashing glasses and chipping paint off the walls, whilst introducing it to as many friends as possible, including my Northern housemate Rich, who can jumping stick like no man. Spring 2008 I started making videos of little kendama edits, mostly to show my mum how I was occupying my time at University in between the pub and the library as I didn't really go back to the hometown much. We started then messing about with stringless kendamas, and before long we were throwing them over garden fences, out of windows, setting fire to the damas (and whilst cycling...very dangerous that one).

When I stumbled across kendama uk site I really wanted to go the first BKO, but gutted that I had to work, so I reluctantly stayed in Cambridgeshire and had a kendama/beer drinking game instead (typical students eh?..)

I went in 2010 to the BKO and came second after my nerves got the better of me and a 4 hour car journey which I got horrendously lost and arrived as it was just starting.. ( Void was definitely on the ball that day too, so credit where credit is due, and his directions certainly helped!).

I then took part in the global kendama edit which I thought was absolutely amazing to have players from across the globe all in one wee video, certainly tried to up my game for that one..

In April 2011 I made sure to leave my house early and bring a sat-nav (and co-driver girlfriend) so I arrived at the competition, met some great peeps, smoked far too much tobacco, came 1st (very surprised considering I thought Jeff would be taking me down without breaking a sweat), then had to dash the juggling fest to say ello to some old Uni friends who have amazing Derby accents.

Will be going to Munich this year for the EKO after plenty of cuppas, so fingers X'd.

My new lil' project is going to be buying natural TK16s and attempting to paint things onto them, I always thought the eyeball kendama looked amazing (cant remember where I saw it), and I especially like the designs which wrap around the handles. I would love to get them into the student galleries we have over here, and have some demo ones available for passing folk to click with!

And finally I hope (cash-pending) that my next foreign visit after Munich will be Japan and to hopefully compete/marvel over there, I am currently I think at a level 5 dan ( think that is what it is called), if my patience holds out anyway for moshi kame - it rarely does :)

Much Love, drink tea, play kendama,

Matt.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KendamaChick on 24 July, 2011, 00:12:28
Hello All!

I am Maggie, I'm 15 and I have been playing Kendama for about 4 or 5 months.  I never leave home without it!  I am the only girl in my city to seriously play kendama.  I started because a friend of mine got one for christmas and he always brought it up to ski race training.  Since then I have spread the kendama love to a lot of people.  I play a blue TK16 master, a beat up sunrise with word written all over it, and a smile.  I am a somewhat close friends to the owners of Mountain Kendama, which is out of Helena Montana.  And I might start doing some custom painting and making kendamas. 

I do have a question, does anyone else know of other girls who take kendama seriously?

Okey Dokey, well thats all I have to say for the moment.  Happy Damanating!!!(:
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 24 July, 2011, 23:28:02
Welcome along, Matt and Maggie.

Maggie, check out Daniella.....
swisskendama - edit #4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQZvF1dI98M#ws)

...and Joanna...
JOANNA KENDAMA EDIT 3 KENDAMACN.COM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6vl4qOgZv8#)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Damadude on 25 July, 2011, 13:24:15
Hi Kenfellows,

I am Sebastian a.k.a. Damadude from Munich working at Kendama Europe a.k.a. Kendama.de.

My Love for Kendama started during my foreign studies in Japan in 07/08 when one of my mates from the university snowboard team introduced me to this crazy skill toy. I love kendama for it's power to connect you with people especially during my many stays in Japan. From old guys showing you some moshikame on the streets to Itosan telling you how to get some of tricky stuff done I owe a lot of good experiences to Kendama. I guess there will be a couple of new ones in August this year.

My skill level is average, no really hardcore stuff but good basics. I especially like to play the Kendama like it was done in the old times in Japan, as a drinking game  ;D

Clicks & Cheers!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: HansNickmans on 28 July, 2011, 15:01:04
Hi everyone, I'm Hans from Belgium

I started juggling around 2003-2004, mainly beanbags. In 2008 I managed to get to my first EJC, as a present from my parents for passing my exams. It is there that I followed a Kendama workshop by Matt Hall and Void. At first I didn't think a lot of it, even though I went to see the first European Kendama Open! On the final day of the convention I managed to track down Matt Hall to buy one. I mainly played during exam time and winter when I couldn't go outside to do other juggling. After searching around  the internet for it, I learned that the kendama I bought from Matt was in fact a Mugen (which was becoming valuable at the time). So I stopped playing with it so I wouldn't completely wreck it, and bought a TK16. Couple months back I saw Jeffrey van Rasta's first sunrise edit which got me back in to kendama a lot. Also bought a Yumu from Kengarden, and been practising a lot.

Goals are to film my first edit in the near future, have some mates start making some custom sunrises, and try to get a scene started in Belgium. I got my girlfriend hooked and some other friends, but if you're from Belgium, drop me a line and we'll put something together!

Greetings,

Hans
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 28 July, 2011, 15:08:02
Welcome to the forum, Sebastian and Hans.

Hans, if you're coming to Munich, you'll probably become the first Belgian Kendama Champion if you enter the competition!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Finn Darco on 28 July, 2011, 22:23:12
Hi all I'm Finn (or Darco: http://soundcloud.com/darco (http://soundcloud.com/darco)) and I've been lurking on the Forum and BKA website for a while...

I first got into Kendama when my brother bought back a very odd Kendama looking toy from Thailand (much more difficult and the dama & hole are tiny!) as well as a ball-in-a-cup + spike toy - it was so addictive I loved it - he left it round my house and I played it for ages. After taking it to the pub, I realised how fun it is to see how other people react to it and play!

Then I got some Kendama's from the UK Fire-toys site (a random white one and a TK-16) and started learning tricks from the BKA site. Since then I've collected a few more and my fav Kendama is my worn-in Natural Ozora - I've also made a custom White Ozora by swapping a Sky Blue dama for the White EU Sunrise dama which works well (as the Ozora ken was well worn in)

If you like there's a video I posted in the "Video's" discussion or a link on my JTV account. Just a quick edit and have learned a few more tricks since then including (almost!) mastering lunar's (recently did a lunnar flip) and pulled off a few stilts too... Hoping to get something together for the UK edit.

I always bring my Kendama(s) with me when I'm out and about and am very interesting in how it can change one's philosophy towards waiting (for a train for example) - it's now actually enjoyable! My favourite moment was waiting for my flight in Narita Airport, Tokyo and two old Japanese guys (who spoke no English) took a keen interest and I managed to discern that the used to play kendama in school - one of them tried a swing-to-bird and nearly landed it first time! Kendama seems to transcend language in much the same way as music, which is also another passion.

I'm looking forward to helping promote the BKA & Forums on social media with Void and the gang soon... Didn't make this year's BKO but hope to attend next year's or perhaps the Bristol one in October.

Namaste.

Finn
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: shalafi on 10 August, 2011, 21:26:31
It seems I did not introduced myself in the forums yet, so here I go.

I have been juggling for very long time, probably 15 years already, and while most of the stuff is fun, there are a few toys that completely absorbed me.

The first one was diabolo.

Then I started unicycling

Then I started playing kendama, and pretty much stopped doing other juggling.

Oh, and since I seem to be the only Spaniard that participates in kendama tournaments, I was the Spanish Champion, not sure if someone took that title today, since I could not attend the EKO.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: MasterKatra42 on 10 August, 2011, 22:59:39
Hi everyone,

I'm Joe Showers, and I've been juggling since 2004.  Got my first kendama as a present for hosting a Japanese student in my apartment for a few days back in 2008.  Don't know what make it was, but after about a month of practice I got a lighthouse and called it quits because nothing could possibly be harder than that trick and I was the freaking man.

Then I met Matt  Hall for the first time.

BOOM!  Find the old kendama, start doing harder tricks!  Completely obsessed for about two months.  Then disaster struck.  My string broke.  Apathy took over and I did not get another kendama until about a year ago.  TK16 master and me went a long way until it got lost at Turbofest.  Now I own a few Sweets Kendamas, and two TKs.  I'm also in the process of making a kendama out of plungers to use in my juggling show (I'm a professional juggler).  Can't wait to see how that turns out and what great American style comedy I can bring to the act with a kendama!  Recently, Void popped me an email, asking me to join the BKA forums, and now here I am!

I love the kendama culture psych about tricks and style and swag and everything.  It's great to meet other players and swap tricks.  So much fun can be had with such a simple little toy.  That's why I love kendama.  Hope I can meet you all someday!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 11 August, 2011, 12:46:11
Nice to have you on board, Finn, Shalafi & Joe!

Mat Hall has a lot to answer for. He's the godfather of the BKA! :-)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: shalafi on 12 August, 2011, 15:50:31
To be totally honest, I was about to buy one kendama at the BJC 2008, but I did not, and I regret that a lot.

Then I kept trying to find one at the EJC 2009, where there were none, and finally got one at Finland. Then I spent all EJC practicing and end up at the second place of the beginners ladder :)

Nowadays I have a SunRise, an Oozora and a TK 16
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: LarsVegas on 15 August, 2011, 16:42:18
Hello everybody,

let the introduction be my first post.
My name is Lars, I'm from Stuttgart, Germany. I actually started playing kendama, when I bought a bilboquet in France in 1994. I studied there for some months and had a few fellow jugglers with whom I played a lot. After my return to Germany, there was no one else to play with and it fell a little bit into oblivion. Yet it had a nice place on a living room shelf because it looked so beautiful and was a nice gadget for visitors.

Many years later I found a kendama (probably in a juggling shop) and bought it. It was (is) a red no-name where the string is only squeezed between ken and cross piece -  I only discovered recently, that the string always hangs down if the big cup points towards the player :-) - resulting in many ball flights. Over the years I played on and off but never really advanced beyond cups, spike, some simple swing tricks and combos (with an awful catch rate).

Nevertheless, recently I was rather "on" and taking it to EJC 2011, I compared my kendama to the real ones and - struck by its beauty and nice handling - bought a blue Oozora. No joking: some moves were immediately easier for me - the proportions, the balance, the weight is quite different. And I was more or less directly enrolled for the European Kendama Open. Void was so kind to explain and show me the beginners trick list. I only knew about 30% of them, but what could go wrong with a whole day to practice. I actually managed to do all tricks a few times but the lighthouse and had some qualifying runs up to #11 of 12. If only the list was differently ordered I would probably had a better result in the competition. But hey, 15th place is not bad for a newbie with a horribly shaking hand.

Since I'm a juggling coach for a youth circus here, I plan to find some students who like to continue with me. I'm definitely on now and ... managed the lighthouse yesterday three times!

lars
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KendAlex on 15 August, 2011, 17:24:10
Hello Everyone,
i also forgot to introduce myself here on this Forum, so now i grab my chance.
(sorry for my bad language)
this post is maybe a little too long, but i never get a second chance for a first impression.

I'm Alex Ruisch aka Kendalex aka Supernog73 (i have some edits on youtube).
kendama came into my life in 2009 when i was watching Franky Morales(inline blader like me) his kendama edit, right after that i bought a Blue TK16 and start to play.
Alex ruisch vathorst 2011 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htRe1O5Lv3E#ws)
after a few months i also get interested in Bilboquet, Dutchkendama was playing one, so i have to get one too.
Since that time i have learn to play with both hands and get some experience, i start to mix those 2 styles, like a spacewalk with a Bilboquet and bilbotricks with a kendama,
now 2 years later, my collection is taking over my house and my life, i can't imagine how my life was now without those wooden toys.
i think my collection is counting 115 pieces now, in all colors and sizes.(some self made customs as well)
my favorite kendama is a Oozora.
my favorite kendama players is Dutchkendama (style, always refreshing, and highly recomended edits to watch)
my most special kendama i've is the PAW 3 spike kendama i get it before the Yumu came out. (thanks to Jake Wiens)
Alex Ruisch VS PAW 3 spike (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjMzwJR0h6Y#ws)
my best bilboquet edit is the double up 2
Supernog Double Up Bilbostyle 2. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7vXUmmpYss#ws)
my best kendama edit so far is the one i did made for the Kensession Stand contest (make a funny 2 minutes edit, i've won second place)
KendAlex The Kensession stand edit 2011 # 1.2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqnlLLVBnpc#ws)
the edit i'm most proud of is the one that Jeffrey have been editting, and we play with eachother, 2 person kendalex & dutchkendama edit.
kendalex & dutchkendama edit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZVvg90T2hU#ws)

i guess it was a lot of me.
my goal is to play in the BKA open someday, to play agains and with other players.
since last week i'm a 1st Dan Kendama player.
(http://i532.photobucket.com/albums/ee326/supernog/FirstDANcertified12-8-201113.jpg)

if there are any questions about kendama, Bilboquet, or me, feel free to ask anything.

Cheers.






Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 16 August, 2011, 16:53:42
Welcome aboard, Lars and Alex. It's great to have you both here.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: donald grant on 17 August, 2011, 11:35:16
Should have filled this in ages ago, sorry, had a dead computer for the last few weeks!

I've been involved with the juggling scene for the last twenty years or so, and probably got my first cheap kendama back in 1993.  Like most folks, I learned a few basics, then it retired to the box of forgotten props.  I studied at the circus school in Montreal back in '94-'95, and a kendama did live on top of the fridge, but we pretty much used to just challenge each other to do aeroplanes and the like....

Cue many years forward, and a career as a diabolo performer, and it was always lurking around in the background: playing with Stefan Csiszar at the IJA in 2000, bothering Matt Hall with a purple "swingamejig" at the Scottish convention....:)

Finally got developed the full-blown "bug" at the BJC in Donacaster, 2008.  Alas, couldn't make it to the competition, but managed to do a bit in the public show (heck, you can get away with a lot when you're the compere...)

So now, I'm on the Team KD roster,  on the "First Clicks" dvd, and am guilty of scribbling all the illustrations in the "Spike" and "Knees" books.  So I guess I'm hooked now!

Great that there's now a dedicated forum, hi to all who know me already, and hope to meet the rest of you at a convention sometime.

Donald
(who sometimes uses the kettle, but prefers to race trick ladders against the toaster....)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: shalafi on 17 August, 2011, 14:56:42
Quote from: donald grant on 17 August, 2011, 11:35:16
(who sometimes uses the kettle, but prefers to race trick ladders against the toaster....)
Love it, race trick ladders against the toaster! Checked.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: grotesquecub on 17 August, 2011, 23:56:20
Hi,

I'm Paul (a.k.a. grotesquecub) ------------ [don't worry, i don't resemble in anyway shape or form, a very ugly 'big' cat!

From the other people who have been posting, i guess i would consider myself a toddler amongst adults (where experience is concerned). I've been playing properly for 79 days and i am hooked! SERIOUS..do you know how i got these scars?..LY!

Saw/tried my first 'dama after Kendamatty showed me one his roughly a year ago. I loved it, but didn't take it any further. NOW HOWEVER! I play with my own kenny (Green Sunrise ;D) everyday, i cant seem to put it down (never mind cups of tea...i'm sure i wake up with it in my hand ???).

I've seen lots of edits and i'm baffled by the tricks some of these guys pull off, I'm slowly putting together my own and i'm just like "practise, practise, practise, practise...".

Hopefully see some of you guys down in Bristol, my first comp. should be good fun and an experience to put in my own metaphorical book.

SWEEEEEEET!
Paul
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 18 August, 2011, 00:11:49
Donald and Paul, you're both most welcome. Enjoy the forum!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Cand1ez on 30 August, 2011, 20:31:25
Hi, im andy.

i play kendama on and off.  but recently have been finding myself indulging in 'album long' sessions outdoors where noone will interrupt me.
im hoping that joing this forum ill keep up the progress ive made over the past few days and not flake out like i have before.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 30 August, 2011, 23:13:52
Good to have you on board, Cand1ez, and thanks for the reminder to listen to more albums!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: SamB on 10 September, 2011, 19:29:29
Hi I'm Sam (officially down in the BKA comps as Sam B)

First picked up a kendama at the 2009 Manchester Juggling Convention after going for diabolo tips.
My diabolo isn't up to too much but quickly got addicted to kendama especially during exams/ project write up time.
I won the BKA beginners in 2010 in Huddersfield after entering just because it was close to my parents house.
Then surprised myself at the BKO in 2011 by coming 3rd overall and winning the moshi kame competition (me mum was well proud).

At the moment kendama is competing with my physics PhD and a whole lot of cycling although I have tried to combine these by having my trusty old TK16 in my office (occasional competition has broken out between my colleagues) and moshi kame-ing whilst climbing hills on the bike - video evidence will be provided once I can get a decent camera and a willing Tour de France style moped film crew.

I find slip grip specials and gunslingers surprisingly satisfying and have so far only broken one plate and got one black eye whilst attempting mad suicides.

I'll defo be hungover and probably still in hallowe'en garb in Bristol so hopefully see you all then!

-Sam
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 10 September, 2011, 22:05:03
Good to have you on board, Sam. Nice picture in your icon, too.  :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: ian on 11 September, 2011, 12:38:29
Hello kendama players!

I'm Ian.  I first picked up a Kendama Void's workshop at Passout convention in Hilden, around New Year 07/08, but have only got serious about it in the last couple of years.  I entered the advanced competition at EJC in Munich this year and cam 8th!  More by luck than anything else I think.  I'm now looking forward to the Southern Regional event in October.  Hope to see some of you there!

-- Ian
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 11 September, 2011, 12:42:41
Good to have you onboard, Ian. But don't put yourself down, it was practise and skill, not luck!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Ian F on 21 September, 2011, 21:14:07
Hi all, I've been dabbling for a couple of years but not competed yet (save a round of 'Horse' and Donald and Voids card game.) Still manage to surprise myself on occasions though and allways enjoy Voids workshops and jam sessions and of course practicing at the Northwich Juggling club :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 25 September, 2011, 12:15:15
Welcome to the forum, Ian!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Maddie on 24 October, 2011, 15:19:37
Hello ,
My name is Maddie and i am 13. I have been playing Kendama for about 1 year. John used to work at my school and introduced me to it i went on a school trip with him and me and my Friend did it alto. when he left our school on Friday he gave me one of his Kendama (thanks again). i cant do anything to amazing but ima always looking for some new tricks to do.
Maddie  :D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 24 October, 2011, 15:32:48
Welcome to the forum Maddie. Don't worry about how 'amazing' you are, as long as you're having fun with your kendama, it's all gold! And the more fun you have, the more you play, so the better you get. :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kendama Europe on 24 October, 2011, 19:09:32
Hello Guys,

I m Marc and  I discovered my first Kendama in a small Shop in Sapporo, Japan when I visited my mate Sebastian over there.
After I brought it back to Germany many friends of mine loved this little toy as much as me,
and I asked myself why it was totally unknown in the western world.
I didn t took much time untill the idea was born to make Kendama popular in Europe or even in the whole world.
The first step was to sell them to other kids and toyshops.
So it happended that I became the founder of Kendama Europe aka kendama.de.
Today I make my living by selling Kendama, but I managed to last  an enthusiastic Player as well.  ;)
The latest news about Kendama Europe is my own brand.
It s called PLAY Kendama and available for a week now.
You should test it!

PLAY kendama!

Marc Wibbels and Tomoya Mukai live on TV - 1 million people were watching (http://vimeo.com/27509372)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: lafferty on 05 November, 2011, 07:01:34
Hello,
I am lafferty,comes from China.
Our company was specialized in kendama line more than 3 years with good quality and pretty competitive price!
Do you want to know more?
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: hater on 05 November, 2011, 23:11:36
Hi, I'm from Spain, I have been playing kendama for 3 weeks and I'm loving it  :D I can do some little combos but I'm having troubles with Bird (I land 1 of 10 or less :( ) and with the balance in Lighthouse, any tips to improve?
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 06 November, 2011, 12:07:27
Welcome aboard all.

hater, try pushing up a little with the ball to stabilise the balance.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: DrJochum on 18 November, 2011, 20:04:35
Hello, I am Jochen.[nb]Void asked me to introduce myself...[/nb]

My connection to kendama:
I am a shogi[nb]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shogi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shogi)[/nb] player[nb]http://shogi.net/fesa/index.php?mid=5&player=Jochen+Drechsler (http://shogi.net/fesa/index.php?mid=5&player=Jochen+Drechsler)[/nb] (2 Dan). At a Japanese Festival in Munich I was organizing the shogi stand. On my way to the stand I stumbled upon the kendama stand. And as I like all artistic, original fun stuff...

My greatest achievements in Kendama:
1. official 1-kyu certificate (pre advanced level to be precise - very proud)
2. German Champion 2011 (I am still surprised)
3. I introduced Peter to Kendama.

My goals:
1. Accomplish 3-Dan in Kendama and Shogi[nb]Kendama is easier I think[/nb]
2. Be inventive in / with Kendama and Shogi[nb]I have some plans in both catagories...[/nb]
3. Write footnotes[nb]in Kendama forums[/nb]

Thats it!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 19 November, 2011, 13:16:38
Ah, I thought it was probably you. Good to have you on the forum, Champ! :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: doakes on 28 November, 2011, 15:44:13
hey guys, i'm from the uk. I picked up a kendama in a  toy shop, when i was in tokyo last month. i'm also  abit of a yoyoer, so i managed to pick up some of the basics of kendama recently. been playing pretty regularly now for the past few weeks. so addictive! but my wife hates all the klikking and klakking!  ;D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 28 November, 2011, 15:46:58
Good to have you aboard, doakes. Come along to an Event (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/board,4.0.html) if you get the chance!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: hater on 28 November, 2011, 17:34:14
I'm another yoyoer that has been playing kendama for a month! Welcome!! ;D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 10 December, 2011, 17:55:03
Welcome aboard to the forum's 100th member, Luszkis (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=111)!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Jarett Slater on 28 December, 2011, 21:49:22
Hi,  :)
i am Jarett from germany, i started to play kendama in april,
a friend of mine had kendama long before i have known him he never really played a year ago an other friend started to play and he played every day and told alot of people to buy one, thats how i came to kendama :)
I am working on a edit at the moment, thats my favorite edit from me watch it if you want and enjoy :)
I am getting sponsored by kendama.de :)

Mini Kendama Edit 1 - Jarett Slater (http://vimeo.com/31559041)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KendAlex on 28 December, 2011, 21:55:22
Welcome Jarett.
And congratulations with the Somersault record of 22 times,

Keep up the good work
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 29 December, 2011, 13:01:55
Hi Jarett,
Welcome aboard! Feel free to post any more of your edits in the Videos section.
Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: TheBlackLion on 29 December, 2011, 16:51:15
Hi,

my name is Dorian Timmermans and I'm 17 (nearly 18). I'm from Belgium (speak French) and I play Kendama for about 3-4 month, though I don't play very often.
I discovered Kendama because I first discovered a very old bilboquet in my attic and thought it was fun. Then I discovered bilboquet freestyle videos on Youtube and necessarily Kendama. I directly fell in love with the concept and decided to buy one.
I'm yet editing my first edit, it will came out in few days I hope.

Beside Kendama I love good movies, music (mostly electronica and underground stuff), photography and making videos. Sometimes I play games on computer or go out with friends.

I just discovered this forum and thought it is a great occasion to learn things and participate to projects and competions or share Kendama ideas with others.

So, Hi all! :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 29 December, 2011, 17:26:39
Hi Dorian,

Welcome to the forum. Hans (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,2.msg402.html#msg402) is from Belgium too.

"The Black Lion"? You sound like a pub! :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: AverieLee on 29 December, 2011, 19:35:26
Hi

My names Averie, I'm from United States Illinois found this site from watching KendAlex record videos decided to give it a google search.
I've been play for a year now but if you take in to concentration that I didn't play for 5 odd months it half of that XD.  Not a fan of Lunars and Spacewalks but I they are both very fun tricks.
Trying to start making my own kendamas. Alex Smith I'm the guy on youtube Jokeboxproduction that email you about Wood turning tips for kendamas.  You guys will see some edits from me soon....once my lens for camera comes in. The two Kendamas I have are Pink Oozora and USA Premiere.     
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 29 December, 2011, 22:08:49
Hi Averie,
Welcome to the forum!
So if you don't like those tricks, which is your favourite (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,39.0.html)?
We look forward to seeing your videos, and your kendamas if you start making some!
Cheers.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Benjugglin on 30 December, 2011, 06:59:41
I don't think I've introduced myself yet.

The name's Ben Thompson. I live in MN/WI USA and I'm a juggler. At least, I'm better at juggling than kendama. I do more kendama these days than juggling, but those that know me will tell you my juggling practice schedule has never been too impressive. Juggling videos and one kendama video of me can be found at www.youtube.com/juggles14 (http://www.youtube.com/juggles14)

My kendama story:
I got my first kendama from one of my high school teachers. He had it in his room so we could play with it before class - on the last day of school I picked it up and spiked it on my first try. I spent a few minutes playing with cup/spike combos and apparently I looked like I was having too much fun to continue not owning it so it was gifted upon me. The hardest trick I managed over the next few years was a bird. I never stopped to consider the full range of possibilities. At the WJF7 convention, I saw some crazy kendama action and was inspired to work harder. I won the beginner battle and got a sparkly gold focus kendama. Now I'm the proud doer of a hundred tricks I couldn't do a year ago and an avid reader (if not poster) of this forum.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 30 December, 2011, 13:23:43
Hi Ben,
Welcome aboard. Hey that stringless video of yours is pretty neat. I liked the "ken-birds" section.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Benjugglin on 30 December, 2011, 16:51:49
Quote from: BKA on 30 December, 2011, 13:23:43
Hi Ben,
Welcome aboard. Hey that stringless video of yours is pretty neat. I liked the "ken-birds" section.

My favorite part as well. And it's not hard. I encourage everyone to play around with it.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Buddhaprice on 03 January, 2012, 05:18:43
Hello Everybody My names ryan but for stage purposes and the internet i tend to go by Buddhaprice. I am a musician and dj from Wolcott, Connecticut but I now live in Seminole Florida in the United States.I was introduced to kendama by an evil exgirlfriend surprisingly. I felt very defeated when I first picked one up and needed to over come catching the ball on at least one cup...well i made that catch Then I became ADDICTED. Soon after I put that S.O.B ball on the spike and it felt amazing.Then I started to youtube kendama I found Colin,Dutchkendama,kendama joes first few tutorials and I became infatuated for a minute I had a light blue oozora and played that for about 4 months then put it down for a while. Then one day I needed a way to relive some stress and found kendama to be like a selfishly positive zen for I didnt have to struggle to just juggle I could expand and do new things and try to continue doing so ever since, I have given out for free over 8 kendamas to close friends this past year and try to expose this game to new faces everyday.I know own about 5 oozoras including a original Pink, and green also a white and Black Rabbit(black never opened).I have 4 kendamausa Tributes,one sunrise, and two battle rastas from kendamacn(one still in package)
my addiction and dedication has grown excessively since last january. 
One thing I feel necessary to share is that kendama is so great because your only competition is with in yourself, . you can Share with others your skills and hopefully never feel discouraged with what the next man is doing only draw inspiration its all about pressing yourself being creative but most important having a great time and if your lucky with great people.Alot of people on this forum have inspired me to become a better player and im glad to be part of it :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 03 January, 2012, 10:55:51
Welcome, Buddha,
Sounds like you're as deeply addicted as the rest of us - you should fit in just fine! :)
Good to have you aboard.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: GODstrument on 05 January, 2012, 23:54:58
Hello Folks,

  My name is Erik Pereira.  I live in Elk Grove, California, USA but was born in Sacramento.  I just started playing kendama in May of 2011.  My SACKENDAMA friends were posting amazing, talent-filled edits on youtube and facebook and i was just caught up.  So I bought a natural Oozora and was hooked.  I brought my kendama to work, St. Charles Borromeo School, and played with it at recess.  Now many of my students are hooked on kendama.  We are starting a Kendama Club this year.  I have collected quite a few kendamas  in my short time.  Fifteen to be exact.  One of my goals is to collect all six different colored JKA labeled kendamas. 

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 06 January, 2012, 00:10:33
Hi Erik,
Welcome aboard.
Nice work on getting other players hooked on kendama too!
Good luck in your collection quest!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: ChrisD on 09 January, 2012, 13:05:46
Hi, I'm Chris, from Norwich, and I mostly juggle clubs and balls.  I bought my first Kendama a couple of weeks back, partly as a means of staying sane over Christmas. (Thanks Void, it did arrive in time!)  I'm greatly enjoying the fun of achieving first successes with the easy tricks, whilst simultaneously boggling at how on earth some of you lot manage the trickier ones which look close to impossible.

A happy turn of events means I've just found out I can attend Chocfest at the end of the month.  So I'm currently harbouring delusional fantasies of entering the beginners division of the BKA NRC, never mind that I can only do about half the tricks on the list yet *at all*, let alone reliably, to order.  Perhaps someone could tell me if this is with the spirit of things, or if you prefer a bit more polish?!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 09 January, 2012, 14:21:24
Hello Chris,
Welcome to the forum!
Absolutely you should enter! The more, the merrier. You'll have fun, I'm sure, and you might just surprise yourself. And of course, there's still about 3 weeks for you to practice.
See you at Chocfest!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: YellowJacket on 12 January, 2012, 00:40:27
Greetings,

I have been lurking for a little while and thought I would go ahead and introduce myself.  My name is Alan, I am 46 years old and live near Atlanta, GA USA.  I got my first Kendama in 1995 as I was leaving the hotel after the IJA juggling festival.  A guy from Hawaii had made them and sold me one for $10 so he wouldn't have to carry it home.  It turned out it did not play very well--the cups were not deep enough, the spike too long etc.--and it did not get much use.   A few years later at the IJA fest I bought another one that had a beautiful dark wood stain and the cups felt like they had a vacuum attached.  After that I was somewhat hooked, but still only played with it occasionally.  Several more years later I got my first JKA approved model--TK16 Master and after a short adjustment period was completely hooked.  We began having kendama circles form in the gym at juggling festivals on a regular basis and Matt Hall and others began leading workshops at the IJA.  About four or five years ago the leader of the beginners workshop asked me why I was there since I was not a beginner.  I told him that my right hand was a beginner and began my efforts to use both hands with the kendama.  That style has served me well as I won the Best Trick contest at the first two North American Kendama Opens.  I can't compete with all of the YouTube generation kids, who are younger than some of the kendamas I own, and learned more tricks than I can do in their first 6 months; but it felt good to break out the two kendamas at once and have a circle form around me while just doing basic tricks.  I have been obsessed with the Biro flip, or "pendama" as one of my Atlanta Jugglers Association friends called it, for the last several weeks and twice last night at juggling I hit it with one hand, then passed it to the other and hit it again.  When I work up to the simultaneous flip (hopefully soon) I'll try to get it on video.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 12 January, 2012, 12:23:26
Hello Alan,

Good to have you on board! We hear GA is swarming with little talented kendama tykes, you must be so proud! ;)
2-handed work is cool, and very few people bother with it much, so it's nice to hear of someone who's pushing it along.
Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: steffibearpaw on 12 January, 2012, 21:24:16
Hello everybody,
i´m Stefanie a.k.a steffibearpaw, 41, from Stuttgart /Germany and i got in touch with Kendama and Juggling for the first time in October 2011 when i saw an edit of Pavel from Rome/ Italy. I got immediately infected :D with Kendama and my children ( 6 and 9 years old) too. I am glad to meet other players here and learning and having fun with them and exchanging some tricks. I apologise my English that i´m not used to speak it every day, be patient with me *smile*... so if someone wants to send me some pm i would be glad to receive them in german or italian.
Thanks to Peter from Munich inviting me to the forum  :)

looking forward to meet you

Stefanie
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 12 January, 2012, 22:38:08
Hi Stefanie, (and kids!)
Welcome aboard!
Don't worry, your English is fine. Your video shows that you certainly have fun with kendama, and that's what it's all about.

Click!!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Dadooh on 01 February, 2012, 10:23:27
Hi guys.
My name is David Gault, I'm from France (more precisely from Reunion island witch is a small island lost in the Indian ocean), and i'm playing kendama for about 4 mounths.
I discovered kendama when one of my friends came to my house with that strange skill toy. I'd never seen that before but i like games based on concentration and accuracy so i decided to try hit a few minutes. Like many of us i was immediately addicted ;D
So kendama quickly became my new passion and since that day i try to plays a little every day.
You can check my first Edit here:
[Mod Edit: Check the video in its thread here: http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,341.0.html (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,341.0.html) ]

Otherwise i want let you know that i'm also a (talented?) freeborder. Freebording is an innovative sport that allows to ride on pavement like on the snow. IT'S JUST LIKE SNOWBOARDING THE STREETS!
I recently was nominated for the Freebord Best Submitting Video Contest so if you want to learn more about freebord, check this out: RIC Teaser (BSV 2011) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OnEiiIOcpg#ws)

And sorry for my bad english, I'll try to improve it ;)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 01 February, 2012, 12:05:29
Hi David,
Welcome to the forum!
Wow, people get good really fast now.

I used to snowboard, and I did a little Mountain boarding. I think I tried a freeboard just once (but on the flat) - it was strange to get used to. But your video makes me want to try it again (with pads)!

Cheers,
Void

PS Your English is fine!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: DanTheManWithThePlan on 03 February, 2012, 22:34:30
My name is Dan. I live in Leeds and have ridiculous hair. I used to love to hate Kendama. However, I recently acquired one.

It's fun! Even though I'm not very good...

Nice to meet you xxxx
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Thorny on 03 February, 2012, 22:44:07
Quote from: DanTheManWithThePlan on 03 February, 2012, 22:34:30
I used to love to hate Kendama.

I'm glad you're on here now, Mekky!

I'm also glad you've finally been converted to the greatness that is kendama! Keep practicing mate!

(For everyone else's information, to prevent confusion, Dan used to live in Grimsby.  :P)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 03 February, 2012, 22:49:10
Welcome to the forum Dan. Glad to have you in the clicking clan!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: DanTheManWithThePlan on 03 February, 2012, 22:54:29
Big up Grimsby!

I find the clicking very therapeutic, it's probably my favourite noise in the world :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: VASBVA on 07 February, 2012, 15:03:14
Well I got my first kendama around two years ago, but didn't really start playing until june of 2011.  It was an old sky blue oozora that is still one of my best damas to date.  I'm from Virginia Beach, Virginia in the United States and I am 16 years old.  I thought kendamas were kind of dumb at first, so I never really played with it, only tried to get the cups and was dumbfounded by how my friends could get spike.  When all of my friends were still in school at the beginning of the summer, I played a lot of dama with my lil sis.  She taught me a lot, and I progressed really fast to catch up with my friends.  Kendama is all my friends and I did over the summer.  We've come a long way since our first 757 edit, but I'd like to think we're pretty decent dama players. 
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 07 February, 2012, 15:06:15
Welcome aboard! Good to have you here. Keep clickin'!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Oase on 14 February, 2012, 20:45:45
Hello Everybody !!!

My name is : Dongo Costin Ionut , but everybody knows me by the nickname Oase. I`m from Romania ( Bucharest )  i play Kendama for almost 2 years right now !!!  I`m a dancer ( breakdance ) for 10 year from now.. !! I`m part of SweetsKendamas team from USA..First time i so a kendama...i paniked !!! :)) ..i have a wierd habbit of collecting diffrent toys.( puzzles , rubiks , balls etc ) and it was something newfor me! I put my hand on it !! and after that i needed one :) ...i got my first kendama ( white mugen ) and beat the crap out of it !!...since then i have 80 kendamas...and it is still growing !!!  Sry For my bad spelling..and nice to be on this forum !!!!!

Oase
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 14 February, 2012, 22:33:27
Hi Oase,
Great to have you on the forum! Hope you enjoy being here - and I'm sure we'll enjoy checking out your videos. :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Rat Mice on 15 February, 2012, 09:04:49
Hello all,
My name is Matt Rice, I'm from San Francisco and I've been playing dama for like 4ish years. I'm currently on the Kendama-Co team, run the Deal With it SF blog, I am part of the Kengarden family, I'm down with all the Ken USA fam and also Fernando from Deathray kendama. I started playing because I saw Chiaki Ito ( pro blader from japan) using one in the credits of some old school skate video and thought I would give it a shot. I'm an avid collector of kendamas and I'm at the 72 mark right now! Nuts i know but I got nothing on Ruisch! I've made around 12 damas edits so go check them out if you get a chance. I'm glad to finally get on this forum and hopefully learn some stuff from you guys and maybe find some stuff for the blog. Check it out if you have time. www.DealWithItSF.tumblr.com (http://www.dealwithitsf.tumblr.com)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 15 February, 2012, 11:55:43
Hi Matt,
Good to have you here. I think your blog has alerted us to a couple of things in the past, so we're glad to perhaps return the favour!
Welcome aboard.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Benjeh on 20 February, 2012, 10:30:16
Hey I'm Ben Gardener :)
I live in Grimsby and I started playing kendama about 4 months ago when I received a Red Ozora.
I don't know alot of tricks but im getting consistent! and im slowly working on a edit :D

Nice to meet you all, take it steady :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 20 February, 2012, 11:48:23
Hi Ben,
Good to have another member of the Grimsby posse on board! It's rapidly turning into the kendama capital of the UK (if it isn't already!).
Consistency rocks!
Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: robin_bird on 24 February, 2012, 00:10:47
I've juggled clubs for years.  At the IJA festival this past summer, I picked up a kendama for the first time.  A local vendor, Sweets Kendama, was at the festival and Matt Hall organized a kendama competition.  The juggling clubs stayed in the prop bag for most of the festival. 

I live in the U.S. in Minneapolis and there's a lot of kendama stuff happening here.  At our weekly juggling club, there's a growing circle of jugglers who spend the last bit of practice time helping each other learn new tricks, playing the game "horse", or working on a beginner level battle ladder.   We just had our annual juggling festival, MONDO, and had a kendana competition that was sponsored by Sweets Kendamas.  I'm hoping that we'll grow this event next year.   Here's a link with this year's winners:

http://www.mondofest.org/node/59 (http://www.mondofest.org/node/59)

If you look closely at the trophy that was awarded for best trick, there's a kendama on top.  The trophy came from Penny.  Those of you who know any of the Minneapolis jugglers will know Penny.  Sweets donated the kendama and my hubby put it together.  Yes, it is functional.  You can do things with all the parts of the kendama, except for the base cup. 

I have both books, Spike and Knees.  When I couldn't find them in the U.S. I ordered them from Oddballs, plus the video (plus a couple of extra copies of the books for prizes for the competition at MONDO).  The postage was actually pretty reasonable and everything arrive in 5 days!  I think I've convinced Air Traffic Juggling Supply to carry the book, Spike.   Air Traffic has also started a kendama club at each of their stores, although I haven't had a chance to attend yet. 

I am having a blast!

Robin



Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 24 February, 2012, 00:54:35
Hi Robin,
Welcome to the forum. It's always great to hear stories of how kendama is spreading in popularity. Glad to hear the kendama went down well at Mondo too.

Click click!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Benjugglin on 25 February, 2012, 02:31:32
Hey Robin, I'm Ben, the guy who won the advanced battle at Mondo. I'm guessing you attend the weekly neverthriving meetings? I heard a rumor that kendama was starting to catch on over there, but I haven't been there myself for a while.
Matt told me Air Traffic was going to start having a kendama night akin to the yo-yo lab nights, but he didn't have any details and I forgot to ask Jeff about it. Do you know what the deal is with this?
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: robin_bird on 27 February, 2012, 23:57:43
Ben:

Congrats on the win!  When I was at MONDO, I grabbed a flyer for Air Traffic's kendama club.  They are having a meet-up at each of their store locations.  I haven't seen anything on the web, yet.  Here's the info from the flyer. 

Roseville Center - Saturday noon to 3:00 (I'm planning to go this Saturday with a couple of friends).
Ridgedale Center - Sunday 3:00 to 6:00
Eden Prairie Center - Tuesday 6:00 to 8:00
Mall of America - Wednesday 5:00 to 9:30
Burnsville Center - Thursday 5:00 to 8:00
Rochester Apache Mall - Friday 6:00 to 8:00

Robin
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 29 February, 2012, 14:41:04
Hi Robin,
Thanks for buying the books - I hope they're teaching you well! - and for mentioning them to Air Traffic. I've contacted them to see if they're interested.
Cheers,
Void
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kendama Co on 01 March, 2012, 02:32:24
Hey guys my name is Sam, and I am the operator of Kendama Co in the USA. I got into kendama a couple of years ago and instantly became addicted. It was by far the most fun thing I have ever played, and I could not be any happier than when I was playing kendama with my friends. Because of this I started Kendama Co with my brother Lex to spread the game of kendama to people and introduce them to what I think is the most fun toy of all time. Anyways please send me some emails if you have any questions and definitely load your edit on our facebook page if you want some feedback! We always love that. Anyways I apologize for taking so long to join this forum, but I'm stoked to be a part of it! 
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 01 March, 2012, 11:17:48
Hi Sam,
Welcome to the boards! No apology necessary, you're here now, and it's nice to hear you're stoked. :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: DChase531 on 02 March, 2012, 14:13:32

Hello,

Im Daryll and iv been doing Kendama for about 2 weeks, really enjoying it.

I did my kyu gradings and got to 4th kyu at Bath UpChuck. Thank you Viod.

I hope to finish my kyu grading at BJC2012 :)

and just a quick question can i change my Kendama string for diabolo string ?

:D

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 02 March, 2012, 14:46:42
Hi Daryll,
Welcome to the forum, and congrats again on your 4th Kyu. Good going for a 2-week player!

As for the string question, http://www.kendama.co.uk/approved.html (http://www.kendama.co.uk/approved.html) lists "replacing the string" as an allowed modification, but we hadn't given any thought to the type of string. Having tried some diabolo string on a kendama, we think it's a bit thick and heavy for standard use, so wouldn't give you any advantage. Therefore for competition or exam play, we have no objections (for now, at least), but we don't recommend it. Out of curiosity, why did you want to?

At Joensuu EJC, Void, Marko & Langerz did have some fun with diabolo-stringing a Yomega Starcatch and using that as a set of diabolo handsticks. The latter landed a minikenocide and a slowcide to Big Cup.  ;D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: DChase531 on 02 March, 2012, 16:17:28
Thanks for the friendly  welcome

I wanted to do it just for visual pleasure,  thought it would look good :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 02 March, 2012, 16:31:22
Sure, give it a go, and let us know how you get on with a post in "Gear".
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Craftybuddy on 13 March, 2012, 20:53:11
Hello, and my name is Yoko; aka and t/a craftybuddy on eBay site selling Kendamas and related items. Some of you may have heard of my name...

I got involved in selling Kendamas back in 2009 when one of our friends in Spain asked me if I could get and sell Kendamas taking advantage of the fact that I am Japanese, etc.  Since then it grew.

I try and liaise between Kendama lovers inside and outside of Japan, for one of the traditional culture of Japan that I used to be in touch since I was a little girl! Now I try and become a bridge between JKA and my lovely Kendama friends!

I hope to check this forum up as much as I can - and would love to help getting an answer for any questions you may have about Kendamas from the very JKA people and other respected people!

Also I hope I will be feeding back to JKA regarding what Kendama lovers are saying, feeling, etc, outside of Japan!
I am looking forward to this - thanks so much!!

With love,
Yoko x
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 14 March, 2012, 11:38:29
Welcome aboard, Yoko!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Winter Solstice Kendama on 20 March, 2012, 16:00:52
Hey everyone,

My name is Curtis, and I am a huge fan of Kendama. Winter Solstice Kendama is a project I am in the midst of launching that is focused on expanding kendama awareness in Southern Alberta and beyond with a target of making my own kendamas for sale hopefully by years end.

Thus far I have ordered and sold 50 kendamas in Calgary and am looking to grow a little as well. I look forward to seeing the full launch of the online store and some different "Canadian Content" than our usual ball and stcik game...hockey...

AlexSmith and RodDAMA are key players in my interest in the toy and it's culture. I love the dang thing...and it's way too fun! Super psyched to be getting to know quite a few people in our scene and am stoked to eventually get some videos up. I suck at video edits RE: Have absolutely no skills/technology is a lil'scary sometimes :lol:

All told, stoked to be involved and participating, hoping to have th Calgary Kendama Club going soon and then focusing on Kids Camps or afterschool programs.

If you are or you know a Canadian in need of some new wood or just people to jam out with in Southern Alberta, lets chat! Always down for a dama jam and learning some new tricks ':{D

-Curtis
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: pascoe on 20 March, 2012, 16:27:33
Hey guys i can't believe i have been a member of this website for nearly two months and havent introduced myself  ;D Names josh i'm 20 years old and i'm an Animation student from Wales (Uk).  I have always been interested in japanese culture from a young age, so when my friend said he had bought a Kendama i had to try it. I got hooked so decided to buy one of my own. I have now been playing for about 2 months. My other hobbies are Skating (rollerblade), xbox, playing guitar or doing something to do with Art.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 20 March, 2012, 16:47:25
A belated welcome to you, sir!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 20 March, 2012, 17:03:27
And good to have you here too, Curtis. Evangelists of the good wood always welcome! :-)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Winter Solstice Kendama on 20 March, 2012, 19:56:26
Quote from: BKA on 20 March, 2012, 17:03:27
And good to have you here too, Curtis. Evangelists of the good wood always welcome! :-)

Kendangelism...The Church of Wood...Services every Funday...Come and fill your cup and your cup and your cup... ;)

-Curtis
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: eldridgedk on 20 March, 2012, 21:16:22
Hello fellow players!

My name is Philip Eldridge, and I have been playing since summer of 2009. Back then I quickly fell in love with kendama an the unlimited ways of twisting and turning it, always making it possible to progress.

In 2010 I co-founded the Kendama Denmark Team, and with that the only kendama shop i Denmark www.kendama.dk (http://www.kendama.dk). Here we try to bring kendama to schools and institutions across the country. Aiming to replace the ever growing amount of battery driven toys. (It is one hell of a fight).

I am fairly new on the international scene, but really looking forward to travelling on kendama affairs in the next years.

If you wanna see what I and the team are up to check out: kendama.dk/video (http://kendama.dk/video)

Looking forward to seeing you all out there!
Happy clickin'!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 20 March, 2012, 21:37:04
Welcome, Philip!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: eoramo on 13 April, 2012, 05:33:50
Well hello there! Thank you for the sort of welcome to the forum.  My name is George and though I am new to the forum, I have been with this hobby for quite a long time now. Well, there are people who are in it for even longer but I have been playing for almost a year already.

I hope that I would get to know of other people who are interested with F1 as well as that is the other area I am most interested with as well.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 16 April, 2012, 10:03:53
Good to have you here, enjoy!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: leviijayde on 17 April, 2012, 21:18:22
Hi Guys my name is Levii (:  I can play kendama, and i have just been peer presured into joining this forum (: Soo hello Guys :D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 17 April, 2012, 21:24:57
Ha, well welcome along. Hope you enjoy it now you're here. :-)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Loulouis on 21 April, 2012, 20:13:13
Hi everyone!

My name is Louis, and I'm a french kendama player. I've been playing since a few months, and I really love that toy (and I'm sure that it's much more...)! I come to you to learning more about kendama, and meet the English community :) And also improve my english skills... I hope that you will be tolerant about my thin capacities to express me.

Nice to read you!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 21 April, 2012, 21:18:06
Hi Louis,

You are very welcome. I hope you enjoy it here.

Click click!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Humboldt on 21 April, 2012, 23:19:15
Hi people!

My name is Natx and I'm from Catalonia. I'm playing kendama since almost one year, more or less. I participated in last British Kendama Open 2012 and you recognize me in pictures thanks to the red funny cap. It's a "barretina" the traditional cap of Catalonia. Actually I'm trying to success with Getsumen Chakuriku (Moon Landing)... Sam showed me some trails (thanks!) aaaand the crazy Han Rasen Hikouki (Half-Swirl Aeroplane) that The Void tried to teach me (with huge patience!).  In last competition I learned a lot observing good players because I'm not get used to see people playing (few people here playing, I think). If some of you come to Catalonia and wanna play for a while, tell me and will shake together the knees!!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 22 April, 2012, 11:44:33
Welcome, Natx! Good to have you here. :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kenski Di on 26 May, 2012, 22:25:56
Name is Sam Rahder. I live in Madison, WI, USA.

I've been playing for 2 years: the same amount of time as Damien Klaven (who lives here aswell, and whose edits you may have seen), and have been developing skills alongside him. Practicing together and pushing each others' boundaries has allowed us both to reach an equally high level of play in less time than otherwise.

I've posted 2 edits, both over a year ago, aswell as 2 recent video examples of consistency. Spent february and march travelling around india, where I did the majority of filming for a third edit. The edit is 2 or 3 clips away from being finished.

Looking forward to seeing all the awesome technique people are using and to engaging in some friendly competition!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KendAlex on 27 May, 2012, 08:03:00
Welcome to the Forum Sam.

You have nice flow in you style and nice to see your fast with posting the consistency ladder too.
i really looking forward to see the ''India Edit''

Cheers
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kernow Kendama on 31 May, 2012, 12:00:10
Hi i'm Tim from SE Cornwall. Been playing Ken since Weztival Sept 2011 (9 months) when my friend Wez pulled one out of his Circus Skills bag, myself and a few others were hooked.

Since then I have been playing quite a lot and even been taking my skills along to Wez's Circus Stars events and gigs. Spreading the love of Ken
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 31 May, 2012, 14:08:33
Hi Tim, welcome to the board.
Nice avatar!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Sponge. on 01 June, 2012, 17:02:34
Hello! I'm Tanner, i'm from washington and i've been playing kendama for about a year, just decided to get on this fourm after lurking for a while. I don't know anyone else that plays kendama very much that close to me, but i've been playing anyway! I'll be at the battle in seattle on June 16th!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Sam Merkel on 18 July, 2012, 21:46:59
Well hey there! I'm Sam, I'm 17, and I'm from Madison, WI.
I've been playing kendama for almost two years now and I've been on the kendama co team for just over a year. I started playing after seeing Damien Klaven and Sam Rahder playing with them, and probably wouldn't be playing if it weren't for them. I've been making edits for almost as long as I've been playing which (I think) encourages me to improve quicker than if I weren't. Over the past two years kendama has brought me together with amazing people I never would have met otherwise and taken me across the country where I had the amazing opportunity to kick it with them. Battle in Seattle and the most recent battle in Minneapolis were some of the most memorable weekends I've had, and hopefully I'll continue to have similar experiences.
Kendama isn't just a silly toy, it's a community, and that's what makes it great. That being said, I'm looking forward to getting to know you all!
However corny that sounds you know it's true... ;D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 20 July, 2012, 18:35:53
Hey, Sam, good to have you here! :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Patryk on 22 July, 2012, 14:08:06
Hi! My name is Patryk, I came from Poland but right now I'm living in England, Hertforshire.
I'm studying IT Diploma L2 in Oaklands Welwyn Garden. I owning new, first polish board about kendama(www.Kendama.com.pl (http://www.kendama.com.pl)). I've been playing kendama about a year, but only from about two months that seriously. First kendama edit i've ever seen was Kendama Edit #8 - The Kendama USA Pro Models. I was amazed by how easy it looks for these people. After that me with my cousin bought one kendama each. And yeah... it was much harded than we was think it is. But after some time, i had to went back to England and i was only one who had it and it started to be boring playing alone. But after some time, i gave my old kendama to my mate, i bought the new one and yeah... ;)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 22 July, 2012, 22:04:05
Welcome to the forum, Patryk. (And to the UK!)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: mreasyguy on 10 August, 2012, 20:18:11
Hey i'm Adam, 26 and from Caerdydd (Cardiff) lol.
Been playing kendama part-time for a while but just recently decided to go full force at it after giving up the 10 Year Mary-Jane habit.
Trying to nail some tricks for an edit I (hopefully) get done and thought i'd register here after lurking around for a while.

So yeah, Hi!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 10 August, 2012, 20:39:38
Hi Adam,
Welcome to the forum! (And to clear-headedness :-) )
Good luck with the full force, hope you have lots of fun. :D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Ash on 25 August, 2012, 22:13:31
Hello Guys,

I'm Ash, started playing Kendama around 4 years ago when it was popularized amongst the Rollerblading community but stopped for a few years and just got back into it! Living around the south wales area and can't seem to find anyone else who plays or any events that aren't light years away.

Had a look around on the forum and really liking the look of the consistency challenges. Hoping to see some more of those soon!

Regards,

Ash
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 26 August, 2012, 11:18:29
Hi Ash,
Welcome to the forum! I seem to remember one or two other people from Wales joining up. Search the whole forum for "Wales" or "Cardiff".... Maybe you'll find them and can click together.

Meanwhile, there are vague plans for the next British Championships to be in Bristol, in April. Hopefully you can make it along then.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: shalafi on 26 August, 2012, 18:36:34
Hi Ash, welcome to the forum.

Just to say that I loved your signature :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Ash on 27 August, 2012, 00:02:01
Thank you BKA.. I am now slowly getting to know my way around the forums  :).

Thanks Shalafi, Bruce Lee is a great inspiration to me.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: primechicken on 18 September, 2012, 19:13:09
Hey y'all
My names Craig And I just started playing Kendama a few months ago (end of June 2012) and I am already addicted haha. I live in Edmonton, Canada and am currently in my 4th year at the University of Alberta. I found out about Kendama from one of my friends from back home in Calgary because he kept posting on facebook about this toy that he was having so much fun with. I got curious and started checking videos out on youtube, thought it looked pretty fun and asked him how I would go about getting my hands on one. He introduced me to Alex Smith who sold me my first apple green KCN battle and I've been playing ever since! I'm very new to this sport so I'm super stoked to meet new players and learn more and more about this wonderful toy!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 18 September, 2012, 19:38:43
Hi Craig,
Welcome aboard, and happy clicking!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: AdamWest on 28 October, 2012, 20:55:59
Hey all!

My fascination for kendama first emerged whilst trying to quit smoking trying to keep my hands, or at least one of them busy, a few of my friends owned TK16s... I'd always had a quick play here and there but it wasn't until I was left in possession for a good 10 smokeless weeks that I realised just how fun and amazing it actualy is.

I managed to fuel my need for it purely by playing with my friend's kendamas for a good while but there was only so long I could get away with hoping that Thorny would go home and leave one of his by accident. I eventually caved in and got a black w/silver stripe Shin Fuji, and then it began...

I gave my Shin Fuji to a friend of mine that was moving away, like a nice sentiment kind of deal...
Only for him to move back a few months later (the sneaky bean, I'm onto him).
I currently have a very battered white rabbit Ozora, A Kawasaki TK16, a blue Rakurosen and just recently got my first Mugen! Unfortunately the Mugen has no seal but as any of you will know, it's still just as nice to play... If I'm honest I quite like the fact it's sealless, it's been adopted by me and my friends as the 'Stealth Mugen' :')

I'm Adam, 21 from Grimsby and I couldn't imagine a single day where I don't pick each of my kendamas up and think about what I'm going to do with my day.

(I also cannot wait for the NRC next year, meeting more people that enjoy kendama's going to be awesome!)
Anyone coming to the pub after?!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 28 October, 2012, 21:18:58
Hi Adam,
Glad you finally made it to the forum! You sound like you're addicted good and proper!
Have fun.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: cbaxt98 on 29 October, 2012, 02:31:39
Hey everyone! Not really sure where to post this but here's what I have to say. First, let me introduce myself, my name is Chase Baxter, I am 14 years old, I am a yoyo'er sponsored by Werrd (Check out my YouTube channel if you'd like to see some of my videos! My channel is Cbaxt98), I haven't done much kendama, I bought one at a contest before and had a lot of fun with and converted some yoyo tricks into kendama, but it broke when I got home and I haven't tried since then  :-\ . I'd REALLY like to get back into it! After seeing a friend of mine post a video of a flatpack kendama, I've been inspired to try it again. If you guys have any recommendations on what I should buy, what I should learn, etc., please let me know! I'm not sure how often I'll be on here, but I'm going to try and get on as much as possible! Also, to any fellow yoyo'ers on here (If there are any? Haha), post on here as well! Thanks everyone!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: HansNickmans on 29 October, 2012, 08:18:18
Hello Chase and welcome to the forum!

If you wanna start with kendama I recommend you get a decent kendama, either a sunrise or an oozora (good types to start with). Depending on where you're from there are some local shops and certainly good online shops to get one. If you know someone that plays and can teach you directly, I would recommend meeting up to learn the basics. Otherwise the book 'Spike' from Void and Donald Grant is a great place to start, or the videos showing the tricks from the beginner competitions (they're on the BKA-site or juggling.tv: 2012 BKO Beginner Trick List - juggling videos hosted @ Juggling.tv (http://juggling.tv/7018#id=http://juggling.tv/nuevo/econfig.php?key=00525415e3733cb96ed6)). They will get you a long way. Since you're into yo-yo, your own creativity will kick in soon enough :-)

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 29 October, 2012, 10:56:43
Hi Chase,

Welcome aboard. Hans just about covered it, but check out the FAQ too:
http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,6.0.html (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,6.0.html)

Flatpack kendama?!

I'm a yo-yoer too[nb]See [noembed]http://juggling.tv/1646[/noembed] and [noembed]http://juggling.tv/2049[/noembed] for retro skills :)[/nb]. Well, almost an ex-yo-yoer, really, been playing since '94, haven't really learnt anything new for a decade. :-) I still occasionally go along to a meet tho'.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: cbaxt98 on 29 October, 2012, 13:10:49
Quote from: The Void on 29 October, 2012, 10:56:43
Hi Chase,

Welcome aboard. Hans just about covered it, but check out the FAQ too:
http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,6.0.html (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,6.0.html)

Flatpack kendama?!

I'm a yo-yoer too[nb]See [noembed]http://juggling.tv/1646[/noembed] and [noembed]http://juggling.tv/2049[/noembed] for retro skills :)[/nb]. Well, almost an ex-yo-yoer, really, been playing since '94, haven't really learnt anything new for a decade. :-) I still occasionally go along to a meet tho'.

Thanks everyone for the help! And yes, it's insane, here's a picture: http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/293777_437446272979758_449415418_n.jpg (http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/293777_437446272979758_449415418_n.jpg) (Sorry if I posted it the wrong way!)

Mod Edit: You can use the "picture" button (1st one on the 2nd row of icons) to insert an image, if you like:
[img]http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/293777_437446272979758_449415418_n.jpg[/img]
...which makes this happen:
(http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/293777_437446272979758_449415418_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: TheEcstatic on 31 October, 2012, 21:55:46
What's up kendudes?!

My name is Evan (TheEcstatic), I've been playing kendama for about a year and 9 months.  I got introduced to it by a friend in 2008, but never really played seriously until 2011.  I love kendama because of the camaraderie and just the awesome people you get to meet.  I'm from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and share the same high school as the greats, Colin Sander and Zackary Yourd.  My first kendama was a blue ozora, which I gladly destroyed through constant pounding as a new player.  I just released my 4th edit, which you can peep right here > Evan Hatton - Kendama Edit 4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3PriFrHv0o#ws)
Well, enough reading about me, get dama-ing.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 31 October, 2012, 22:35:43
Welcome aboard, Evan. New forumistas always welcome. Click on!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: jackmccloskey on 01 November, 2012, 00:13:30
Sup Evan, its jack McCloskey haha
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 01 November, 2012, 11:13:49
Hello Jack, welcome too!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: cbaxt98 on 04 November, 2012, 03:59:48
Hey guys, sorry for this and all the upcoming newb questions coming from me! So I haven't gotten a new kendama yet, I'm using a small kendama with no string and it comes apart real easily and messing around with it. I've learned to do something on it, not sure what it is but it's super fun, I hold the ball with the spike in it and flip the ken around like a front flip and land the spike back in the hole, I can do it sideways as well, haha. So I realized how much I enjoy this and I want to get a real one now that I can actually do things on, but I'm not sure what I want to get. The two I have in mind are the Kendama USA Pro Model, or the TK16. What is your guys' input on those? The TK16 seems to be a pretty popular Kendama from what I've seen. Is there something else I should start with? Thanks!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 04 November, 2012, 12:36:32
We already told you. :-) Get something with a JKA or EKA seal, or something by Sweets or KendamaUSA. You'll be fine with any of those. Anything else comes down to personal preference, or anecdotal choice. Pick one of those in a colour/design you like and go for it. You've already wasted a week thinking about it, just BUY ONE and you can be playing with a good kendama ASAP.
DO IT NOW!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: the milky oolong on 02 December, 2012, 22:20:41
Greetings to all the Kendama players, been 'lurking' this forum for a few weeks now. Really like the down-to-earth attitude of the members, especially in discussing tricks (thankfully no showboating to be found). All the best and see you around,

The Milky Oolong, Berlin.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 03 December, 2012, 11:07:05
Shouldn't that be "Down to Earth-Turn"? ;)
Welcome aboard, from a mug of Lemon & Ginger.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: WTP on 04 December, 2012, 03:08:24
Greetings fellow Kendamasters.
I've been playing kendama for a few years now, but I haven't really touched base with the community.
Thus, I have found this forum to try to interact more.

That's about it, it's good to be here!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 04 December, 2012, 09:09:45
And it's good to have you here!
And my first guess is.... "Wildly Touching Paint" ;)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: TommyK on 07 December, 2012, 10:11:01
My name is Tommy im based in WA state.

I've been playing kendama for about almost 3 years pretty much on and off since in my city kendama isnt that big and rarely anyone plays around here. So im hoping too maybe find more people near. Another thing is im not so great with kendamas yet so hopefully i can get a lot of learning from you guys and be part of your kendama community/family :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: WTP on 07 December, 2012, 10:37:40
I'm new myself, but welcome to forum! I'm sure you'll learn tons from here, and everyone is friendly so don't be shy.

As The Void would say... Happy clicking!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 07 December, 2012, 12:14:44
Hi Tommy, welcome aboard! Have a search around and a read through some old topics to get the feel of the place. There's a lot of good advice in here already. If you've got a question you can't find an answer to, shoot!
Click!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Yoda on 13 December, 2012, 21:11:27
Hello guys!
I already won a contest here, but didn't introduce myself. So I'm 17 and I live in Poland. I bought my first dama about 4 years ago on Hedonskate.com. I was  playing it for few months, then i got bored (young and stupid, you know :D). But during this year's summer holidays at Baltic Games i saw a man doing some cool kendama tricks, and I got inspired. I took my TK16 and mastered some new tricks. Then I bought my current love- yellow ozora. That's how i get into the world of kendama. My other passions are aggressive inline skating and freeskiing.

If you want to see some of my tricks, here they are -> Karol Tutkaj- Kendama Edit #1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbGETeOryEY#)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 13 December, 2012, 21:48:11
Welcome, Yoda!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Chase_41 on 17 December, 2012, 02:16:09
Hey guys. This is my first time posting on the forum! My name is Chase, I'm from the United States, and I started playing Kendama about 2 months ago.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 17 December, 2012, 07:49:38
Hi Chase, Welcome to the forum. :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: andi_squire on 21 December, 2012, 02:02:24
Hello everyone,

I'm Andi from jakarta, indonesia
i've been playing kendama for 1 month. Since there is no community in indonesia so its hard to find a standart kendama in here, then i just got my first JKA kendama from ebay a week ago and become more addicted now haha.
an indonesian kendama player i've ever watched was Delly afriadi, he already have the 6th edit now on youtube, then i try to contact him but i still got no answer from him, well  i guess this is my time to get more practice and practice, so one day i hope we can make some edit together.

and i hope i can get more friends and be part of this community/family.
that's all about me, happy clicking !! :D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 21 December, 2012, 11:53:19
Hi Andi,
Great to have you here. Another country of the world represented on the forum! :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: cbaxt98 on 24 December, 2012, 03:47:50
Grrr...I feel like I haven't gotten anywhere yet  >:( No matter how hard I practice I still can't do many tricks! I can hardly spike and I watch tutorials for many tricks and try very hard to land them and still can't.. I can do airplane sometimes, but not often, I've been trying to learn Lighthouse and Bird but I'm not having much luck. Anyone have any tips? I really enjoy doing kendama, but it's not much fun when you can't do much  :-\ . Thanks for the help! -Chase
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 24 December, 2012, 12:13:48
If you're still struggling with even Spike, then my guess is there is something wrong with your technique. Always make sure you eliminate any wobble the ball has when hanging. No, more than that. No, look, I can still see some vibration in the string. STILL. That's better, now try.
I've seen some beginners who do all the elements of the basic tricks right, yet somehow they get them all out of time with each other, e.g. Bending knees down when they pull up, moving the ken upwards at the moment of catch and then downwards just after they've missed.
Technique. Use the knees. Catch downwards.
Boring answer, sorry. Tough to diagnose when we can't see you.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: happygoat on 25 December, 2012, 11:01:44
Hi guys,

My name is Thomas and I'm from Denmark!

I have just started my kendama adventure a week ago and bought a white/red stripe Sunrise and a yellow Ozora!

After only a week of play I can see some nice progress regarding feel for the tama and better hole control!
Hope I can improve to be able to do some advanced tricks once in the future! I don't know how much play that will require? Currently I'm on Kyu level 5 (self-test), but struggle with the swing in on level 4.

Well, just wanted to say hi, and look forward to look and learn from the community!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 26 December, 2012, 13:56:18
Hi Thomas, welcome to the forum. Sounds like you're doing just fine for a week's play! Keep going, and things will start to get smoother with practice. Click on!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: jackmccloskey on 26 December, 2012, 17:20:24
Hey, I recently posted on here but frankly I had no idea how this forum worked. After a couple days of lurking I figured out. Anyhow, Im Jack McCloskey from Pittsburgh Pa, amongst some of the greats Colin Sander, and Zack Yourd as my friend Evan Hatton previously posted. I have been playing kendama for a year, on January 2nd. It has completely dominated my life ever since I bought my first sunrise, then soon enough graduated to an ozora. You can check out my channel on youtube, the edit is on its way. (I broke my leg back in October and have had some discrepencies) Anyways, I just really want to become part of the ken community. Thanks a lot!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 26 December, 2012, 17:54:15
Welcome aboard, Jack, good to have you here!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Dimensions on 27 December, 2012, 20:30:19
I'm very new to the kendama forum!
I'm rob, I've been doing kendama for about 5 months now
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 27 December, 2012, 20:45:37
Hey Rob, welcome!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: DSallee on 06 January, 2013, 20:14:21
Hello,

I'm primarily a juggler, but decided that I would make 2013 the year of the Kendama.  I like trying new things, so figured a new year, and a sale on Dube products would be an excellent excuse to do so.

Picked up a Tribute Kendama and a Ozora, they were the same price and figured other people that I know might want to try them as well.

Thanks for a very nice site!  I really like the trick lists and have been working my way through the beginner stuff.

From a total new player perspective, I had a few questions, which the site has done a great job of answering.

One that I had was if the count for Moshi Kame was each cup catch, or each pair of cup catches.  After watching a couple of videos I got that one answered.  However, it didn't answer if as a Beginner if I needed to get 50 catches all in one try, or if the two tries mean that I can get 30 on the first attempt and 20 on the second to qualify.

Another initial question I have is with regards to the trik "Falling down".  Which appears to be a lighthouse followed by catching the spike.  Does that mean that you need to hold the balance still for at least 3 seconds (lighthouse) before you can try and catch the spike, or can you immediately make the attempt?

Looking forward to learning new things and having lots of fun!

David Sallee (Kendama latecomer)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 06 January, 2013, 21:08:49
Hi David,
Welcome to the forum, and to the wonderful world of kendama.  We're glad you've found the site useful so far. Let's clear up your queries:

The 50 Moshi Kame must be done in a single run. So 30 in your first attempt means you start at 0 in your second go.

With regard to Falling Down, the BKA has always taken the view that if your Lighthouse is not stable, it will be very difficult to get a controlled Fall. Therefore not holding the Lighthouse still comes under our banner of "making it difficult for yourself". In other words, if you can manage it without the 3 second pause, you've probably done a harder version of the trick, so that is okay with us. I *think* that the JKA take the same view, but can't remember for sure right at the moment.

Good luck and the best of fun to you!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: DSallee on 07 January, 2013, 18:12:01
Thanks for the prompt response!

That does clear up things.  I'm sure there will be more questions in the future, but for now it's just practice practice practice!

David Sallee (Practice makes Prefecture)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: sweetsflow on 09 January, 2013, 05:07:17
Hey Ya'll,

I'd like to introduce myself to the Kendama World. I paint a new series of kendamas for Sweets Kendamas called Flows. Check'm out, and let me know any input you might have or suggestions! http://kendamasweets.com/gallery-2/#/category/flow (http://kendamasweets.com/gallery-2/#/category/flow)

-SweetsFlow
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 09 January, 2013, 11:49:41
Welcome to the forum. Do you play kendama too? (Stupid question?!)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Ian Saldana on 14 January, 2013, 20:34:21
Hello everyone I am Ian Saldana, I am a 15 year old kendama player from Hayden, Idaho. I got into kendama about 3 months ago through a friend named Grant Ingersoll, part of the SIK team (Sandpoint Idaho Kendama)

I moved back to Hayden with my dad and got into Kendama and found out that once I started high school here that Hunter Bailey goes to my school the one on KenCo's pro team. Once I found that out I have been going at it more and more trying to improve my skill level everyday.

If I had to rate myself on how skilled I am I would probably say intermediate and starting to work on Lunars, and other stuff. Thanks for reading tho I will try to stay active and post often.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 14 January, 2013, 22:28:35
Hi Ian,
Welcome to the forum! Sounds like the kendama bug has bitten you hard! :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: cbaxt98 on 05 February, 2013, 23:30:20
Sorry I haven't been on lately, I've been practicing kendama  :P I'm finally happy with my skill level! After my last post I worked really hard and by the next day I was spiking easily and doing more tricks I never expected myself to do! I still don't know the names of tricks very well, but I'm starting to learn some popular tricks I see in videos a lot and I'm really excited! Not sure what it's called but the other day I did one (on camera too actually) for the first time where I flip the ken and spike it, I know I didn't make it, just don't know the name. I was soooo happy though, haha. I've been using the TK16, only one I own right now, I like it but it's pretty light and it kept coming undone so I superglued it and it's been good lately. I also got a Terra Pill a while ago, I like it a lot, it's very fun! Also, today I ordered some new stuff because I realized that I'm addicted to kendama! I got a Tribute (String Theory), Kendama USA Pro Model (Love that one so much, haha, my friend has one and I really like the wait of the ball!) and a Steeze Kendama! Pretty excited!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 06 February, 2013, 12:02:08
Nice one Chase. I think you're describing a Whirlwind Spike, but I'm not sure.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: CreativeKendamas on 15 February, 2013, 00:04:50
Hey everyone!

This is my very first post!

My name is Jordan.  I'm from good ol' South Dakota, USA.  I've really just started playing with my Kendama seriously, but I've owned one since Christmas 2011, when I received it as a gift.  All I knew was the name and that it was made by Sweets Kendamas from Minneapolis.  I spent hours playing with it over the next weeks and grew fond of the Sara Grip.  I remember I was particularly proud when I landed three Around the World's in a row, using three different Kendamas.  I continued to play throughout 2012, but never enough to really learn any technical tricks.  The craziest thing I'd heard of was a lighthouse or a bird.  My brother Ben was the one that really started pushing his skill over the last few months, showing me his consistency with spikes and even learning the 'legendary bird' that I thought was basically impossible.  He renewed my interest in Kendamas and made me want to learn all of these new tricks and more.  Another big moment for me was just last weekend when I did my first Around the Universe using my, what is now a really worn and flat tipped, Kendama.  I've even managed to pull off a few bird spikes now :)  Lighthouses are still out of my reach and Lunars still make me wonder how they're even possible to do.  Maybe my ball will get a little stickier once I wear in my fresh, new, Seafoam Aisuru from Sweets.  It's pretty sick!

I'm really excited to be part of the Kendama community and can't wait to increase my skills further.  I also LOVE the idea of making my own Kendamas.  They just look so beautiful :D

Can't wait to learn more and more about this sport and all you fellow clickers.

Keep on clickin' on,
Jordan
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Cliffdama on 15 February, 2013, 05:27:43
Hi everybody!

Let me introduce myself first. I am Cliff a new dutch kendama player.
Hust found out about kendamas 2 weeks ago at a friends place. He got hisself a kendama in spain and showed it to me. This is what he said "i masterd it allready, you want to give it a try?" . He showed me -big cup, drop, small cup, drop, base cup, drop, spike. In about 60times :p. He didn't even knew the name of the kendama yet. After we found out about the name, we noticed there was also a yputube video in the search results. After watching the japanese dude showing off his kendama skills i was hooked!

Last weekend i got a sunrise kendama for my birthday and already looks like i'm using it for 6years in a row. I just can't put it away!
I'm allready doing the BKO beginner tricklist(void video) in a row without failing (not all the time ;) )

There is just so much to learn in the kendama world hehe. Don't know where to start.
Any tips for a new player?

Ty allready.
Cliff
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 15 February, 2013, 11:28:26
Hello Cliff,
Welcome to the forum, sounds like you're well hooked!
Check out the FAQ for some starting tips:
http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,6.0.html, (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,6.0.html,) and add yourself to the map to help find players near you. http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 15 February, 2013, 11:53:49
Oh, and I believe there's a kendama event in the Netherlands either this weekend or next weekend. Send a private message to KendAlex or shalafi on the forum to find out more.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 15 February, 2013, 12:33:36
Hi Jordan,
Welcome aboard too! It's cool that you have your brother to bounce trick ideas with. It's always so much more fun playing with other people whenever you can.
Click, click!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Cliffdama on 15 February, 2013, 15:46:05
Quote from: BKA on 15 February, 2013, 11:53:49
Oh, and I believe there's a kendama event in the Netherlands either this weekend or next weekend. Send a private message to KendAlex or shalafi on the forum to find out more.

Ok thanks, i will do that.

Today i landed a couple of slip-sticks, they are not that hard. The airplanes on the other hand seem impossible to master haha!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: MrSquirrel on 18 February, 2013, 23:58:29
Hello everyone. My name is Brad. I am from the USA, specifically Pennsylvania. I am pretty new to kendamas. There was a fad at my school about 2 years ago, so I learned the basics back then; big cup, small cup, spike, candlestick, etc. I recently got an Enjyu Ozora and learned some intermediate tricks. I am also into yoyos, so if anyone else here likes to throw HMU :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 19 February, 2013, 00:25:56
Hi Brad,
Welcome to the boards. I used to yo-yo a fair bit, I'm all kendama these days though. :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Bigoregon on 05 March, 2013, 01:56:47
Hey everyone! I'm BigOregon. I bought a tribute yesterday and I'm currently awaiting my first kendama. I've been into yoyos, ukuleles and longboards. I'm in florida since joining the Air Force. Let me know if you throw or are in the panhandle area. I'm just now looking at the beginner info.
Cheers!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 05 March, 2013, 11:49:57
Hello BigO,
Welcome aboard. Hope you like it here.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: MrSquirrel on 05 March, 2013, 20:19:08
Quote from: Bigoregon on 05 March, 2013, 01:56:47
Hey everyone! I'm BigOregon. I bought a tribute yesterday and I'm currently awaiting my first kendama. I've been into yoyos, ukuleles and longboards. I'm in florida since joining the Air Force. Let me know if you throw or are in the panhandle area. I'm just now looking at the beginner info.
Cheers!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hello! I am into yoyos too! How long have you been throwing? I've been throwing for almost 2 years now :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Bigoregon on 07 March, 2013, 10:42:44
Going on two years now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: JamesFM on 10 March, 2013, 06:39:44
Hey Guys.. My name is James and I am brand new to kendama. I live in California and I am 23 years old. I have been doing 1A yoyoing for about a year now, and I found out about kendama through that hobby. I just ordered my first real kendama and it should arrive in a few days. I have been playing on a $2.50 miniature kendama from a souvenir shop for the past 2 days. I can do a few very basic tricks so far, but I feel like I will progress fairly well.

I hope to learn a lot & thanks for having me!

P.S.  I just landed an airplane to jumping stick a few minutes ago and I screamed like a little school girl with joy.. lol. I absolutely love the feeling of landing a new trick. I have sort of hit a wall with my yoyo progression, and I hope to get that thrill again from kendama.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 10 March, 2013, 14:25:33
Hi James,
Welcome to the forums. There seem to be quite a few people starting to arrive at kendama via yo-yo now, I hope more will continue to join us. If you've been practising on a mini, I'm sure your full size one will feel like a great relief when it arrives!
Have fun, CLICK!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Waylon on 10 March, 2013, 16:04:00
Fancy meeting you here...

I've barely thrown since I got my kendama last week. I grabbed my trusty Xcon Pro on the way out this morning thinking I may sneak a few throws in today. Maybe. I brought my Tribute, too, sooooo....
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: jesse.hill.1200 on 12 March, 2013, 16:36:59
Hey everyone... Technically I haven't started Kendama yet, I am from Edmonton, AB, Canada and I saw a friends facebook post on Kendama.  Had no clue what it was so I hit up google and was blown away... Ordered a KendamaUSA Pro Sanders model and I am eagerly awaiting it's arrival.  In the meantime I have just been watching countless videos and browsing the forums.  Super excited to get started.  On a side note I have to say that I truly love the community feel that surrounds Kendama.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 12 March, 2013, 16:52:48
Hi Jesse,
Welcome, it's good to have you here. I think it was KendAlex that said "kendama gives you instant friends all over the world". Spot on.
Hope you enjoy it here, and I'm sure you'll love getting started.
Click!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: MrSquirrel on 14 March, 2013, 20:19:52
Quote from: jesse.hill.1200 on 12 March, 2013, 16:36:59
Hey everyone... Technically I haven't started Kendama yet, I am from Edmonton, AB, Canada and I saw a friends facebook post on Kendama.  Had no clue what it was so I hit up google and was blown away... Ordered a KendamaUSA Pro Sanders model and I am eagerly awaiting it's arrival.  In the meantime I have just been watching countless videos and browsing the forums.  Super excited to get started.  On a side note I have to say that I truly love the community feel that surrounds Kendama.
Welcome to the forum Jesse! By the way, I heard that the hole on the Pro Models is smaller than the average kendama hole, so be aware of that while playing.

Quote from: Waylon on 10 March, 2013, 16:04:00
Fancy meeting you here...

I've barely thrown since I got my kendama last week. I grabbed my trusty Xcon Pro on the way out this morning thinking I may sneak a few throws in today. Maybe. I brought my Tribute, too, sooooo....
Hey, haven't I seen you somewhere before? ;)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: JonQ on 15 March, 2013, 03:52:11
Hey everyone! My name is Jon I'm 22 years old. I've been playing kendama for about 3 months.
I decided to join the forum to talk some sword ball with some cool people. So yeah  :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 15 March, 2013, 03:59:32
Hi Jon, welcome to the forum! Have a read through of the faq at http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,6.0.html (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,6.0.html) , have a wander through the forum in general, and then, yeah, join in the chat!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: jesse.hill.1200 on 15 March, 2013, 04:14:22
Quote from: MrSquirrel on 14 March, 2013, 20:19:52
Quote from: jesse.hill.1200 on 12 March, 2013, 16:36:59
Hey everyone... Technically I haven't started Kendama yet, I am from Edmonton, AB, Canada and I saw a friends facebook post on Kendama.  Had no clue what it was so I hit up google and was blown away... Ordered a KendamaUSA Pro Sanders model and I am eagerly awaiting it's arrival.  In the meantime I have just been watching countless videos and browsing the forums.  Super excited to get started.  On a side note I have to say that I truly love the community feel that surrounds Kendama.
Welcome to the forum Jesse! By the way, I heard that the hole on the Pro Models is smaller than the average kendama hole, so be aware of that while playing.

Thanks for all the welcomes, good to know about the slightly smaller hole on the tama.  Not overly worried about it though... after all if I can figure out how to spike it with consistency then other kendamas should seem even easier.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kev on 18 March, 2013, 20:22:51
Hi everyone! What a nice and friendly forum this seems to be, a credit to you all :)

Apologies for the long post, by hey, it's my first so might as well make it count!

I'm Kev, and I'm excited to say, I'm waiting to take delivery of my first kendama (an Ozora 'Natural' in case you were wondering).

I've arrived here after a good few years of playing (and sometimes performing) with skill toys, object manipulation and circus skills. My route being juggling, fooling & street performance > contact > yoyo > and now kendama!

Now you know, it's funny, once every few years I seem to run into the The Void (not literally, thankfully, might hurt) - but it has always been a pleasure to do so, what a solid gold chap he is. This began almost 20 years ago I'd guess. . .  Anyway, the last time I saw him in was about 7? 8? years back and he had this wonderful intriguing object with him - the kendama. It piqued my interest at the time - I was impressed with the skill and focus needed to play with it, however back then I was doing other things and it passed me by.

After a break for a few years, I recently came back to contact juggling and started thinking about object manipulation and then I remembered this amazing thing I'd seen all those years ago. I was totally stunned when I looked on the web today to find a) Such interest in the kendama, and so many people playing. b) the wonders to be found on juggling.tv (my skills began pre-ubiquitous internet) and c) Such a fantastic community on here (including old faces like GbH), and finally the impressive stuff being done with the BKA, (which seems a lot is down to the hard work of The Void and others here) - all in all, good work guys and well done indeed!

Looking forward to being a part of this forum and pestering you all for help, Oh, and hello again to those few that I've known before but not seen for ages :)

Now if I'd only started way back when I first saw the kendama . . . doh!

Well at least that means I've got the excitement of starting tomorrow :)

Thanks

Kev








Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: genji on 18 March, 2013, 22:17:53
Hello everyone, my name is genji I am brand new to Kendama. I got hooked when I was at a yoyo meet last week and tried out Tyler Severence's(YYF Player) and another guys who had one. I played with the Kendama for about 15 minutes and from that moment I first played with it I knew I wanted one. I went onto the yoyoexpert BST's (buy/sell/trade) and searched to see if any were for trade and I happened to find someone with one for trade. It is a KendamaUSA and I believe the Tribute model if I'm not mistaken. It is waiting in my mailbox when I get home in a couple of hours, so I'm very eager to get home from work to try it out. I already have a disease and that is yoyo fever and I think that I'm about to catch Kendama, apparently it's contagious! :D In fact, I purchased a KendamaUSA 2013 Professional Model and some extra strings earlier today! I still have a lot to learn; grips, different models, tricks, etc. and I look forward to learning and sharing the love of Kendama with all of you. Thanks!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 18 March, 2013, 22:34:09
Welcome Kev and Genji,
Hope you enjoy it here!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 18 March, 2013, 22:45:07
Kev! Bloomin' eck it's been a while! Glad to hear you're still alive, and still doing various manipulation stuff. Nice to see you in here, hope you enjoy the clicking scene.
QuoteNow if I'd only started way back when I first saw the kendama . . . doh!
Me too, 9 years before I actually started, in my case!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kev on 19 March, 2013, 09:29:15
Thanks Void, yes it has indeed been a while! Glad to see you're doing well and very much looking forward to becoming a clicker (a long road no doubt!). We are considering a family trip to BJC this year so if you're there it would be nice to catch up.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Rich on 27 March, 2013, 23:47:30

Hey guys,

My name is Rich and I've been playing kendama for about 5 months ever since my good friend, knowing my interest in this sort of thing, brought me one back from Japan. After chipping away 60% of the paint after about a week I upgraded to a sweets kendama and have been loving it ever since. I've been trawling these forums for a while now and thought its about time I signed up.

I'm from Bristol and was very excited to see the BKO is coming to our fair city, just up the road from me aswell, and I can't wait to meet all the awesome players who I've seen posting on here. I'm starting a super intensive month long course in April but hopefully I won't have a mountain of procrastinated work to do by the last weekend so i'm 95% sure of attendance at the BKO. Just ordered a new striped sunrise so I can compete in the beginners division so hopefully will get that broken in in time as my current kendama is a tad slippery for perfecting my lighthouses, and not approved obviously...

Aside from kendama (which has quickly become my favourite hobby) I enjoy playing my devil sticks, sunny days and the pub.

I look forward to posting and chatting to you guys.

Rich
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 28 March, 2013, 11:21:18
Hi Rich,
Welcome aboard! Good to have you here, and we look forwards to seeing you at the BKO!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Brysonzorich on 01 April, 2013, 06:04:58
Hi my name is bryson i have been playing kendama for a couple months now and i have goiten obsessed
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 01 April, 2013, 10:07:57
Welcome. You're amongst fellow obsessives here!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: phrawg2001 on 14 April, 2013, 19:37:45
Hi everyone,
My name is Davin. I live in California and have been playing kendama for about 17 days. I also Yoyo and throw tops. This toy is so addictive!  So far I have a kendama USA 2013 pro model ( Colin Sander), and a tribute model on its way. I can do most of the basic tricks and can land lighthouse sometimes.  This forum and the app have been quite helpful.

Davin
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 14 April, 2013, 19:39:12
Glad to have been of service, Davin! Welcome to the forums. Have fun with your new toys. :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: kendamamatt on 23 April, 2013, 14:24:57
Hi guys im matt and im fifteen and i come from london,England but as of now i live in italy as my mum is italian and they are not married i go to england about twice a year.
I've been doing kendama for about two weeks now and im loving it already.
Before doing kendama i played yoyo.
Thanks guys
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 23 April, 2013, 14:41:58
Hey Matt, welcome to the forum! I don't think there's very much of a scene in Italy yet, but it's up to you to kick things off in your area! :-)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: TrevorWestad on 26 April, 2013, 04:59:39
Hey everyone! Im not sure if this thread already has a new user thread or not.. Anywase my name is Trevor and I have been playing kendama for about two months. I love it. Everything about it. And I am excited I found this forum. :) I have over 1600 posts on a fingerboard forum. So I know how things work. :) Anywase, glad to be here!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 26 April, 2013, 10:20:57
Hi Trevor,
Welcome to the forum! (Yes, there is a new member thread... We just merged you into it.). What part of the world are you from? ( add yourself to the member map if you like http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap) ) Hope you enjoy it here. Have a browse and a search around the boards, then chat away!
Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Schnayke on 27 April, 2013, 20:44:27
Howdie
I have had a kendama for years now, but got a TK16 recently and have been learning now.    The bc/whatsnext one I had before was way harder to learn on.
Anyhow I am a skilltoys fanatic. 
I currently use yoyos, cigar boxs, devil/flower sticks(one and two), contact juggle, kendama, jitter rings, astro jax, spin tops, juggle: balls, hats, rings, clubs, randoms, When ever I make this list I always forget something.  ;)
Anyhow live in southern oregon in the u.s.a.
probably going to be starting up a skilltoys club again, with kendama being the founding skilltoy. 
I'm also into human powerd transport, i.e. : long board, inline skates, bicycle, ect.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 27 April, 2013, 21:25:02
Hi Schnayke,
Welcome to the forum. Hope you like it here! :-)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: GoodsFromJapan on 01 May, 2013, 12:29:51
Hello, I am Philip living in Nagoya, Japan and working for GoodsFromJapan.com (http://goodsfromjapan.com) which sells Japanese kendama overseas and imports kendama from the rest of the world.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 01 May, 2013, 12:33:24
Hi Philip,
Welcome to the forum. Do you play kendama too?
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: billhunker on 01 May, 2013, 20:30:25
Hi, this is Bill.

In 1996 I attended a summer music festival in Sapporo, Japan.  One of the volunteers at the cultural center where we played brought in a several kendamas.  I learned a pull-up spike (tomeken) and spent my entire lunch break seeing how many consecutive tomekens I could perform (12).  I thought I was hot stuff. I watched as a middle-aged Japanese gentleman unsuccessfully attempted a swinging spike (furiken). Only now do I realize he may have been, with extreme politeness, suggesting a next step for my practice. After almost hitting myself in the face trying a few furikens, I went back to tomekens. 

Among the little bit of Japanese I learned that summer was the expression  頑張って "gam ba te" (keep practicing).  I did 'not' keep practicing the kendama, however, and neither did I own one.  Luckily, the next year I bought a kendama at a rummage sale in Hong Kong, where I was living at the time.  I started back with the tomekens, but had no consistency at any other tricks.  I found it particularly hard to go from the big cup to the small cup.  I lost interest. 

In 2011, I came across some kendama edits on the internet and was fascinated, though I was not sure what I was even looking at. I was in awe of anyone who could perform something as simple as "around the village". I ordered a kendama (a red Oozara) and started practicing.  I was really bad. I recall the particular moment when I decided that I was going to have to practice, and 'keep' practicing, if I wanted to do more than the most basic tricks. Some kind of switch turned in my head.  Instead of getting frustrated or trying to rush my technique, I decided I was going to have to be philosophical about the whole matter and stay relaxed.   

Acquiring kendama technique was not a linear process. Sometimes I would hit metaphorical walls, having to re-examine my technique, temporarily getting worse at tricks, in order to achieve the harder tricks.  There were a series of breakthroughs that changed my kendama technique.   

The first breakthrough for me was the realization that I had to relax my hand grip (A little booklet I received with a kendama tells the user to hold onto it firmly; this is for safety, but IMHO it doesn't help).  A firm grip is fine enough at first, but when moving quickly between the cups it inhibits speed and range of motion.  Also, there are some more advanced tricks, like bird, which involve, I think, a bit of compliance from the hand at the moment of the catch.  This compliance of the hand keeps the bird from bouncing off its perch, a kind of a cushion. 

The second breakthrough for me was the base-cup catch using the regular grip, where the elbow is pushed against the ribs.  This is initially an awkward position for most people who try it. Somehow, it did not initially occur to me to catch it this way, and I initially experimented with the base-cup catch with my elbow in the air. Duh! 

The third breakthrough involved performing "around the village".  I could not accurately rotate the ball the proper amount to spike it.  I started using more of my knees and entire body to toss the ball up, and I improved. I realized that, when going from a cup to a spike, I could "go big", using a lot of vertical space to catch the trick, rather than stabbing to perform the spike.   

Learning 'toudai' (lighthouse) was a challenge.  The 'aha' moment in lighthouses was when I realized it did not help to let the ken fall onto the ball; I had to have a faster hand, placing the ball under the ken while the ken was still traveling upward, then continue pushing upward.  Another piece of the lighthouse: I think it helps while learning the trick to imagine you are standing on hot coals, ready to shift your feet at any time.  On a sunny day, I practiced lighthouses barefoot on the burning-hot black-top street where I live.  Moving around helped me center myself more for the catch.  Lighthouses are interesting; quick movement followed by stillness.

I am a teacher at a private K-6 school in Southern California.  I introduced kendama to the students last year.  Nobody knew what it was, except for a couple Japanese teachers.  It took a while for anyone other than myself to show interest in the kendama.  Then weird things started happening.  One fourth grader started getting kind of good.  I knew no one could touch me, however, so I offered a challenge that if anyone could perform a lunar in front of me, I'd buy them a kendama.  I offered them the challenge then laughed demonically.  I am not laughing anymore.  The kid did it...over and over.  So, anyway, at the time of this posting I still consider myself the best kendama player at school, but only because of my larger repertoire of tricks, but even this may be coming to an end.  A second student caught fire this year, and now he is performing the JKA speed trick B in less than a minute! I thought I was unbeatable at the speed trick.  Every day I hear kids having conversations about kendama.  Practically any kid at school who has touched a kendama knows the names of fifteen different tricks, and the kids love to make up their own names for novel catches and combinations. 

So far, about a hundred kendamas have been purchased by kids at my school.  I have first graders doing birds, bats and lighthouses.  Kindergarteners have, for some reason, decided that candles are their trick of choice.  Everybody knows "moshi kame". The entire school sang all four verses for our Spring Performance. The interest in kendama seems to be like an epidemic which hits certain grade levels.  It started with fourth grade, then first grade, then kindergarten, and most recently expanded to the second grade.  The third, fifth and sixth grades are still pretty apathetic about kendama.  While I take credit for introducing kendama to the school, the kids are the ones who get credit for inspiring one another.  When my family asks me about the highlights of my day, I start talking about so-and-so performing a particular trick on the kendama. 

My school finally recognized kendama by providing after school enrichment, every Monday from 4-5 on kendama.  The class immediately filled to capacity.  I spend half the class reparing kendamas. A few parents approached me and mentioned how kendama had "changed" their kid.  Kendama is a great antidote to video games/phones/various screens. Not every kid in the class has the perseverance to practice a hard trick for an extended period of time, though. My heart goes out to the little kids with poor hand-eye coordination. I am looking for some strategies to make big-cup possible for them. My school is a beautiful, natural campus, and I have already filmed some kendama video at various spots around the campus.  The video looks great.  I have yet to post any of it.     

I am hoping to maintain the kendama community that has started at my school.  I started a website that is devoted to kendama (it will never be as good as the UK site), though I currently don't have the time or inclination to manage it.  I will be running a week-long summer workshop on kendama, and I am thinking about getting a 'pro' to come in as a special guest for the workshop.  Anybody in the forum visiting Southern California this summer?  We will put you up.  We are in Laguna Beach.  Nice place to visit!!!

Kind of a long introduction.  Anyway, I love kendama, and anybody who loves kendama is cool in my book. 
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 01 May, 2013, 21:05:20
Hi Bill,
Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you are doing a great job of spreading the kendama word, I hope your schoolkids keep getting more enthused.
And bonus points to you for leaping from long-term lurker to essayist! :-)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kev on 02 May, 2013, 21:57:14
What a great story Billhunker

Sounds like you're part of something amazing there.

:)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: on-one on 05 May, 2013, 11:32:20
Hi Guys

I was introduced to Kendama by Void during his workshop at BJC and since then have found it to be great fun and highly addictive - also a good workout for my thighs! This is a great forum and a nice way to be part of the friendly and helpful Kendama community.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 05 May, 2013, 11:42:56
Hooray, another convert! Welcome aboard, hope you enjoy it here.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Misterwhang on 05 May, 2013, 18:13:13
Hello everyone my name is Alan Whang, I live in the US and attend George Mason University. I love martial arts, bboying and now KENDAMA! I have been playing kendama for about 4 weeks, and like most people here I am in love with it, some nights I cant sleep without doing a trick 3 times in a row. It will be about 3:30 in the morning and I am still clicking away. As of now my roommates and I are probably the only ones on campus that have even heard of the toy but we are planning to start up a kendama club to bring in more potential players. I am so happy I found this forum, I have learned so much in the short time I have been apart of this community! I will be posting many questions about newbie things so please take care of me!  ;D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 05 May, 2013, 18:25:04
Hi Alan,
Welcome to the boards, and your latest addiction! Ask away (but Search first in case the answer's already here).
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Java on 12 May, 2013, 01:51:54
Greetings all, I'm Tom. I'm a 53 year old pastor living in the state of Georgia, USA. I've been lurking around here for a while, and I finally pulled the trigger and ordered a Sweets aTack this afternoon, so I thought I'd officially join-up. I look forward to spending way too much time here................
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 12 May, 2013, 10:35:48
Welcome, Tom! Hope you have fun here... Oh, and with your kendama too. ;)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: YellowFlash on 17 May, 2013, 05:12:14
Hello my name is Zach, I have been playing kendama for about 5 months. I land in the intermediate category almost advanced. I live in Sacramento, California. I love playing kendama because I can meet new people and it is simple to play with. My most recent kendama is an OG Leaf. Thats about it.  :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 17 May, 2013, 14:09:37
Hi Zach, welcome aboard!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: emagdnim on 18 May, 2013, 10:30:52
Cheers,

I am Hans, and I am from the Netherlands.
My friends and I started playing' Kendama 3 weeks ago, which started just for fun, but we all play quite serious now.


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 18 May, 2013, 11:03:45
Hi Hans
Welcome to the forum. Cliffdama, KendAlex, shalafi and s070s are all based in the Netherlands too.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: br4d24 on 24 May, 2013, 21:16:23
Welcome to all the new people saying hi! If anyone is from the Facebook Kendama Community, you probably have seen me around on there posting stuff! Look forward to talking dama with you all!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: rawr on 29 May, 2013, 17:14:13
I haven't introduced myself yet, so I thought I would say hello. My name is Ben and I have been known to throw return tops around. I just recently discovered the kendama and I am really enjoying it! I spend far more time now with my lone TK16 than I do with my fairly large yoyo collection. :D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 29 May, 2013, 17:17:04
Welcome Ben, and the ever-growing number of (ex-?)spinners here too. :D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: oliver.r.wagener on 02 June, 2013, 17:03:53
Hey y'all!
My name is Oliver. I live in Denmark and I'm 20 years old. I'm  originally a juggler, but like so many others I have been bit by the spirit of KENDAMA! I have been playing since March 2013, so I'm pretty much a noob  ;D
Right now I'm playing with an Ozora Enjyu, and loving it. Such a pretty little thing!
I guess that's it for now. Hope to have some nice and inspiring 'damatalks with y'all!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 02 June, 2013, 20:14:42
Hi Oliver,
Welcome to the forum.  Hope you enjoy it here!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: johnnyb on 09 June, 2013, 04:31:01
Hi. my name is Johnny! recently got bit by the kendama bug...its really fun. I'm from USA. um...i just landed my first light house to a spike!!!!!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 09 June, 2013, 10:38:39
Hi Johnny,
Congratulations, and welcome to the forum!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: oyoyoy on 11 June, 2013, 19:20:00
Hi everyone, I'm oyoyoy. I had been heavily into yoyos and recently became addicted to kendama after finally deciding to pick up a Tribute. Have been practicing nonstop ever since. As much as I love the creativity and technology involved in modern yoyoing, there is something nice about the simplicity of kendamas, and the way that the design has remain unchanged for decades (of not centuries). It sorta conjures up what it must have been like in the old wooden Duncan days of yoyoing when everyone basically played and competed with the same model. The kendama proves that the simplest things can be the most unlimited.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 11 June, 2013, 20:36:58
Welcome aboard, oyoyoy!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: jonxmack on 13 June, 2013, 17:11:55
Hey, my name is Jon. I bought a kendama a couple of weeks ago as I keep seeing them more and more in yoyo videos so thought it would be a fun way to pass the time, which it is! At the moment I'm just enjoying learning basic tricks and being overwhelmed by just how talented some people are at it, my colleagues at work all do a "lets have a go" when they see me failing spectacularly at it, and then realise just how difficult it is!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 13 June, 2013, 17:35:19
Hi Jon, welcome aboard. Check out the First 11 tutorial videos (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,905.0.html) to get your technique down, and stick with it!

More Knees!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Zach Blackburn on 18 June, 2013, 01:20:35
Hey guys! I recently joined this group and I am looking forward to being part of it!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 18 June, 2013, 01:35:46
Hello Zach, welcome to the boards! Have a browse around, and then dive in! :-)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Zach Blackburn on 18 June, 2013, 02:50:46
Thank you! Sure thing! I'm beginning to like this group a lot!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KrisWhyte on 29 June, 2013, 23:25:26
Hey guys im Kris, 15 years old, been playing since october 2012, Kendama and scooter riding are my biggest passions!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 29 June, 2013, 23:42:42
Welcome aboard the boards! Good to have you here.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Tarkus on 30 June, 2013, 14:22:10
Hey Everyone!

Old Geezer here.  Been throwin yoyos for a good while now and have juggled forever.  Saw kendamas on yoyo web site and decided to take a look.  Checked out some videos and then I knew I had to have one!  Ordered some (had to supply the bratz and grandbratz too!) and they came a week ago.  Haven't put it down much.  Take it to work and everything.  At first I had a hard time just landing the tama on a cup.  Tried to balance the ken for a Lighthouse and thought - no way!  After a while though I realized it was possible and can now pull it up and balance it!  Can't do a flip yet but I'm workin on it.  Anyway, I plan on snoopin around the forum a lot once I can put the KD down for a while!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 30 June, 2013, 15:55:24
Welcome to kendama, ol' feller! :-) And welcome to the forum too. Hope you enjoy it here, and pick up some tips.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: PageVGP on 01 August, 2013, 17:29:45
Hello!

My name is Page, and I stumbled on kendama through my interest in and writing about Japanese culture. I first saw one in Yoyogi Park in Tokyo back in 2007 when I was on my first visit. Being a very reserved Englishman (and it being my first trip) I watched from afar and passed over the opportunity to be taught by a very talented guy!

Ever since I have watched the odd vid on youtube and still retained the same awe as trick after trick is pulled off. I was covering Hyper Japan this year (I am a freelance writer for my sins...) and found there was a stand with some very nice guys willing to at last let me have a go.

I was terrible...

Undeterred, and with encouragement I managed to catch the ball in the cup and got well and truly hooked. Strangely I have discovered that my knees are totally out of sync to the rest of my body, so I need to work on that!

I practice for about 10 mins a day and today I have managed to get the ball on the spike! I was so happy, I think thats not bad for an ancient with zero coordination!

I would love to meet up with some like minded folk and learn more, I hope someone can unlock the mystery of holding the ball and catching the ken!

Nice to meet you all

Page
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 02 August, 2013, 09:22:39
Hi Page,
Congrats on your first Spike! Welcome to the forum.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Tenchou on 09 August, 2013, 18:51:04
Elo all!

I was introduced to Kendama by a friend that I had met while I was studying in Japan.  He bought me a Blue TK16 Master for my birthday and ever since then I've been playing quite frequently (I've also expanded my collection by 5  :D).  I've bought and read the けん玉スポーツ教室 book and am thinking about buying both the Spike! and Knees! books.  This looks like a great community and I hope to be able to learn and improve my play during my time here :). 

Also, ever since I've been playing Kendama, I've had this insatiable desire to try out juggling now too, is this perhaps the work of some sort of skill toy madness??  I bought my first set of juggling balls yesterday  ;D!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 09 August, 2013, 19:02:20
Hello Tenchou,
Welcome to the forum, to kendama, and to juggling. (Check out http://www.jugglingedge.com/clublistings.php? (http://www.jugglingedge.com/clublistings.php?) for your nearest juggling club.) Hope you enjoy it here, Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: PikWik on 09 August, 2013, 20:43:52
Hey There,

Long time lurker, and recent poster here. I found this forum after looking for a decent place to talk kendama. As it turns out, this is the best place to talk about this amazing toy. There's a ton of trick tips and guidance here that is invaluable for new clickers. That and a lot of the well known players, from around the world, post here too!

I first saw a kendama in a couple skate videos and it wasnt until I had some free time that I ventured to figure out what the "red ball and 3 cup" was. turns out it was a kendama and I've been hooked since! I love the community involved with kendama and find its a truly great way to pass the time or challenge myself at the same time.


@tenchou - funny you say that. ive been getting into juggling again as well  ;D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: DamaFree09 on 16 August, 2013, 21:38:46
Im Zach McClintock (DamaFree9) I live in OR, US. I've been playing Kendama for about 4 months. i have a youtube  please check it out

http://www.youtube.com/user/DamaFree9?feature=watch (http://www.youtube.com/user/DamaFree9?feature=watch)

i play american football, baseball, and basketball. i love to talk and interact. email me @ kendamafreex@gmail.com . thats about it.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 16 August, 2013, 22:25:15
Hello and welcome. Hope you enjoy it here.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kendama+cliniK on 31 August, 2013, 06:06:42
Hi everyone! The name's Andrew. I'm from Ohio and as of lately a few of my friends and I have been attempting to spread the word around town. We've started a couple groups on Facebook. So if you're from around the area don't hesitate to hit me up! Kendama+cliniK!!!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/515867765162693/ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/515867765162693/)

Thanks! You guys are great!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 31 August, 2013, 12:45:57
Welcome, Andrew!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kambo on 03 October, 2013, 01:58:12
Hello,

My name is Marcos. I'm a beginner and I have been playing Kendama for a week now. I FREAKING love Kendamas now. I Can barely keep my hands off of one. My current Kendama I got for free from a friend is a purple Kaleb Kendama. Unfortunately those Kendamas are considered crap Kendamas in my area. When I get payed I'm planning on getting a Kendama from Sweets custom Kendamas, a Ozora, or a Tribute. Can't decide. Anyways, I will probably have plenty of questions and would be great if you could help answer them! Seeya around!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 03 October, 2013, 13:09:13
Hi Kambo, welcome to the forum and to kendama!
Have a read around in the Gear and the What's The Best Kendama sections, as your kind of enquiry is pretty common, and there are a lot of answers to that already.
Hope you enjoy it here, cheers, BKA.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Ai on 03 October, 2013, 15:52:33
Hello!

My name is Ai. I'm from Tokyo, Japan.
I'd like to introduce a group of filmmakers planning to make a feature film on kendama in Tokyo.
The group is called "Tokyo Kendama Project".
First of all, please do have a look on this movie.

http://youtu.be/Sz3L2-jGq40 (http://youtu.be/Sz3L2-jGq40)


We are seeking for ways to rise fund for the feature film project.
Do you know any companies, institution or anyone that may be interested in this project??
We'd really appreciate if you give us any clue.


We'd really thank for any support from anyone.
Please support this project to spread kendama worldwide!


Thank you.


Ai
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 03 October, 2013, 15:58:15
Hello Ai, welcome to the forum.
Your video is really beautiful. We hope you get the chance to make a full-length feature film one day.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: MrDimmu on 03 October, 2013, 16:29:25
Hii there =]

I been watching a guy called izilly on youtube and he does random bits of Kendama .. well i just had to get one, have done bits of poi and diabolo before =]

Just waiting for mine to arrive, got a Krom Rubber Leopard from kendama.dk ( found uk sites after )
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 03 October, 2013, 16:36:51
Hi MrDimmu,
Welcome! Since you do poi and diabolo, and soon kendama, and since you've pinned yourself in Manchester on the member Map, perhaps you'll want to head along to the Manchester Juggling Convention ( http://www.jugglingedge.com/event.php?EventID=3250& (http://www.jugglingedge.com/event.php?EventID=3250&) ), where we suspect [user]Ian[/user] and [user]Ian F[/user] may be doing a little light clicking.

Hope you enjoy it here.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: MrDimmu on 03 October, 2013, 16:54:50
Quote from: BKA on 03 October, 2013, 16:36:51
Hi MrDimmu,
Welcome! Since you do poi and diabolo, and soon kendama, and since you've pinned yourself in Manchester on the member Map, perhaps you'll want to head along to the Manchester Juggling Convention ( http://www.jugglingedge.com/event.php?EventID=3250& (http://www.jugglingedge.com/event.php?EventID=3250&) ), where we suspect [user]Ian[/user] and [user]Ian F[/user] may be doing a little light clicking.

Hope you enjoy it here.

Ooo i may have to look into going, i am more than a little dusty with my other stuff so might give me the kick up the backside i need =]
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KendamaCake on 07 October, 2013, 05:14:47
Hello jello!
I'm Ash, I just joined this forum today.
I had been referring to it for info on playing, so I figured I should join to talk and enjoy everyone here!

I'm incredibly new to it, I've only been playing steadily for 2 weeks.
I have a very standard kendama as of right now but I hope to get a balanced one soon :)

Aside from my recent hobby of learning tricks, I enjoy gaming, drawing, and cooking!

Pleased to meet everyone!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 07 October, 2013, 11:36:43
Hello Ash, welcome!
I'm sure you'll become even more addicted to kendama as time passes... we all have!
And in the words of Homer... "Mmmmm.... Cake!"
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KendamaCake on 08 October, 2013, 08:26:15
Quote from: BKA on 07 October, 2013, 11:36:43
Hello Ash, welcome!
I'm sure you'll become even more addicted to kendama as time passes... we all have!
And in the words of Homer... "Mmmmm.... Cake!"
Aww thanks :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: johndmc on 25 October, 2013, 14:25:40
Hey all

Im John. Very new to Kendama, i was introduced to it through friend/work colleague when we went camping. I have recently bought my own and making progress through the simple basics. (i struggled with the spike for a while lol). Currently living in maidstone on kent, but from Wirral originally. Having loads of fun learning this  (and juggling also) I like the Rubiks cube as well. Well thats me really in a nut shell.

Hopefully will get the chance to meet up and learn more.

Thanks
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kev on 25 October, 2013, 14:39:27
Hi [user]johndmc[/user] - you've picked a nice and friendly forum here and a great new way to spend your time.

You've got plenty of time to get prepared for this too - http://kendama.co.uk/bko2014.html (http://kendama.co.uk/bko2014.html) - hope to see you there!

:)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 25 October, 2013, 16:10:51
Hi John,
Welcome to the forum. There are a few clickers who hang out at TWJC http://www.jugglingedge.com/club.php?ClubID=1& (http://www.jugglingedge.com/club.php?ClubID=1&) ([user]Orinoco[/user], [user]Topper[/user], Simon), in case you fancy meeting up with someone near you. Check out the tutorials at http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,905.0.html (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,905.0.html) to get you on your way with some good technique.
Hope you enjoy it here, cheers,
Void
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: johndmc on 25 October, 2013, 18:34:13
Thanks Kev and Void, I appreciate the help. will most likely check out the TWJC when I can and see if I can make any meetings.

As for next year that'd be cool if i could make it as well. Maybe even enter the beginners session. 

Thanks again
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: DominicCalimquim on 28 October, 2013, 04:41:29
Hey guys, my names Dominic and I finally came to making an account here. A little insight, ive been playing for a little over a year now, I live in Las Vegas and the community here is slowly, but surely growing. Im part of a little group that started kendama here in vegas called Lvken and am newly sponsored by Folken kendama! welp, hello all!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 28 October, 2013, 11:06:20
Welcome Dominic, good to have you here.
We've seen a fair bit of LVKen activity on Instagram, looks like you have a nice active scene there. Hope you enjoy it here. While you're here, why not be the first LV pin in http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap) ? ;-)
Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: kenyc on 05 November, 2013, 08:39:31
hi,
my name is joseph.
been playing kendama on and off since 2009? 2010?
been getting back into it recently.  ;D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 05 November, 2013, 11:19:06
Hi Joseph, welcome to the forum.
Guessing you might be in NYC from your user name. I think [user]MasterKatra42[/user], and possibly [user]Anthony A[/user] are still based around there too..
Cheers!
BKA
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Dylan Morgan on 06 November, 2013, 01:40:31
My name is Dylan Morgan and I have been playing for almost 6 months. I make edits and have about 9 Kendamas total in my collection.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: JeffreyItaliaander on 06 November, 2013, 10:54:37
Hello,
My name is Jeffrey Italiaander.
I'm 21 years old and been playing Kendama for over 2 years now (That long already? :o).
This summer I achieved my 2nd Dan in Toulouse at the EKO. That whole week was just.... no words..
I've finally decided to be more active on the forum. Also because I'm gonna try all the Consistency ladders that were done in the past. NEED. CONSISTENCY. I think that's my thing.
That is all.. :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 06 November, 2013, 12:40:57
Hi Dylan,welcome. Post one of your videos in the Video forum, if you like. :)
Jeffrey, hello again! ;) Yeah, the time flies by so fast, doesn't it? Always fun with a kendama though.
Good to have you both here!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Will T on 17 November, 2013, 21:35:54
hi! I'm Will

I first started playing kendama about a year ago and since then I have been addicted to it!
my brother bought me my first kendama and at first I didn't play with it at first but after a month I took it with me on holiday
to rome, where I wouldn't stop doing it and would always be trying to land something. my brother was the one who taught me new tricks and made me progress, without him id probably still be stuck on spike!
he took me along to a meetup where I got to meet the void and other people. this inspired me and I loved being around them, playing games of ken, talking about kendama and just basically learning new things!
other than kendama I like to film and edit videos, I do a bit of magic and card manipulation, I like listening to music and watching films!

I just finished my first edit, view it here if you want!
http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1439.0.html (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1439.0.html)

thanks!
Will
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 17 November, 2013, 21:44:46
Hi Will,
Nice to see you on the forum!

To keep the board tidy, we've moved your video to a new thread here:
http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1439.0.html (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1439.0.html)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kendama Colombia on 27 November, 2013, 05:01:42
What is Kendama Colombia?

Kendama Colombia was created on 6th November 2013 by a group of enthusiastic Kendama players in order to establish the first Colombian Kendama community. In Kendama Colombia you will find all about Kendama, its history, photos, videos and everything that happens everyday in the local and global community. The goals of Kendama Colombia are:

-Encourage the practice of Kendama in Colombia.
-Establish good relationships among Kendama players in Colombia.
-Keeps the community updated about events and news of Kendama around the world.

Kendama Colombia website:
www.kendamacolombia.com (http://www.kendamacolombia.com)

In the website you can find a page dedicated to Kendama Pro players:
www.kendamacolombia.com/#!jugadores-del-mundo/ci1x (http://www.kendamacolombia.com/#!jugadores-del-mundo/ci1x)

If anyone wants to help us just contact us :)
kendamacolombia@gmail.com


In Colombia the Kendama community is in its beginnings so we would really appreciate any advice or comment :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 27 November, 2013, 12:07:17
Hello KC,

Welcome to the forum.
It's always good to see kendama spreading to new areas, so good luck with promoting kendama in Columbia.

BUT....
It's nice that we have been an inspiration for you, but when you grab images from our site, and translate whole pages ( http://kendama.co.uk/benefits.html (http://kendama.co.uk/benefits.html) ) without asking, or without giving us credit, that's not very polite at all. So, because you did not ask, please remove the image of the NichiGetsu ball, and the images of the JKA seals. Take your own photos please.

I'm sure you did not do any of this maliciously, but merely without thought. So we'll sign off by saying again...

Welcome to the forum.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kendama Colombia on 27 November, 2013, 13:56:35
We apologize for any inconvenience that we may have caused.
The pictures are already deleted and the page modified.

We are starting and we really appreciate any comment or advice for improve our community.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

Regards,

Kendama Colombia
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 27 November, 2013, 14:01:08
Thank you. No hard feelings.

I think you already have the best thing for building a community: enthusiasm!
Keep building, keep playing. Have regular meetings if you can, and find a way to keep all your players motivated. Have a competition? Online, or live.
Good luck!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Phones on 13 December, 2013, 22:46:58
Hi all,
Too old to be starting this but I got a kemdama last week and the bloody thing won't leave me alone. See where it goes.
Cheers.

Phones.
Scotland.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 13 December, 2013, 22:56:57
How positively tedious of it! :)
You're never too old, Phones. Good luck, enjoy, and welcome to the forum.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: old man on 14 December, 2013, 16:56:55
Hi there
Another "old man" to join here.
Today my PLAY Kendama form Kendama Europe arrived and the adventure will begin!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 14 December, 2013, 16:59:34
Welcome, old man! :-) Have fun PLAYing!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kendama+cliniK on 21 December, 2013, 03:43:19
It's so nice to check up on all the new comers. HI EVERYONE!!!! and welcome! This forums has helped me A LOT!!!! (still does) I'm sure it will help you as well!!

NOW GET TO CLICKIN'!!!! haha  8)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: AptDweller on 30 December, 2013, 20:49:28
Happy New Year to all.  Just thought I would introduce myself to the forum members.  The old man here just retired about a year ago.  I needed something to keep my mind active and thought I would try kendama.  I live in the US, near Chicago, Ill.  I just ordered a kendama from Amazon and it's being sent from Kendama USA. I wish I had known at the time that KUSA sold directly, oh well.

At any rate, I will keep everyone posted on my progress through the coming months.  I'm as much a "Newbie" as you can get.  This forum is going to help,  I love the videos as well.

SeeYa

Larry
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 30 December, 2013, 21:05:36
Hi Larry, welcome to kendama, and the forum. I'm sure you'll love both.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: geektacular on 02 January, 2014, 15:35:32
Hey all! My name is Bruce, generally known across the Internet as "geektacular". I've been a Japanophile for quite a long while, and somehow I've never heard about kendama until I read a random article about it on AJW (Asahi Shimbun). I then went to YouTube and was BLOWN AWAY at all of the awesome tricks that you can do with it. It looked like so much fun, so I went ahead and bought my first kendama (Ozora Galaxy) online and also went ahead and joined the BKA so that I can start getting involved in the community too! (And I mean c'mon, for only £6 it's a steal!) My kendama should arrive via mail today, at which point I'm planning to make a quick unboxing/detailed video about it on my YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/user/geektacularX) and then I'll start learning some tricks...looking forward to getting to know everyone here!  :D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 02 January, 2014, 15:53:33
Welcome, Bruce, to the forum, the BKA (cheers!) and the wonderful world of kendama! Check out the Essential Eleven in the Tutorials section once you've unboxed.

More knees!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: SAW on 03 January, 2014, 23:31:28
Hi,

Name is Simon just joined the forum and BKA membership. I have a few kendama's but not learnt all the essential eleven tricks yet ! I normally hang about on the yoyoz forum. I see there's a few from there on here too  :) don't know if there's anyone around Hampshire that pay kendama ?
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 03 January, 2014, 23:35:19
Hi Simon,
Welcome to the forum and the BKA! :) Not sure who's near you, but why not add yourself to the member map to increase your chances of finding nearby clickers (or them finding you)? http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Timisabat on 29 January, 2014, 05:40:49
Greetings from NJ, USA! I'm new to kendama and still waiting for my kendama to come in by Thursday! So far I will only have an oozora!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 29 January, 2014, 11:16:48
Hi Tim,
Welcome to the forum. Get those knees-a-flexin'!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: swaydama on 30 January, 2014, 22:02:46
Hello!

My name is Drew and i found out about Kendama through a bunch of dancers in Sacramento. decided to pick one up in Oct 2013 and been addicted since! hope to jam and session with all of you soon!

Peace!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 30 January, 2014, 22:28:58
Hi Sway, welcome!
If you like kendama and you like dancing, you neeeeed to use the search box above to search the Entire Forum for "Zoomadanke". ;)
Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KendamaKlub on 23 February, 2014, 01:21:42
Hey all! KendamaKlub is a brand new kendama company based out of Madison, WI, USA. We are two college students who have been playing kendama for years and wanted to bring our input to the kendama community. We are currently working with a professional player to represent out product line. Customer service and product quality are very important to us. Currently, we are working with various factories around the world in order to produce high quality kendamas to bring to the public. Follow us on twitter @KendamaKlub. Feel free to ask us anything, whether it be about our future products or about kendama in general. See you around.

-KendamaKlub
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 23 February, 2014, 11:52:36
Hi guys, welcome to the forum. :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: SamSpry1993 on 01 March, 2014, 00:03:16
Hey,

I'm Sam and I've been playing Kendama for about 6 weeks and literally cannot put it down. Got a few of this basic tricks nailed, but swing ups are currently the bain of my life.
I recently went to Upchuck in Bath and met The Void and a few other clickers, it's awesome to see some people who actually know what they're doing, and can make Kendama look sick.
I'm currently rocking a SunRise, really not sure about the differences between different brands. Anyone who wants to give me some info about differences, that would be awesome

Peace
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 01 March, 2014, 00:17:57
Hi Sam!
It was nice to meet you last week. Your fizzog can be seen here: http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,292.msg12503.html#msg12503 (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,292.msg12503.html#msg12503)
I've just added your grade to your profile, and I'll add it to the register on the main site too, over the weekend.

As to the differences between all the models... That's an essay for another time. Have a read of some reviews in the Gear section for a taste.

Welcome to the forum, hope to run into you again soon!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: techyo on 16 March, 2014, 22:16:53
Hello everyone,

Long time yoyo'er - in fact, put it down for ~10 years and got back in to it around Christmas 2013 with an unresponsive yoyo - unresponsive hooked me. Not long after, grabbed a couple Kendamas for the kids, ~mid-february. I stood there yoyoing and finally said, give me that. Since then, I have not yoyo'd (or very little)! With about a month under my belt, I now have a few kendamas and love it. Lovin the forum, juggling.tv and instagram.

Thanks,
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 16 March, 2014, 22:56:29
Hi techyo!
Welcome to the forum, and to BKA membership. (Just received your payment - thanks! We'll post out on Wednesday (a slight delay in case you're lucky with a prize on Tuesday.)). With regard to your (emailed) question about other members, you can search the member list by their input location (if they gave one) here: http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=mlist;sort=location;start=0;desc (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=mlist;sort=location;start=0;desc) and you can also check out the member map (if you're logged in) here: http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap) - make sure to add yourself too.

Hope you enjoy it here, and glad you like all the vids.
Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: maccheesey09 on 19 March, 2014, 20:06:08
Hello!!

I have been playing kendama for 3 years now. I was not very serious about it until a year and half ago I love it! (When I saw WKT edits) I am so happy to be a part of such an amazing and inspiring community. I love the forum and BKA as a whole!

Peace!  8)

-Maccheesey
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 19 March, 2014, 20:28:35
Aw, shucks, love you too! :)
Good job on your Krom Girl video, by the way. http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1398.msg10452.html#msg10452 (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1398.msg10452.html#msg10452)

Hope to see you in the Endless Combo, or Collab video soon. (That goes for everyone else too!)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: daniel.patten.73 on 12 April, 2014, 19:51:10
Hi!

My buddy Adam introduced me to kendama almost a year ago and constantly inspires me to try new things.
I'm Seattle based, attending the UW for Industrial Design, and have hit the Kengarden Battle in Seattle as well as the Tacoma Takeover.
I'm a woodshop and lathe addict and am currently obsessed with testing as many hardwoods as I can for ken setups.

And, I'm working on a product research/design project regarding kendama for this last quarter and need some insight.

cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 12 April, 2014, 20:12:14
Hi Daniel,
Welcome to the boards. If you Search for "turning" or "lathe" in the forum, you might find a few comments. Hope you enjoy it here.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Nova on 22 April, 2014, 16:21:17
Sup! I am from Minnesota.

I have only been "clacking" (I prefer this to clicking, although somebody has to think of a better name than both of these) for a month...but I am about the slowest kendama learner there is. I am primarily a thrower, but despite being incredibly bad at kendama, I enjoy it immensely and it has taken a chunk out of my time that would otherwise be spent yoyoing.

The addiction has begun.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 22 April, 2014, 18:03:38
Hi Nova,
Welcome to kendama and the forum. :-)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: nils on 25 April, 2014, 15:12:25
Hello, Internets!

I'm Nils from Norway, and I finally decided to register here. I discovered kendama on my first trip to Japan back in 2009 and I have been hooked ever since. Met 'the community' (Hi, Void!) for the first time at EJC in Finland. I also met the Terra and the KROM crews in Poland two (?) years later and had a splendid time. Last time I met some of you guys was at the Danish Juggling Convention back in January.

Cheers, everyone!

Nils
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 25 April, 2014, 15:19:30
Hi Nils,
Great to see you here, Mr European Speed Trick Champion 2010! :D (<-- needs to go in your sig!)
Hey, now you're here, check out http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1667.0.html (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1667.0.html)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 25 April, 2014, 15:21:11
Welcome to the forum.
No pins in Norway yet.... http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap) :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: nils on 25 April, 2014, 20:34:34
BKA: I think I've pinned myself now!
Void: Nice to see you too! I really don't have any good equipment for recording video, except for my phone. However, I have a short clip of me doing [Edit: spoiler removed] (and a failed attempt at getting more). Would that be interesting?Sending you PM when i get the howto.
The clip is slow-mo, captured by my brother's iPhone, hehe.

This fine evening is spent slowly drinking beer, skyping with a friend in the US who I got into kendama excactly one year ago, pushing eachother doing tricks.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 25 April, 2014, 20:42:13
Great stuff, cool.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Tenchou on 25 April, 2014, 20:44:05
Welcome Nils!  I'm talking to you on Skype right now telling you that I'm writing this post  8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: nils on 25 April, 2014, 20:45:32
Great! This is Tenchou, or Callum, and yesterday was his birthday.

Enough spam, let's play some kendama through skype.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: DamaLife24 on 26 April, 2014, 01:49:02
Hi my names Bryan I just became a member for BKA today! Hope to get my card in the mail soon! I'm a forum noob so any tips or pointers would be good. I usually stick to Instagram and Facebook. I've been playing kendama for six months and am sponsored by Sen Kendama. Looking forward to chatting with you all!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 26 April, 2014, 11:18:25
Hey Bryan,
Great to have you here, and in the BKA too. :)
Forum wise, a good tip is "search before you post". With over 13000 posts, there's a good chance a topic has come up before. But that's not to say that there's not something new to say, so by all means dive on in.

Enjoy!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Jak on 03 May, 2014, 12:15:39
Hey everyone. New to the group, I'm Jack and I'm from Huddersfield UK...right next to Leeds so will be traveling over to the social day of the bko today and hopefully meeting some of you!! I got into kendama through my love of diabolo. Been practicing ken for pretty much exactly a year and a short while ago I made a little video from one of my practise sessions, sorry if I'm not supposed to post it here but it'll show you where I am in terms of skill level... First Dama Film: http://youtu.be/yk3SWMyRjko
Although the film doesn't demonstrate it I'm also really into video production and photography and would love to collaborate in future kendama productions!

Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: DamaLife24 on 03 May, 2014, 16:46:44
Welcome jack! Very awesome video you've got some skill with a kendama! I'm a fairly new member myself. Noticed in your video you have a reptile tank! Just curious I own two bearded dragons What kind of reptile/animal do you own?
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Jak on 03 May, 2014, 21:21:46
Thanks Bryan! I have a water dragon in that large tank :-) (http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/04/u2a7usen.jpg)

Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 03 May, 2014, 21:28:54
Hey Jak,
Great to meet you again today! Welcome to the forum. Can't watch your video right now, but will check it at a less manic time.
Ciao!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: DamaLife24 on 03 May, 2014, 22:16:11
That's very awesome jack!! This is my bearded dragon (fatboy) (http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/04/2u5aju2u.jpg)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Jak on 03 May, 2014, 22:29:19
Haha love it!

Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: SBjunkie on 21 May, 2014, 06:40:03
Just registered! new player in the game for about 6-7 months now and excited to talk dama with you all.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kev on 21 May, 2014, 09:49:46
Welcome [user]SBjunkie[/user], there's lots of good stuff here, nice to have you on board!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: M.Wang on 22 May, 2014, 01:32:36
Hi guys. I'm a newish player and I like this forum so far. I'm actually from the USA so I won't know any UK "lingo" (sorry if that's racist.) I will copy the lizard pics. By the way, my name may look weird. It is. It has some random languages in it.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: M.Wang on 22 May, 2014, 01:39:17
Here is my copy. It's next to one of my prize carnivorous plants.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 22 May, 2014, 11:08:30
Hi M.!
Welcome, don't worry about "lingo", we're pretty international here, despite being based in the UK.
Good to have you on board.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Riviera Kendama on 23 May, 2014, 23:58:42
Hi, my name is Amanda. I live in California, and I didn't know anything about kendama until my cousins in Sacramento introduced it to me. Last summer, I bought my first kendama. I had no idea what the best kinds were and bought a Momma Kendama from Amazon. I started to really have fun with it and showed my sister and friends in the neighborhood. We created a little team called Riviera Kendama and started filming kendama videos (I put one in the videos forum). Once word started getting around our neighborhood about this new toy, it was so crazy to see kendamas suddenly appearing all over our town and in the schools! One of my friends who I introduced kendama to said that they have now been banned from her school because they were so popular! I'm so glad I found this whole community of people around the world who play kendama! I never knew when I bought my first one that kendama would become such a huge hobby of mine and my friends! We're really excited to improve our playing skills and meet new people who love kendama as much as we do!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 24 May, 2014, 01:15:22
Hi Amanda,
Welcome to the forums. Yep, we're all kendama crazy here - you'll fit in just fine! :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Alex Hulbert on 26 May, 2014, 17:15:20
Hi all

I am Alex and I have been playing kendama for a few months now. I am a member of RKT(Riviera kendama team). I love kendama and are excited to be with people who get my love and don't think it is weird.

Thanks
-Alex- :D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 26 May, 2014, 18:10:31
Hi Alex, welcome aboard!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: sam! on 27 May, 2014, 03:39:09
I'm a member of RKT ( Riviera Kendama Team)   Kendama is really fun and there is endless things to do with it. It's just so much fun.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: wyatt cato on 27 May, 2014, 03:51:38
I'm on riviera kendama and I've been playing for almost a year now.My favorite brand is kendama usa and krom deluxe.my favorite tricks are swirl and lunar flips.Amanda introduced me to kendama on july 28 and have been playing since then.I think of my self as a intermediate to expert kendama player.wyat best trick is scarecrow flip. MY are surfing skating and kendama. My saying is "live the life you love and love the life you live". KEEP ON PLAYING KENDAMA AND LIVE YOUR LIFE HARD. :P ;D :D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 28 May, 2014, 10:38:24
Hi Sam! And Wyatt,
It's always good to have more kendama nuts here, so welcome to you both!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: MigstopsKlutch on 30 May, 2014, 18:51:18
Hello! I'm Migs, from the Philippines. I've been playing for around 6 or 7 months now, and my friends and I currently formed a group that goes by the name "KlutchKendama" together we're trying to bring Kendama to the Philippines by introducing it to everyone and learning with them as we go along. As of now I can honestly say it's not that big yet, maybe close to just a flick in the ear of society, but I'm not giving up! Hope to meet new players here and learn a bunch of tips and tricks from everyone. :)

KlutchKendama has a running Facebook page
And is currently working on making a strong and entertaining YouTube channel :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 30 May, 2014, 18:58:39
Hi Migs!

Good luck with spreading the word in the Phillipines. It's always good to have a new country represented here. (Hey, how about a Phillipines pin in the membermap?  :) http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap) )

Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: quadraptor on 30 May, 2014, 23:44:09
Hey there!

I'm Chris from Alabama in the United States, and have been playing Kendama since roughly December 2013.  I stumbled across a cheap Kendama at a craft store, and that was what sparked my interest.  I've since gotten a better Kendama, and plan to be a fan for a long time.

Outside of Kendama, I have a lot of other hobbies including martial arts weapons, slingshots, and boomerangs.

I came across this forum after trying to find more info about different Kendamas, so I'm glad to be here ;)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 30 May, 2014, 23:46:44
Hey Chris,
Welcome aboard. Hopefully you'll find lots of useful info here, plus fun comps and events to join in on too. Click click!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KendamaOC on 03 June, 2014, 15:42:05
Hey Guys!

My name is Alex, and I'm here from Orange, California :)

Nice to meet all of you!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 03 June, 2014, 15:44:56
Welcome, Alex! :-D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Taizpian on 07 June, 2014, 20:12:21
Hi!

My name is Tristan. I've only been playing Kendama for a few months now, but I absolutely love it. I work at Marbles the Brain Store - it's a puzzle and game store that focuses on working the brain - and we sell Kendama. I find that getting to use it occasionally at work helps me progress a bit faster than others (or at least so I think).

Anyway, I really look forward to learning all I can, and getting better, and better! Not exactly sure what to say, but if anyone has any questions, let me know!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 08 June, 2014, 00:37:20
Hi Tristan,
Welcome to the forum!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: DamaSlayer808 on 10 June, 2014, 17:37:18
Hey guys,
I'm Chad Kaopuiki (DamaSlayer808),
I like Photography, playing Kendama and, making videos.
I'm 14 years old and I live in Hawaii (GMT: -10:00).
I've been playing Kendama only for a couple months now, and I want to spread this movement that I love through another one of my Hobbies, Boy Scouts, All I lack is the ambition to make and post videos and such.
I hope to find people like me, and try and get something off the ground
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 10 June, 2014, 17:46:14
Hi Chad,
Welcome to the forum. A love for the game is all you need. Enjoy!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: fredCP on 10 June, 2014, 20:38:25
Hi everyone !

I'm Fred, from France, and my addiction to kendama got stronger and stronger during the past year. I can't live without playing kendama now ! Congratulations to each of you on this forum : nice people, great videos, a lot of fun and informations about the kendama world, that's perfect ! Great job from the BKA and Void ! I joined the BKA Membership tonight, I'm on board !

See you soon  :)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 10 June, 2014, 21:03:02
Hey Fred, welcome on board! :-D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Bryce Christian on 11 June, 2014, 01:26:53
Hey all, my names Bryce Christian... I have been playing kendama for about a year and a half now... I live in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho USA. Uhmm i own over 50 kendamas haha, i am very active in the facebook forums, and am looking to start chattin it up with you British dudes and learning your views on the game! Hoping to become an official BKA member soon! see you all around!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 11 June, 2014, 12:50:23
Welcome Bryce, to the forum and to BKA! Good to have you here. Chime in on stuff, try the latest Endless Combo, post some videos.. etc.
Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: jsirois31 on 12 June, 2014, 19:02:17
Hi Im Jacques and I've been playing kendama for about 6 months.  Im still a beginner, but I'm working my way through intermediate tricks. Thank you
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 12 June, 2014, 19:22:36
Hey Jacques, welcome. Is that a superhero kendama in your avatar? :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: jsirois31 on 13 June, 2014, 14:42:17
Yes it is. Only the best superhero around  :P
Title: First forum post
Post by: Kajerm on 20 June, 2014, 07:59:55
Hey all,

I'm Jeremy and it's great to meet you all.  I live in Hawaii, and it's usually nice so I like that.  I have been playing kendama for a short time, since January 2014, and so far I really enjoy the challenge.  I've never been particularly good at balancing things or juggling, so I don't know what the appeal is for me... but I am noticing slow improvements which is pretty cool.  I own a few kendamas now, but my first is still my favorite.  It's a red tk16 my wife bought me in Japan, which is how I got started too.  Oh! And I just started my BKA membership as well, so I'm stoked on that too.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 20 June, 2014, 10:10:11
Hi Jeremy, welcome to the forum, and BKA. We know you're going to love exploring your new skill set with kendama. Click on!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: mackdama on 30 June, 2014, 05:15:43
What's going on guys?! Name's Mack and I'm out of Southern Cali! I've only been playing kendama for about two months now and have found this forum as a wealth of knowledge starting out. I rock climb a lot and one of my climbing friends introduced me to kendama and I was immediately hooked so I went and bought a KenUSA Turner Thorne pro model. I love the feeling of landing a trick after you've been at it for a while. So far I've been able to land the "essential eleven" but am trying to perfect the technique to land them consistently. Thanks in advance for all of the tips, tricks and advice!!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 30 June, 2014, 08:10:45
Hi Mack, welcome aboard!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Sqveel on 30 June, 2014, 22:44:15
hiya all, I'm juu or the sqveel.

I've been... clicking? for about a month now. still at it pretty much every day untill my legs hurt too much, so I guess i'm properly hooked.

I've learned everything I know from a book, this is my first proper time delving into the internet about kendama. Just about to hit some videos up.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 30 June, 2014, 23:33:17
Hey Sqveel, welcome! Happy clicking!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Sqveel on 01 July, 2014, 09:27:26
ah, it is clicking then.  All my friends are obsessed with yoyos, i'm the only one with a kendama. I keep almost calling it throwing :P
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Appyo on 01 July, 2014, 16:10:41
Hi all

My names Chris White and I'm brand new to kendama!

Around a week ago I stumbled upon a video featuring Jake Wiens and after a couple of hours browsing YouTube placed an order for my first Ozora. I haven't been able to put it down!

I'm looking forward to what the future has to offer.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 01 July, 2014, 16:25:23
Welcome Chris!
Check out the Essential Eleven thread (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,905.0.html) to get your basic technique sorted, then it's on from there.

We'll have to watch out not to confuse you with [user]KrisWhyte[/user]! :-)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Appyo on 01 July, 2014, 21:38:15
Quote from: BKA on 01 July, 2014, 16:25:23
Welcome Chris!
Check out the Essential Eleven thread (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,905.0.html) to get your basic technique sorted, then it's on from there.

We'll have to watch out not to confuse you with [user]KrisWhyte[/user]! :-)

Thanks BKA for the welcome and the post, very helpful! I'll be sure to stick to Appyo to avoid any confusion ;)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Davo on 03 July, 2014, 05:35:09
Hi All,
Name here is Dave, and I discovered the kendama relatively late in my life (I'm in my mid 50's).  After spending several decades moving heavy things around and crawling on floors (former safe & lock tech), my back and knees are total wreckage.
While my dama skills are still decidedly lacking (been playing with it regularly for something like 6 months now), it's doing a world of good for my aforementioned back/knees  :-)
Been spending a lot of time with Void and Donald's books---they do a great job of describing what should be happening, makes it much easier to troubleshoot.
Received my membership card/stickers in the mail today (Thanks BKA!!!)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 03 July, 2014, 11:22:44
You're welcome! And... welcome to the forum!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: MattDama on 11 July, 2014, 04:21:52
Hi everyone!
This M.Wang but I wanted to make a new account for ease of login uses. So, HELLO and bow ties, Stetsons, and fezzes are cool. So are pineapples. And trench coats. AND, fish fingers dipped in custard.

Cheers!

MattDama
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: daniel.patten.73 on 11 July, 2014, 07:04:10
Nice to see ken-folk also dig the doctor.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 11 July, 2014, 08:20:48
Quote from: MattDama on 11 July, 2014, 04:21:52
Hi everyone!
This M.Wang but I wanted to make a new account for ease of login uses. So, HELLO and bow ties, Stetsons, and fezzes are cool. So are pineapples. And trench coats. AND, fish fingers dipped in custard.

Cheers!

MattDama
Hmmm, hopefully we can make things easier for you without the need for a 2nd account. PM'd.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: dwm on 16 July, 2014, 21:16:28
Hi everyone

I am David, a.k.a. dwm. I started Kendama recently and still at the frustration stage. Does it ever go? enjoying it though. Love the site

Take Care

dwm
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 16 July, 2014, 21:30:19
Hey David, welcome!
The frustration stage? It never leaves, it just shifts slowly upwards, to higher levels. Enjoy the ride!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: tones_spices on 19 July, 2014, 08:17:58
Hello all!

I'm Tony from Minnesota. I'm 19 and i've been playing kendama for about a year. I'm glad to be joining this community of people who share my passion.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 19 July, 2014, 10:28:07
Welcome!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Legacy on 29 July, 2014, 02:09:22
 Hi guys I'm Legacy! I'm M.Wang's sister. Idk if you know him or not. I picked up kendama around the same time as him: BAC yoyo 2013. We both took a rather long break and picked it up again around the same time: February.  We were around the same level, until I got foot surgery and couldn't stand, much less bend my knees for kendama, for THREE WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!! That explains why he's better... I'm barely getting the hang of Around Japan ATM, but my favorite trick is Orbit.

As you can see by my sig, I really love the game Outwitters, a strategy game for iOS. You should check it out! I also love playing League of Legends, writing fan fiction, making the coolest DIYs ever, and reading. I also love forum games!!! I'll share some. By the time you finish reading this, they'll probably be up, so go check them out!
Bai for now!
Legacy
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: M.Wang on 29 July, 2014, 03:15:19
Welcome Bleshy. @Admins she's my sis she's ok with it. :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 29 July, 2014, 05:42:14
Welcome, Legacy.
Hope your foot's better now. Nothing like a bit of sibling rivalry to spur each other on, hey?
Click on!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BenPycroft24 on 23 August, 2014, 17:09:42
Just like to say hello to everyone. My name is ben. I've been playing kendama part time for about 10 months. I live in barry south Wales. I'm 24 years old.
Looking for other kendama players in the barry/Cardiff area to meet up and have a jam.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 23 August, 2014, 19:16:51
Hi Ben,
Welcome to the forum. Check the member map (and add yourself to it) for nearby players. http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap)
Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: azleonhart on 24 August, 2014, 08:14:57
Hello folks!
Azrin here from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Been lurking around for sometime and decided to join.

Playing kendama since October 2013. Hope to learn a lot from you guys!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 24 August, 2014, 12:05:40
Hi Azrin,
Thanks for unlurking! :-) Good to have our first map pin in Malaysia too.
Hope you enjoy it here.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: azleonhart on 24 August, 2014, 14:21:32
@BKA, thanks! If anyone's headed to Kuala Lumpur sometime, do ring me up!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: tjulich on 28 August, 2014, 01:51:04
Hi I'm Trenton!

I started kendama like 1 year ago but I stopped up until now! I am always looking for ways to improve and am open to any advice anyone here has to offer!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 28 August, 2014, 11:38:57
Hi Trenton,
Welcome!
Not sure what level you're at, but check the Essential Eleven thread for tutorial vids for good form on the basics. Or check the Trick archive/use the Search box at the top to seek out advice on specific tricks.
Or make a post if you have some particular point you want help on.

In the meantime.... More knees! ;)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KaP on 05 September, 2014, 16:28:37
Hi!

I'm Alessio, I'm from Italy and a month ago my girlfriend gift me a kendama, what a big mistake!!!  I can't stop!!!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 05 September, 2014, 16:49:11
Hi Alessio,
Welcome! It's good to have another pin on the map in Italy. :)
We're all addicted here, so you should fit in no problem.
What trick are you working on?
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KaP on 07 September, 2014, 12:57:39
I landed all the easy trick in the easy list of the Ken damApp and today I landed the jumping stick!! I'm working on the lighthouse but it's real difficult for me, I think that my kendama is too smooth. Could it be a problem the weight of the kendama? My kendama is a cheap one and weight 145 grams, in a 3d I read that the weight is normally between 65 and 85 grams...
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 07 September, 2014, 19:24:23
A ken (alone) would typically weigh 60-80 grams depending on the wood. A complete kendama would be nearer 150. Check the Trick Archive in the Tricks board for some Lighthouse suggestions.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: nobee on 09 September, 2014, 16:16:12
Hi all,

My name is Brenda, I'm from Ottawa, Canada and I'm completely new to kendama! I discovered it on another forum from pictures of a meetup and one of the members brought a kendama to play. I thought it was a funny looking toy, so I decided to research it and discovered all the YouTube videos from that.

I just received my first kendama (an ozura blue) yesterday and I can't believe how much of a workout I got from that! I'm already learning a lot from this forum. I'm going through just the basic tricks, and wow - it's pretty hard right now! My legs are sore today, and I've bruised my hand, but I'm already addicted.

Looking forward to learning more and getting better!  :)

Brenda
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 09 September, 2014, 16:32:16
Hi. Brenda,
Welcome! Sore knees/legs is a good thing - it proves you're using good technique! Not sure about the bruised hand though. :-/
Always glad to have a new addict here. Keep it up!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: nobee on 09 September, 2014, 16:40:36
Quote from: BKA on 09 September, 2014, 16:32:16
Hi. Brenda,
Welcome! Sore knees/legs is a good thing - it proves you're using good technique! Not sure about the bruised hand though. :-/
Always glad to have a new addict here. Keep it up!

Haha! The bruised hand is me trying the Aeroplane and then the spike hurling towards my hand after several attempts!  :'(

Thanks for the warm welcome BKA!

Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KendaMax on 13 September, 2014, 11:47:05
Hi,
i am from south germany, 44 years old.
I tried to add a pin at the member map, unsuccessfully.
What should i do?
Best regards
Max
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 13 September, 2014, 11:54:52
Hi Max,
Welcome to the forum!
Oh, sorry you had trouble with the map. What browser are you using?
If you like we can put a pin in for you. PM us the approximate location you want it (or the lat/long co-ordinates).
Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KendaMax on 13 September, 2014, 13:25:22
Hi,
i tried it with firefox and microsoft explorer.
Cheers.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KendaMax on 13 September, 2014, 13:31:05
Hi,
now, with android, i had success.
Cheers.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: JREAMR on 17 September, 2014, 17:15:39
Hello, everyone!

New to Kendama here. 25 years old.  Just 3 days ago, I was wandering Akihabara/Tokyo. I'm originally from California, US. I saw a bunch of people playing with this weird yoyo-like toy in a department store one night. I was instantly captivated. I was a bit shy, but I finally mustered the courage to ask someone. It turns out, the person I asked was Sweets. My life has changed since then. I picked up my first Kendama thanks to Sweets. I've been practicing for hours now. Still have a bit of trouble with the spike...but I'm going to get this. I hope to learn a lot here, as well as make new friends :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 17 September, 2014, 19:10:30
Hi JREAMR, welcome aboard! Check out the FAQ threads, and the Essential Eleven, and dive in!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Diggthisskendama on 17 September, 2014, 22:47:54
Hey there guys! My name is Wil Bowler! started playing kendama around 18 months ago, started by playing casually, learnt a few tricks here and there. For the last 4 months i have been playing solidly and have made more progression towards the kendama player i want to be than i imagined. Kendama means so much to me and effects my every day to day life. It has taught me patience and the ability to focus longer. I turn to it as a stress buster and to forget life's stresses. I'm totally addicted to the buzz after landing a trick that has been attempted hundreds of times.

I am currently living in Oxford and would love to jam with some nearby people!

follow me on instagram: diggthisskendama

peace and love!

Wil
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 17 September, 2014, 23:39:27
Hey Wil,
Good to have you on the forum.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Theamerican on 03 October, 2014, 17:07:14
Hey guys, I'm new to the forum, but I have been playing kendama for about a year now, I've self tested myself to pre-dan, and I hope to get officially ranked soon.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 03 October, 2014, 18:21:26
Welcome, Theamerican!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Ken Damage on 06 October, 2014, 08:52:01
Hello you all,

I am Ken Damage, From Joensuu, Funland. We have organized Finnish Kendama Nationals now twice. 2013 and 2014 and during 2014 we had Void judging the Kendama competition and during his visit I started to practice Kendama a bit. In August Donald Grant tested me for 1st kyo. Hope to get my ranking higher during 2015.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 06 October, 2014, 11:49:18
Great to have you here KD. Thanks for all you've done in promoting kendama in Finland, and congratulations on your 1st Kyu!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Harrison Thomas on 17 October, 2014, 20:05:55
Hey Everyone

My names Harrison, i am a teenager from Canada, and I have been playing for about 3 months now. I have two kendamas, and really enjoy learning new tricks and progressing. I would say I am an intermediate player.
Hope to contribute and get to know some people in the community
Harrison
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 17 October, 2014, 21:09:04
Hi Harrison,
Welcome aboard! Hope you enjoy it here.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Trace3k on 19 October, 2014, 09:20:02
Hi, my name is Trace3k. I'm 48 and live in Vancouver, BC, Canada. I've been playing three weeks now. I've self tested to 5th kyu and am trying the swing in with no joy. I have a KCS (Kendama Canada) red with rubber paint. The spike is shorter than the cheap J&J I bought (to see if I would like kendama) so I guess I just have to be more precise. I saw a kendama on a contact juggling store website and looked it up on youtube. Watching the pros had me hooked. I can't wait to be as good as them.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Critzdama on 19 October, 2014, 10:19:44
Hello, everyone! This is my first post, and I would like to introduce myself and talk a little bit about myself.

My name is Riley Alekno. I am 13 years old, and I love Kendama, I mean, I play it 24/7. I even try to sneak in some tricks during class, but that's not important.  :P

My current Kendama is a special marble-painted Kendama I bought from a friend of mine, and it's very broken in. The paint on the tamma is nearly all gone, and the paint on the Ken is shredded and chipped at the rims of the cups, and the string's outer layer has ripped, and the inner string is threaded, almost apart, but I still use it everyday. I am planning to buy a new Kendama from KenCo, and I'm still debating which one to get. Play or Tk-16, I prefer White or Black paint, or Natural (my favorite).

I love video games that have racing, free roam, or sometimes massive multiplayer. I play Grand Theft Auto, Need For Speed, Watch_Dogs (rarely), and Blockland.

My Steam - Critzdama
My Skype - thecriticalfeeling

I've actually browsed the forums a bit, and I have to say, it'd be very helpful to me! It seems that there are lots of friendly people here with info to share and wisdom to give! :)

Oh, I also forgot to say I am still a beginner at Kendama. Moves I can do include... Earth Turn, YoYo, Swing Peg, Whirlwind, Airplane, Turn Table, Double Hand Juggle, those sort of tricks.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 19 October, 2014, 12:02:38
Hi Trace and Critz,
Welcome to the forums, glad to have you both here!
Don't forget to add yourselves to the member map [edit: Oh, you both already did, cool! :) - it helps to connect players, and meeting up with other Clickers is the best fun. Also check out the FAQs on the boards, and have a general delve around.
After that, dive in, post, join in the various competitions, etc.
Cheers!
PS Trace - it's all about the tug for Swing In! See the "Essential eleven" thread with video tutorials.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: mlarinen on 19 October, 2014, 22:13:49
Might as well introduce myself seeing as how I have already started asking questions and posting on here...

My name is Marcus (my surname should be pretty obvious...), soon to be 28, from Sweden. Just very recently got into kendama, but man am I hooked! Looking forward to getting to know people in the community and being active on here! :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 19 October, 2014, 22:24:41
Welcome, Marcus!
You're the second Marcus-from-Sweden here. (See the member map.)
Good to have you aboard the boards!
:)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: AJ Macklots on 20 October, 2014, 13:50:23
Hi everyone. I was introduced to kendama a little over a month ago. I've been a lurker on this site since then. Looking forward to learning more from you guys and meeting players in Atlanta.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 20 October, 2014, 13:54:17
Welcome, AJ! We have a few other members in Georgia. Check the Member Map!
Ciao!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Pally on 21 October, 2014, 01:08:34
Hey guys! I'm Pally and I've been introduced to the world of Kendama about 2 weeks ago! I'm lefty, so learning will be eh... and I love to spike and am currently learning to get down Aeroplane and Around Japan. I hope to improve and get better and meet everybody!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 21 October, 2014, 01:25:22
Hi Pally,
Come on in, take a chair. :-)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Trace3k on 30 October, 2014, 02:57:12
Hi, Pally. I'm also left handed. I find it easier to learn from right handers because it is a mirror image. Good luck in your kendama journey.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Raptor T on 01 November, 2014, 22:40:00
Hello all. I'm Tucker, and I live in the very North West corner of the United states. The most north and west you can go. I just picked up a Kendama today. A Bamboo Tribute with a red tama that just shows the dark grain wonderfully. I've been wanting to get a kendama for fore,er I just needed the money. I can do Around Japan most times, but I've only been able to do Around the world a couple. I hope I get the chance to improve my skills and to learn some more stuff.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Trace3k on 01 November, 2014, 22:43:52
Hi, Tucker. I live in Vancouver, not too far from you. The bamboo kendamas are beautiful, aren't they? Good luck on your kendama journey.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 02 November, 2014, 10:49:24
Welcome, Tucker! We're picturing you on a deserted icy shore hugging the arctic circle, in the top left corner of Alaska. You'll be needing to keep playing kendama just to keep warm! ;)
Hope you enjoy it here.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Fireproof on 19 November, 2014, 19:17:48
Hey folks,

I've been lurking for a bit, and I guess it's time to introduce myself.  Fresh newbie from the Dallas, Texas, USA area!

I was just introduced to Kendamas and this cool sport last week when my 10-year-old daughter came home from school and asked if she could use her allowance to buy a "kendama."  I was like, what is that???  So I looked it up on Amazon, and she picked out a colorful Kaleb Kendama.

After receiving it, I realized how cool it was and thought I might want one for myself so we could challenge each other to learn new tricks, etc.  And of course I had to do a bit of research to learn more about it and that was when my mind was blown.  Had no idea about this little sub-culture and the amazing tricks that could be done.

Anyway - to keep a long story short - I ended up learning their are better Kendamas out there, so I bought some for me and a new Ozora for my 10-year-old daughter, and an Ozora for my 12-year-old daughter.

Here are the 3 (I know, I have a problem, lol) that I picked up for myself:

- A Tribute Silk Edition (Merlot)
- An Ozora Enjyu Hardwood
- An Ozora 2013 Year of the Snake (Purple)

Here's a pic:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y136/fireproof99/Miscellaneous/Kendamas_zps66b8ea7c.jpg)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 19 November, 2014, 19:25:50
Hi Fireproof!
Welcome to the forum. There are a couple of other Texans here too. (Check out the member map, and add yourself if you like.).
Hopefully you'll find some useful info here, and have some fun along the way.
Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Fireproof on 19 November, 2014, 19:30:30
Quote from: BKA on 19 November, 2014, 19:25:50
Hi Fireproof!
Welcome to the forum. There are a couple of other Texans here too. (Check out the member map, and add yourself if you like.).
Hopefully you'll find some useful info here, and have some fun along the way.
Cheers!

Thanks for the welcome.  I've already found tons of great advice, info, videos, etc.  That's why I registered.  :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: RyanArthurWalker on 25 November, 2014, 21:48:16
Whats up everyone,

My name is Ryan Arthur Walker and I have been playing Kendama for about 9 months now. I bought my first dama (Pink KenUSA Tribute) because my best friend and I are competitive, and I didn't want him to be better than me at something. After surpassing his skill quickly, I was hooked.

I am originally from Long Island, NY (USA), but I now live and study in Cologne, Germany. I have never been to a gathering/jam/competition/etc, and have been looking to do so by joining this forum.

Also, I am a YouTuber who makes videos on just about anything. Daily Vlogs, Kendama, etc. Check it out https://www.youtube.com/user/RyanArthurWalker (https://www.youtube.com/user/RyanArthurWalker)

Cheers,

Ry
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 25 November, 2014, 22:51:39
Hey Ryan,
Welcome!
There are a few Germany-based players here... not sure if any are near Koln... try the member map (and add yourself).
Hope you enjoy it here!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Tsurushi on 15 December, 2014, 19:35:44
Hi everyone!

I'm a relatively new clicker (slightly less than a month into kendama) from Alicante, Spain.

I'd already heard about kendama prior to taking it up, but I didn't know there was such a nice community around it  :) . So, after lurking the forum for some days, I didn't think it twice and made an account to post here (I'm also thinking of joining BKA as soon as membership is open).

I've never been to any kind of juggling event, but I've already set my sight on BKO 2015 and I hope to be able to meet you all in person when I attend it.

As for my skills, I can currently work my way up to 3rd kyu pretty consistently (2nd if I'm lucky and Around the World goes well; Lighthouses and 1st kyu are beyond my reach for now). I've also been practicing the pre-Dan ladder (I got comfortable with Ken Saki Suberi just a few days ago) and can land an occasional Bird or Earth Turn.

Well, that's my presentation. I hope I enjoy it here and learn a lot from all of you ^^
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: shalafi on 15 December, 2014, 20:30:08
Hi, welcome!

Good to see more Spaniards around.

Supongo que sabes que tienes a un montón de gente en benicarlo ;-)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Lyeka on 16 December, 2014, 09:30:56
Yo! Started officially earlier this month to start seriously trying to get good. My kendama promptly broke so I'm getting a new one this week. Denver, CO!

Jake.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 16 December, 2014, 10:52:18
Welcome Jake & Tsurushi! Keep clickin', keep enjoying!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Benjamin Mastek on 21 December, 2014, 15:24:49
Hey everyone!
My Names Is Benjamin Mastek, i live in Denmark and i´ve almost been playing kendama for 2 years.
I´m 14 years old and i got introduced to kendama, at a birthday party almost 2 years ago!
Picked it up, and now i can´t lay it down :)
I was at Eko this year (2014) And i met a tons of you guys, i even took first place at the advanced division, (Most of you guys will remember me as that little guy asking for autographs all the time haha)
Just wanted to say hi real quick. :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Dimensions on 21 December, 2014, 15:26:27
Hi again Ben! Going to try and make it to the next EKO?

Oh and welcome to the Forum!
-Rob
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 21 December, 2014, 15:29:26
Welcome Benjamin!
If you got a grading at EKO, send us a pic, and we'll add you to the register, & add it on your profile too. Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: kaskaderos.com on 29 December, 2014, 19:02:58
Hi,
I`m Ingo (aka Kaskaderos) from germany/bavaria, owner of Juggling and Kendama Store in Augsburg.
I do juggling over 25 years. During juggling convention i saw a kendama show with a japanese kendama player and his master (don`t remember when and where).
But there was no kendama to buy and no kendama to play. Because i like japanese culture, budo and its style, i still had that in my mind.
One day i started research to find kendam. So i found Yamagata Koubou in Japan and stared to import kendamas from there.
On european juggling convention 2011 i meet marc from play kendama (it was my direkt booth neighbour), he teached me some tricks and i was ready to get my first kyu grade.
I like kendama much.
Because i don`t approche my old target (menage juggling 7 balls 30sek.) i made new live target: Menage Kendama Pre DAN right and left handed.

So i still pratice on it :-)

Question: Is it possible to getr 2 Grades, one for left and one for right hand?
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: shalafi on 29 December, 2014, 20:56:11
Welcome Bejamin and Kaskaderos.

Pre-Dan left handed is quite of a challenge :) AFAIK you can only get one grade officially, but you can have the other one just for yourself, or just go to do the grading with your weak hand.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: sarethums on 31 December, 2014, 17:17:40
Hello my name is Sean and I got my first kendama today, its a kendama usa kaizen. Im 25 and live in Glasgow.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 31 December, 2014, 17:29:00
Hello and welcome!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: joeO on 07 January, 2015, 20:59:25
Hey everyone! My name is Joe O. I'm located in Atlanta, Georgia in the USA.

I started Kendama back in September of 2014 because I went to Japan-Fest(annual  Japanese Festival). KendamaUSA had a booth and I started playing with it and spent the next couple hours glued to the demo kendamas they had to play with.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 07 January, 2015, 21:53:43
Hi Joe, welcome aboard!
What trick are you closest to learning next?
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Sqveel on 08 January, 2015, 00:49:46
hiya sarethumbs! You're possibly the closest kendama clicker to me that i've not personally introduced to them :)

also, dae ye git sare thumbs fae hittin' them wi' th' kendama?
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: joeO on 08 January, 2015, 06:50:06
Quote from: The Void on 07 January, 2015, 21:53:43
Hi Joe, welcome aboard!
What trick are you closest to learning next?

Thanks! I'm close to learning two tricks at the moment. Lighthouse and Bird. I'm working on nailing my standard lighthouse balance trick. I'm using my knees and getting a better feel to compensate the slight imbalances.

Also, when trying to see how many earth turns I could do, I accidentally did a earth turn to bird. I was so hyped to do that. I was even able to land the spike.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 08 January, 2015, 11:27:02
Ha, accidental tricks are great fun. I think we might have had a thread on that... ah yeah, here:
http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,639.0.html (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,639.0.html)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Ravenbsp on 21 January, 2015, 07:39:09
Hi All,

I just found this forum and hope that I'll be welcome here.  I've read through most of the posts and this seems like a warm, helpful group.  I'm sure I'll have a lot of questions.

My 10 year old son first got me interested last year (read addicted).  Its always great to find a like minded, interested community.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: shalafi on 21 January, 2015, 09:15:16
Welcome to the forum Ravenbsp.

Your son is likely to learn much faster than you if he stays interested :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 21 January, 2015, 12:12:03
Hi Raven, welcome, of course.
What level are you and your son at, roughly? And are you kendama rivals? ;)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: hipattack on 21 January, 2015, 21:24:50
Alright. I'm Alex, tall Bristol fellow with colourful hair who turned up to a few Juggling conventions a few years back doing diabolo and (mainly) 3 balls. Not lost the itch, but I have lost the time with a young family; nonetheless Kendama appealed and here I am. Just got a Street today. It is hard.

Hello!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 21 January, 2015, 21:37:44
Hello Alex! Welcome to the forum. I expect I'd probably recognise you if we met. There's a small group developing in Bristol right now. I'm at http://www.jugglingedge.com/club.php?ClubID=4 (http://www.jugglingedge.com/club.php?ClubID=4) every Monday (it's closed next week though), and [user]Sonicpearse[/user], [user]Ash[/user] & [user]Paul_S[/user] all sometimes show up and have a dabble. See you around!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: hipattack on 21 January, 2015, 22:13:41
Good shout, Void. I may try to drag my buddy Pie up some time. Need to shake off some rust...
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: AOÄ on 31 January, 2015, 09:43:25
Hello everybody! I'm Antti from Turku, Finland and been dabbling with kendama for abou six months now (and stalking the forum for a little bit less). It all started with a minikendama I got as a present from a friend when visiting Japan. I was immediately hooked! I got my first TK-16 from the same trip. At the moment I'm trying to get consistent with the pre-dan ladder (still a long way to go!).

Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 31 January, 2015, 11:28:35
Hi Antii,
We have a few other Finnish players on the Member Map (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap). Add yourself, if you like.
Welcome to the forum. Hope you find some useful info, and fun stuff here!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Salvator-vals on 31 January, 2015, 17:32:09
Hello from Vantaa, Antti! Hope to see you somewhere somehow. May be in Joensuu next summer.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: T_Starnes on 13 February, 2015, 20:19:52
Hi all!

Quick and to the point!

I'm Trevor, live in Atlanta, have been playing kendama since September 2011, been working for Kendama USA since October 2011, was introduced to kendama at a party and shown Colin's edit 7 and was immediately hooked. Traveled a bit with kendama and finally got to me the Void at the 2013 EJC in France!

New to any type of forum stuff though...how do I shout out to joeO? I'm always trying to meet any local shredders that I can!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 13 February, 2015, 20:25:46
Hey Trevor,
Use the forum messaging system (My Messages in the menu) to contact another member directly - use their forum name as the "To" address. (SMF doesn't have a "mention alert" system yet - it's coming in the next software update, which will be a while yet.) Edit: There's this too, but it doesn't send an alert, http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1065.0.html (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1065.0.html) it just does this: [user]T_Starnes[/user]
Also, to help meet local players, add yourself to the Member Map if you haven't already.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: shalafi on 13 February, 2015, 22:14:37
Hi Trevor, welcome to the forum!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kengeaa on 22 February, 2015, 19:25:27
hey guys my name alfie. i have been playing kendama for about three mouths now (juggling for a year and a half) and im loving the forum.... if there are any players in Southampton i would love to meet up because the juggling and anything scene is dead apart from Southampton juggling club....
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 22 February, 2015, 21:59:21
Welcome Alfie! Maybe [user]GbH[/user] still plays a little...
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Maicodama on 26 February, 2015, 14:12:01
I can't believe I've not done this yet.

Hi all, My name is Maico or John , which ever you prefer. Been playing Kendama for a little less than a year now. Started off with a Keyaki Ozora back in April 2014. I didn't really get into the swing of things until September when I started my final year of University.
First saw it on a dance video on youtube, because I'm into that sort of thing too. I've acquired a fair few more now and I think I need to make a dama board or something..
Anyways, hope to shred and share the love for this little toy. I pretty much don't go anywhere without it really.

Nice to meet you all  :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 26 February, 2015, 15:26:58
A belated, but warm, welcome, Maico!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: kayadama on 03 March, 2015, 05:45:10
Greetings everyone,

My name is Jamie, im from Bristol UK and have been playing kendama for a few months. Got rather addicted to it after trying a friends kendama and decided to get one for myself. Since then we have been meeting up and playing most weeks (rather than riding our bikes) its so much fun progressing together when your all at the beginning. Still at that innocent stage where i know about 3 trick names but I have just learnt how to balance lighthouses so im super hyped haha. Been using a padauk dragon kendama which is kind of beat now and just ordered a couple of krom deluxes. Already totally obsessing over tamas and kens haha. The forum looks like a great community and a vast ammount of knowledge to look through. Great to have something to read when the kids are keeping me up! Cheers all
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: shalafi on 03 March, 2015, 09:12:23
Welcome to the forum Jamie!

There are so many tricks in kendama that you'll probably stay hyped for a long time :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 03 March, 2015, 10:44:56
Welcome Jamie!
I'm in Bristol too. I'm at http://www.jugglingedge.com/club.php?ClubID=4 (http://www.jugglingedge.com/club.php?ClubID=4) almost every Monday night (won't be there on the 30th), if you ever feel like coming along. [user]Paul_S[/user] and [user]Sonicpearse[/user] make it along from time to time too, and [user]Cand1ez[/user] is threatening to soon as well.
Anyway, welcome to the forum, have a browse around, and enjoy!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Paul_S on 03 March, 2015, 11:41:42
whoop more bristol heads, @kaia I usually end up at wednesday evening HoopJam (all hallows hall, easton) 8:00-10:00pm as well as the monday sessions :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: kayadama on 03 March, 2015, 16:18:33
Thanks for the warm welcome. Great to know there is a scene in bristol for kendama. The website and everything is really useful aswell, realised that i can do all the first 10 tricks which is nice :) Will come along on monday sometime soon and try to get my two friends who play also to tag along, im sure we would all really enjoy it. Im going to join the bka to try and support what you are doing, fancy a royal kendama also ;)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: TodayIDied on 09 March, 2015, 23:17:59
Hey Forum!

My name is Thomas, I am 20 years old, live in Denmark and I've been playing Kendama for about a month now, and I am loving it!
I have a handfull of friends who have been playing for about 2 years, and I never understood why they where so into it. One evening, I was hanging at a friends house and took up a kendama out of boredom. When I finally had i in my own hands it was just something else, so here I am!
I do already have a couple of Kendamas. My favs are my green ozora and my krom mahogany mustard. Me and the crew I started playing with mainly uses Kroms, since we are from Denmark and therefore easy to get your hands on! Great brand!

I am looking forward to learning new tricks, meeting new people and having a lot of fun with kendama! It really is quite alot of fun (:
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 09 March, 2015, 23:58:22
Hi Thomas,
Welcome to the forum (and enlightenment!).

Get well soon. ;)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: liamjmills127 on 12 March, 2015, 22:07:14
Hi my name is Liam and I have just recently started playing kendama very fun sport and i am always trying to get better
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 12 March, 2015, 22:59:10
Welcome, Liam!
Which trick are you working hardest on right now?
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KenSan on 30 March, 2015, 11:23:10
Hi all.

I'm Stuart and have been been blunting the spike of a red TK16 since the beginning of January along with my 5 year old son.

I first encountered Kendama about 10 years ago whilst visiting my girlfriends (now wife's) parents in Tokyo. I bought a "tourist" kendama somewhere around Asakusa. Couldn't really get on with it so it sat on a shelf as a souvenir for years with the occasional swing in and moshi kami being performed (badly).
Anyways was in Tokyo at Christmas and my nephews had a couple of Kendam X's which we all mucked about with. Managed a couple of aeroplanes and started getting the itch. My son also wanted one so we headed to the local Dept. store and he got a KDX and me the red TK16.
Also picked up a natural Shinfuji at the airport and have been clicking ever since.


Nice to be here and see you around
Stuart
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: shalafi on 30 March, 2015, 12:38:07
Welcome to the forum Stuart!

Be warned, that itch may not go away. It has lasted for at least 5 years on me and still going strong :)

Clicking with your son must be really great. My daughter is still too young (only 19 months).

Where are based on? The best way to learn and practice is to get in touch with the local community.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KenDogma on 30 March, 2015, 13:01:06
I suppose I really should 'introduce myself' here!

I first came across Kendama in London 2014 when I noticed this strange little object on my flatmate's shelf. He picked it up and explained to me what it was, and immediately hit a 'spike'. I remember feeling surprised at the ease with which he seemed to land it...

From then on it became somewhat a competition between the two of us - racing to see who could master tricks the fastest, we egged each other on through a number of the beginner tricks. My flatmate was friendly with @SamB and as I understand it, introduced to Kendama through him. Sam and I met a couple of times before I left London.

I am now based in Dublin, Ireland, and recently participated in the first Irish Kendama Open. I try to play a little Kendama each day, but often find that a little turns into a lot without even realizing.

I'm looking forward to getting more involved in the Kendama community this year!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: shalafi on 30 March, 2015, 13:08:31
Hey, good to see you finally did the introduction here @KenDogma !
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: MelkyReb on 31 March, 2015, 08:46:18
Hi, my name's Melky, (I know right, weird name go ahead and make fun of me) and I am an avid kendama player based in San Diego, California (US) who has been playing for a good solid 1 year.

The first time I ever saw a kendama was in my friends hands. It was a blue tk16 and when I asked to use it, I landed my first trick first try, big cup. I remember the feeling of awe so I got myself a kendama and I have been playing ever since, hoping I can beat my friend in ken.

Until this date, He is still better than me.... :'( :'(

I hope I will meet lots of wonderful people in the kendama community. See you around!  ;)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 31 March, 2015, 13:40:33
Hi Melky, Welcome aboard. Keep clicking, and get your KEN victory soon. :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Jkriner987 on 19 April, 2015, 05:38:45
Hi, my name is Jack. Based in California, and have been playing Kendama for about 2.5 months. First time I used a ken was with my friend. I actually had some natural talent in ken and almost beat him in first game o ken( I'm better then him now
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 19 April, 2015, 10:14:23
Hello Jack,
Natural talent is a handy thing to have, in any skill. I hope it serves you well. Enjoy kendama!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: swagmoney69 on 21 April, 2015, 08:13:33
Hey guys, my name is dylan, im from California. Ive been playing kendama for 3 monts now and ive been enjoying it.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BenBenVx on 21 April, 2015, 11:13:18
Welcome welcome..

May your dama days be full of success and constant progression..

Peace.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 21 April, 2015, 14:59:32
Hi Dylan. What Ben said! :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Tsari on 06 May, 2015, 09:48:17
Hey everybody!

I am Lee came along to LKO and BKO been jamming about 6-8 months properly, been playing yo-yo for 7ish years.
BKO was a laugh looking forward to EKO if I can make it.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: shalafi on 06 May, 2015, 09:53:09
Hi Tsari,

Nice to see you here in the forum :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 06 May, 2015, 10:50:39
Great to have you here, Lee. :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Heorot on 14 May, 2015, 14:35:22
Hi all I'm Rose :) I got a kendama last year off the back of playing with one at the Hyper Japan convention. It's been added to my rather large collection of circus equipment; I've been juggling for about 9 years and poi spinning a little longer. Never been to LKO/BKO or any kendama events but would consider it. It's a skill I would like to improve on so hopefully this board will help.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 14 May, 2015, 17:37:47
Hi Rose,
Welcome aboard!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Logan on 16 May, 2015, 08:36:34
Hello everyone I'm Logan and I have been playing with a kendama for a little over a year. :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KenSan on 18 May, 2015, 19:20:45
Welcome to the forum @Logan.

Lots of good kendama info on here!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Icemonkey on 22 May, 2015, 03:53:48
Hello everyone :D

My name is Jake (18 years old). I got my first kendama about a year ago, played it for a month or so and then set it back down.
I recently picked up my kendama again and am hoping to keep on playing it this time and to get much better.

I heard this was the best kendama forum around so I figured that I'd join.

My other interests include rock climbing, running and playing this game called Tap Tap Reloaded (modified version of Tap Tap Revenge... if you want to see what this is just click the link in my sig).

I hope to get better here and to meet you all! :D

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: shalafi on 22 May, 2015, 09:51:31
Welcome all to the forum, Heorot, Logan and Icemonkey!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BubenikJan on 29 May, 2015, 20:46:26
Hey everyone!

As my forum profile saying.. Originally I'm Bubenik Jan (Bubenik means DRUMMER by the way) but everyone just call me BJ.

I bought my first kendama sometime in 2008 at www.kendama.cz (http://www.kendama.cz). It was the dark blue Ozora. I've been playing just for fun and nobody else wanted to join me.  :( :D That was the main reson I stopped playing... The other reason was that the worldwide internet community was just a little baby..

Since Christmas 2012 (December 2012) I found my old kendama in my bedroom so I tryed to write kendama on YouTube.. I was so excited about the new videos and new tricks which players invented during the last few years! I started playing kendama non-stop with new inspiration and trick variations. Then I introduce kendama to my friend Vítek (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzYBkhYLhBE)

Since these days I'm playing as much as possible..

As well.. I'd love to come to any international competition when it's possible! Hope to meet someone of us guys! :)

BJ
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 30 May, 2015, 17:08:08
Welcome, BJ, good to have you on board!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: thifal99 on 06 June, 2015, 15:19:16
Hello, my name is Thifal, you can call me Thifal. :D
I'm from Indonesia, I don't have a kendama, but I looking for buy it, but if I found someone who want to give me kendama I won't let my chance lost :D. Thank you very much  ;D :)
By the way, I'm 13 y.o now, and on 29 June 2015 WIB(in English it's Indonesian West Time)  ;D
I have dreamed three times about have a kendama, but it just a dream, I still saving money from my daily money, and It's still not enough to buy kendama. :-\ :D
Sorry, I think I don't have to tell that  ;D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 06 June, 2015, 15:45:08
Hello Thifal,
Welcome to the forum. We hope you manage to get a kendama soon.
Sometimes we have competitions on the forum. Keep an eye open, maybe you will get a chance to win one.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: thaidiesky on 24 June, 2015, 05:23:40
Hello,

My name is Sky.  I was recently introduced to Kendamas through Justin Ye's posting KendamaFox's Edit #1.  I had seen Kendamas popping up in my area, but never anyone really adept at using them.  I was instantly intrigued and hooked.  Not knowing any better I purchased an all bamboo Kendama from Kaleb Kendama, I liked the way it looked.  It seems like a decent Kendama but after doing research I found that no one mentions them at all.  That was about 2 weeks ago, I now have 2 other Kendamas-a Tribute with a Sourmash tama, that I haven't been able to bring myself to play with the paint job is so cool, it is the one called Caramel Creation.  I just received a Deal With It Gloss Walnut (tama also by Sourmash) in the mail today.  This one I am playing with.  I found this forum with searches regarding Kendama brands and what people would recommend for a beginner.  After reading up here, it seems my next purchase will be an Ozora.  Thank you for having a place that a new comer like me can educate themselves. 
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 24 June, 2015, 09:36:32
Hi @thaidiesky , Welcome to the forum. Glad the boards have been useful for you. Hope you enjoy it here, and welcome to kendama play!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Ginxxy on 17 July, 2015, 00:14:01
Hey everyone!

I'm Brandon, I bought my first kendama around 4 months ago (A b-grade purple zen) but stopped not very long after. I finally decided to pick it up again and learn the rest of the basics. I also do other object manipulation hobbies, like yoyoing and pen spinning. If anyone has some tips for a noobie like me I'm all ears  ;). Hope to see you guys around.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 17 July, 2015, 10:19:11
Hi Brandon,
Welcome!
Start with the Essential Eleven (Videos > Tutorials) to get your basic technique sorted. Then on from there. Have fun!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: mabulrub on 29 July, 2015, 13:41:26
Hello,
I'm Mustafa, 37 years old, started playing since a month ago, after seeing videos on the game and it got it me interested, earlier, long time ago I played with yoyos but lost interest, I got into cubing then to the point of 50 seconds average for solving the cube.
My major kendama i'm playing with now is the Autumn X Krom Kendama and its a good one, I started with Kaizen Zebrano which looks nice but in my opinion is not good for beginners. the Krom got me move fast.

I have joined the forum for information, enthusiasm and for support as honestly, no one around plays this, if not in the whole city where i live  ???
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 29 July, 2015, 14:00:56
Hi, and welcome!
What area are you in? (Add yourself to the Member Map?) Hope you find good advice and inspiration here.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kengeaa on 13 August, 2015, 14:57:39
Hey guy, my names Alfie newland I'm from Southampton UK trying my very very best to grow the scene myself as I only know two other jammers ( guy heathcote  and Hugo Callaway) I've met the void and dimensions once at upchuck 2014 there the only ones that have really inspired me to take kendama slightly more serious. Just landed my first border balance to in so my progrettiok is going fairly well I think for playing. For just under 2 years I think... Anyways message me if you live in Hampshire area because I would love to jam... Peace
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: donald grant on 14 August, 2015, 20:25:26
Welcome to the forum (and say hi to Guy next time you see him :) ) !
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Dimensions on 15 August, 2015, 08:54:07
@Kengeaa it's nice to hear that your still clicking, and I hope to meet again soon!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kengeaa on 15 August, 2015, 09:39:40
@Dimensions   Yeah hopefully next time I will actually speak..! And are you going to be at camvention?
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Dimensions on 15 August, 2015, 09:51:07
@Kengeaa
It's currently looking unlikely, but I'll see what I can do.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kengeaa on 15 August, 2015, 09:53:24
Oh okay, message me if you are
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: fiddletriks on 19 August, 2015, 13:36:37
Hey guys, My names Ewan McKay, I'bve been playing kendama for about 2 years and I'm from Glasgow (Scotland) but have lived in Cardiff (wales) for just over 2 years now. I got into kendama through martial arts tricking, a lot of people were playing it so I decided to buy one and haven't been able to put it down since. I feel it's a very good stress reliever and also I'ts very similar to tricking in the sense that it is infinite. And also the fact it is super addictive.
I've been to a couple of gatherings only a small one in cardiff that  I met Rob (dimensions) and the void a year or so ago, and recently I went to a small gathering in Bristol and met some more welsh and south england players which was awesome.

hope you meet more of you soon
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 19 August, 2015, 13:39:46
Hi @nemo, welcome aboard! Good to have you here (and on the Member Map). Click on!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Meta4 on 24 August, 2015, 01:20:58
Hello everyone, I've been playing kendama for almost a year now.  I just came across this forum and decided to make an account.  So yeah, I look forward to reading some threads and making a few of my own.  Well, that pretty much what I wanted to say. 
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 24 August, 2015, 09:11:32
Hi @Meta4, welcome to the forum. What part of the world are you from?
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Chloé F. on 30 August, 2015, 22:34:35
Hi fellow kendamers!
My name's Chloé and I'm from Chantilly, in northern France. I started playing kendama about a month ago and totally enjoy it! So I came here to see whenever a kendama video comes out, or to ask for any kind of advice if I need some. I've been a juggler - mostly a diaboloist - for 7 years now (Hi Void and Dimensions !), and just wanted to try something new. So here I am, discover this great discipline  :)
For now I'm only into basic tricks, but I already like playing with what I can do, I hope it'll improve with practice and time  ;D
By the way, I use a red Royal Kendama.

Peace!
Chloé
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: donald grant on 30 August, 2015, 23:33:36
Welcome to the forum, Chloe.  (Diabolo players always welcome :) !!)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 31 August, 2015, 04:35:29
Hi Chloé, welcome to kendama!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: keiranclen on 02 September, 2015, 16:48:19
Hey, my name is Keiran
I'm from Stoke-on-Trent, England.
My hobbies are Kendama, Skating, drawing and fingerboarding.
I joined this forum because I have been on a fingerboard forum since 2012 and think they're a good way to meet new people and progress, i guess, and i wanted to join a forum that was like that, as i made a lot of friends from it.

My skill level with Kendamas ain't too wild at the moment, I landed my first few Nightingales earlier :')
Whether i'm gonna be super active on here or not i don't know, it depends how i like the forum once i've used it for a bit.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 02 September, 2015, 17:11:26
Hi @keiranclen ,
Welcome! Don't worry, beginners are very welcome here. So you've got to Bird already, huh? Nice work!
Hope to get to meet you at some event soon. Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: keiranclen on 02 September, 2015, 22:11:34
aha yes, thanks
Hopefully i can make it to one, some day.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Meta4 on 03 September, 2015, 01:09:36
Quote from: The Void on 24 August, 2015, 09:11:32
Hi @Meta4, welcome to the forum. What part of the world are you from?

I live in Sothern California.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: ray on 21 September, 2015, 23:24:22
   Hello, I'm Ray. I'm from Canary Island. I'm travelling around the world since 4 years ago. Now I'm in Austria.

   My first time playing with a kendama was in EJC 2012 with the Shalafi's. He introduced me! But I didn't play again until two weeks ago and I love it. Next week I'll buy my first kendama. Since tomorrow until next week I'll practice with a friend. I can't wait any longer!

   I hope to find a kendama with the ball in colour white and one yellow strip. I think it will be cool to play at night (winter is close).

   I'll go to the EJC 2016 Almere (The Netherlands) (http://www.ejc2016.org). I hope you will be there. It will be my first kendama convention.

   Before arrive to Almere, I'll try to visit this countries: Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldava, Romania, Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, Italy, Malta, Tunisia, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, The Netherlands.

   If someone is there and wants I visit him/her, just contact me by PM.

   Kendamas and love!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 21 September, 2015, 23:47:00
Hi Ray,
Welcome to the forum. Wow, that's some itinerary!
I would say "add yourself to the Member Map", but it looks like you won't be in any place long enough. But maybe have a look there to see if you can find some people in the places you're going to.
Click!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: ray on 21 September, 2015, 23:58:28
Quote from: The Void on 21 September, 2015, 23:47:00
Hi Ray,
Welcome to the forum. Wow, that's some itinerary!
I would say "add yourself to the Member Map", but it looks like you won't be in any place long enough. But maybe have a look there to see if you can find some people in the places you're going to.
Click!
:) Well, I pin in Gran Canaria.

   Yes, when I met a kendamer or future kendamer I'll show the sticker of "British Kendama Association" that Shalafi gave me in Amsterdam and I put it in the door of the bathroom of my van (outside). ;)

   Hugs!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: shalafi on 22 September, 2015, 13:40:56
Hi ray, nice to see that you finally decided to join the Kendama family.

To put in context for the others. He managed to hit his first lighthouse in less than 1 hour after touching a kendama for the first time. Talk about natural talent, then leave it aside for 3 years.

But now you've been trapped :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: ray on 08 October, 2015, 01:30:27
   Well, finally I have my first kendama!!!

   It's a SunRise. This one: http://kendama.cz/kendama-shop/white-with-black-stripe-kendama/ (http://kendama.cz/kendama-shop/white-with-black-stripe-kendama/). 16.60€.

   I bought it at Kendama.cz, from Czech to Slovakia in one day. I found in the envelope the kendama, a bag, a small cardboard with a hole to prevent the string harms the paint of the ball, 3 stickers of Kendama.cz, 1 sticker of Sweetskendama.com, 2 white strings and one coloured (3 similar parts in 3 different colours: red, yellow and green) small plastic stuff with the shape of a kendama (maybe it's for drawing kendamas?).

   In the outer packaging is written "no battery required" (it's true; I checked it or at least I didn't find the space for the battery yet).

   In one side is the EJA blue sticker and in the opposite side the logotype of SunRise ("SunRise" - drawing - "Kendama - play & perform").

   The length of the string is 46cms... Is it ok? I saw a video that say it must be 38cms. Must I change this?
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kev on 08 October, 2015, 08:48:11
Congratulations @ray that's a nice looking kendama.

I like SunRise kendamas, good solid players.

Regarding the string length, I think I'm correct I saying that there used to be a rule that the string had to be in a certain range but that has now been relaxed or abandoned as longer strings make some tricks easier and shorter strings make other tricks easier so it kind of evens out.

Most players seem to go by the 'fingers' rule.

Put the Tama (ball) on the spike and hold the kendama vertically, then see how many fingers fit into the loop of string that hangs under the base cup. Most people go for 2 fingers it seems although I prefer three myself. I think anything between 2 and 4 fingers could be considered normal range.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: ray on 09 October, 2015, 12:55:17
   Thanks @Kev,

   Mine: 4 fingers.

   Are there any rule about the string for the exams?


   Kenhugs!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: ray on 09 October, 2015, 14:44:54
Quote from: ray on 08 October, 2015, 01:30:27...and one coloured (3 similar parts in 3 different colours: red, yellow and green) small plastic stuff with the shape of a kendama (maybe it's for drawing kendamas?)....
I asked to Mirek: it's a keychain.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: shalafi on 14 October, 2015, 06:54:04
There is a minimum length but as far as I know there's no maximum.

You gotta love Mirek.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: ray on 14 October, 2015, 17:39:49
   OK, at the moment I'll leave like that with 4 fingers. If I do only one roll around the spike I get two fingers.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: TCY on 19 October, 2015, 07:28:20
Hello.

I'm TCY. I am from Singapore and I have only started playing Kendama for almost a month right now. My first time playing kendama was with one of my friends and at that time I only managed to do a Big Cup. The next day, I got my first kendama which has no brand. I hope to learn Lunar and Juggle soon. I joined this kendama forum because I wanted to meet new people from other parts of the world. I'm right now playing with my recently bought first Sweets Kendamas F3 Solid Gold. Could anybody tell me why did my Sweets Kendama became slippery when it wasn't when it was out of the box?
My kendama skill is probably around the beginner and intermediate range.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 19 October, 2015, 11:35:28
Hi,
Welcome to the forum!
Do you know many other players in Singapore? We hear there's a little scene going on there.

Most kendamas will "wear in" after a little amount of play. How exactly this manifests itself depends on the model. Keep going with your F3, you'll get used to it.

Keep clicking!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: TCY on 19 October, 2015, 12:53:26
Hello, thanks for welcoming me to this forum.

Quite a lot of youngsters are playing kendama over the past few months. I don't really know a lot of potential players in Singapore as I have only started playing kendama for a month and I am starting to know a few good players here. Sorry for not providing much information to your question.

How do you know whether a kendama is broken in or not? Could you provide some pictures of a broken in kendama? Sorry for any inconvenience caused when providing the pictures.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 19 October, 2015, 13:04:32
There's no absolute definition of when a kendama is broken in. It's a question of when it "feels right" to you. For some people, this may be just straight out of the packet, or after a few hours or few days of play. Perhaps more usual is after a couple of weeks or months of play. It can vary greatly, depending on the person, their style of play, and the model of kendama in question.

Try not to worry too much about it! The important thing is to be having fun with your kendama, as you progress in your skills.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Heero on 21 November, 2015, 16:50:27
Sup guys. You can call me Heero and I'm from the US. I'm a thrower that decided to pick up dama. I started yoyoing 9 or so months ago when my coworker/friend brought in his popstar. Reminded me of my childhood so it quickly got me back into the game. He had also brought in his kendama as often where I fiddled with them for a minute here or there. was really only big cup small cup play and that was about it. Wasn't really my thing cause I didn't really have the time to try it. After these 9 or so months of talking to him about yoyos and kendama, I decided to buy one. This will be day 3 of playing kendama. First day I only played for a half hour collectively and today for about the same. So far I've landed your basic cup to cup, pull-up-in to earth turn, lighthouse, pull-up to bird to spike, jumping stick and a few double stick(I guess that's what you call two flips?), along with other beginner tricks like around the world and aeroplane. Getting really excited about the progression I'm making and loving this new sport. Hope I'll be able to progress with the very little time I have(father of two). That's it for now.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 21 November, 2015, 20:30:01
Hello and welcome aboard! Hope you find some useful hints and tips here. Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: fiddletriks on 22 November, 2015, 20:00:32
I'd like to welcome my good friend @paulsayer to the forum.
Fellow Glaswegian, he runs the Instagram @soundkendama and is helping build a bigger community up north.
You're going to be seeing a lot of him I hope!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 22 November, 2015, 20:49:33
Welcome, @paulsayer ! We need more pins in Scotland, so add yourself to the Member Map. (http://kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: paulsayer on 23 November, 2015, 12:26:44
What's goin on guys thank you for the warm welcome. I've added myself to the map - if anyone is passing through Glasgow or Edinburgh and wanna jam just hit me up, I'm always back and forth between the two cites. Happy clicking =]
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Jedi_man on 23 November, 2015, 19:15:31
Hi! I'm Jaxson. I got my first kendama about 3 years ago, but I never really started playing until august 2015, when I got a brand new kendama. Then in october I got another new kendama and I'm in love! Basically I have been only playing for a total of ~5 months.
Kendamas I have, or had: Sweets dark blue* (2012), Sweets aTack rasta fade** (2013), Sweets purple rain (2015), Krom deluxe red oak with 5mm walnut stripe*** (2015), Krom deluxe red oak orange/black (2015). And my sister has a Sweets aTack coral red/pink**** (2015).

*Gave the tama and sarado to a friend, not sure why. I still have the ken.
**My second favorite.
***This is my favorite one, but I can't do lighthouse on it. I use the rasta fade or purple rain when I want to do balance tricks. I got this one for my birthday, but on that same day, our dog chewed the spike. I was devastated, and my mom felt horrible, so we wanted to get a new one, just to replace the ken. We went for the black/orange red oak.
I was able to fix the chewed one a day later, by cutting off the chewed part and gluing a piece of dowel on it. Not pretty, but it works. It's still my favorite though :)
When we got the new one, it turned out that the black/orange looks ugly on red oak (In my opinion). Then the dog chewed that one slightly, so we can't return it. So now we're stuck with it. :(
****Dog chewed this one too. I'm going to try to fix it for her :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Æva on 23 November, 2015, 23:17:20
Hi guys, I'm a newbie kendama player from Norway :D
Started yesterday, but still going strong. I'm using a no brand kendama i got for my birthday :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 23 November, 2015, 23:17:34
Hi Jaxson,
Welcome to the forum. Maybe you need to teach your dog that kendamas are poisonous, or something!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 23 November, 2015, 23:18:27
Hi Æva, beginners are welcome too. Hope you find some good tips here!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Blake.Slayer.Waldmann on 01 January, 2016, 21:17:01
Hello,
My name is Blake and I'm 13 and I live in Boise, Idaho, in the U.S. I got into kendama about 4 months ago when my best friend brought his to school. It took me awhile to warm up to it, hating it at first. But after a few weeks I truly fell in love with this seemingly simple wooden toy. I'm a huge fan of KendamaUSA and I have progressed decently in the world of tricks. So, yeah, that's all about kendama me I guess
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 01 January, 2016, 23:08:20
Hi Blake,
Welcome aboard! Which trick are you closest to nailing right now?
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: SEB on 15 February, 2016, 08:17:46
Hi everybody,
I am sébastien, 26 years , from switzerland.I started playing kendama 3 months ago. It became an addiction in less than 5 minutes!
I love it and already think about going to kendama events to meet the kendama community, which seems very nice by the way!
Currently, I am working on speed trick b,
cheers
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 15 February, 2016, 12:35:48
Hi Sébastien,
Welcome to the forum, and welcome to kendama! It's fun, isn't it? :D
Yes, definitely get to any event that you can - it's so much fun to jam with other players. Oh, and more pins are always welcome on the map (http://kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap)....
What's your best Speed Trick B time so far?
Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: SEB on 16 February, 2016, 20:11:17
I need to improve my accuracy on some of the tricks, especially lighthouse. I hit it twice under 2 minutes so I guess it is a start. I am looking forward to improve it!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KenSan on 16 February, 2016, 20:33:28
Welcome to the forum SEB. I actually memorized speed trick B last week so that I could practice it, but then I started to do other things, as usual.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Yogi on 29 April, 2016, 09:43:11
Hey guys!
I'm Jacob or Yogi, I'm 24 and hail from Manchester, UK! Nice to meet you all!

I got into kendama whilst I was living in Japan last year, I saw a group of guys doing some pretty crazy looking stuff whilst wandering around a park in Osaka. I went over and asked them about it and they told me it was called kendama and it's a traditional game, I later spoke to one of my students about it and the next week they brought me a red Ozora as a gift. I played with it that evening and got most of the basic tricks down of over the next couple of days, but started getting complaints about the incessant clacking sound from my neighbours, thanks to the thin Japanese walls, so kind of let my interest fade trying to avoid annoying them. Then when I returned to the uk recently and was unpacking my bag I rediscovered it as well as one I bought intended as a gift but decided to keep and have been playing again ever since.

I have always loved dexterity toys (pen tricks, etc) and woodwork so kendama is a bit of a match made in heaven for me, but will probably turn into a nightmare for my wallet! Since returning I picked up a Krom Viking due to my big hands which I love!

I have most of the basic tricks down, the only low level trick I struggle with at this point is Lighthouse, but have fairly high consistency with the rest of the tricks I know. But I really can't get to grips with kenflips and bird so if anyone has any tips on them please let me know!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 29 April, 2016, 10:12:33
Hi @Yogi , and welcome to the forum!
Oh, so you're UK-based? Well, it's insanely late notice, but if you can get down to the BKO in Bristol this weekend, you'll have a blast and learn loads. If not, keep your eyes on the the Events forum for the next jam/meet.
Have a look at the Trick Archive (in Tricks forum, duh ;) ) and check out the Threads for Bird and Whirlwind.
Other than that, have a general browse around, see what you can find, and chime in on anything you feel like.
Clicks!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Yogi on 29 April, 2016, 12:23:22
@BKA Thank you very much!

I would love to go but I won't be able to make it, I really want to make it to something like that in the future though, or even find a few other people around Manchester to meet up with!

I have had a brief browse but will have to have a closer look!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Blackhawkfan on 26 May, 2016, 10:54:53
Hi, I'm Denise from New York.  Am waiting for my first real kendama to come in the mail (right now am using a plastic one).  Looking forward to learning to do a few tricks with it, though my real intention in buying it was to work on my hand-eye coordination.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 26 May, 2016, 11:49:38
Hi Denise,
Welcome to the forum!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Brinx on 11 July, 2016, 17:02:24
Hi my name is Ben (always go by "Brinx" online) and I've been playing Kendama for less than a month at this point. Done some juggling and other object manipulation in the past and recently while getting back into it, got bit by the Kendama bug! Loving it, currently quite the obsession. I wish I had discovered it earlier!

I'm out in Northwest Washington State in the US. This is a great forum, I've been lurking for a couple weeks and getting some great info. I thought I would go ahead and make it official and join. :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 11 July, 2016, 18:31:57
Welcome, @Brinx ! Glad that you're finding the forum useful already. So... which trick are you closest to getting, right now?
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Brinx on 11 July, 2016, 19:02:55
I'm working on a few. I actually have been doing a little "vlog" where I'm trying to hit 30 different tricks in 30 days. The first couple are pretty bad, but I'm hitting my stride a little better now.  I'm using the vlog as a bit of an experiment to document my process and as an excuse to do some video. Plus it is going to push me out of my comfort zone pretty soon (I've done 10 so far). Like I said, still a complete beginner, but excited to keep working on harder tricks. You can check it out here if you're interested. I'd love any feedback from folks:

https://www.youtube.com/user/cutthenoise

One trick I'm trying to get right now is gunslinger/revolver, but there seems to be a discrepancy around the internets on the starting grip? I see some holding it in the regular grip, and others in this, I guess "revolver" grip so its almost like the ken is halfway turned already? Seems easier to start that way, but the trick name/description is unclear. Either way, working on that, getting better with kenflips, and working on my lighthouse fall-in at the end. I'd like to get more consistent with j-sticks, I'm at like 5% hit rate with those. I also want to figure out downspikes and stuntplane, those are a real challenge or mental block for me currently.

Sorry for the long post! Kendama is so fun right now, I feel like I could write a book and I've only just started!

Here's my most recent video. I was planning to post in the videos section at some point, but I guess I got carried away in my response here...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCq-Q8jvgsw
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: otherincome on 11 July, 2016, 21:31:34
My husband Rico is the kendama player. 

He is becoming more involved with painting tamas and kens, and now has a store wanting to carry his customized kendamas.  He gave me a bunch of kendama boxes for reference, and asked me to help figure out packaging. 

I found this thread about the subject: http://kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1309.0

I have questions. 
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KenSan on 11 July, 2016, 23:47:28
Welcome to the forum @Brinx and @otherincome .

That's a nice Vlog Brinx. Good to see plenty of knees in use in the ones I've watched to.

The jumping sticks will get more consistent with practice. Eventually you will be able to see the landings more clearly so that then you'll be able do move onto doubles and maybe even tripples :o. Also you don't have to just let the ken come round and plop into the tama, you can move the tama to meet the spike.

Keep up the good work!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: KendamaGuide on 12 July, 2016, 02:17:12
Been learning tricks for the last 4 years, but haven't been active in the community, looking forward to changing that!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Brinx on 12 July, 2016, 16:58:15
Thanks @KenSan! Good tips! Yeah my goal is to keep practicing every day, thanks for the warm welcome to the forum!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 13 July, 2016, 11:10:27
Welcome @KendamaGuide !
@otherincome Welcome. It sounds like you are after business advice... I'll just say good luck.

@Brinx I watched a couple of your vids. Looks like you've got good knee-work going, and are getting nicely "deep". :-) I often also think Candlestick can seem a bit dull/basic, but here are a couple of options for you, to spice it up: 1. After you get it, immediately Spike it. I'll leave you to have fun working out how. 2. Go Around The Block in Candle grip... and to Body Catch.
For Gunslinger, it's probably helpful to distinguish between "Gunslinger" (with the ball on the spike throughout the whole trick), which does happen in the Gunslinger grip you describe, and "Gunslinger X", which usually involves only the ken being 'slung while something else is going on with the tama, and is more often done from ken grip (and often with the thumb on the big cup for leverage into the 'sling).
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Chunky Nutwhip on 10 August, 2016, 15:49:47
Hello!

I thought I'd introduce myself after lurking for a while.  I'm friend of Johndmc who posts here, and I guess it's his fault that I'm here.  John introduced me to kendama about 4 months ago now and I don't remember putting it down since??

I used to be a kids entertainer and have previous experience of juggling, diabolo, unicycle, and various other 'circus' skills and as soon as I had a crack at kendama I knew it was right up my street!

As far as other interests go I play piano, guitar, drums and I'm a keen hypnotist!

Looking forward to meeting other kendama heads! 

Scott





Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 10 August, 2016, 15:59:45
Welcome, Scott, good to have you here!
What's the trick you're currently closest to getting?
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Chunky Nutwhip on 10 August, 2016, 16:19:12
Thanks you!

I'm currently working on juggles, one turn lighthouse and lighthouse flips.  Getting more consistent every day.  I really feel like I'm at the point where I need to learn some transition moves between grips so I can get more of a flow going and big up my combos!!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 10 August, 2016, 16:48:43
Good stuff after 4 months! Well, have a rummage around in the Tricks forum to see what advice you can find. And just keep on clicking!

Oh, and well done to @johndmc for creating a new player. :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Chunky Nutwhip on 10 August, 2016, 16:58:12
That's the plan  :D

Thanks again for the warm welcome!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: johndmc on 10 August, 2016, 17:28:25
I recently gave 2 kendamas as presents to friends who got married, hopefully might have 2 more in the future ;-)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: johndmc on 10 August, 2016, 17:32:20
I have been extremely impressed by your progress though Scott, you've accomplished more in 4 months than I have in 3 years lol Although you have been pretty committed to your practice unlike myself
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Chunky Nutwhip on 10 August, 2016, 17:39:21
Thanks man, I'm glad you used the word committed rather than obsessed, others wouldn't  ::)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: johndmc on 10 August, 2016, 17:46:58
I'm nice like that ;-)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Oblivion on 16 August, 2016, 13:58:55
Hi All,

My name is Ollie short for (Oliver) i am known as The Goat XD

I Brought my first Kendama 4 days ago which was a TK16 with a red ball, I havent really put the Kendama Down since i have had (Work gets in the way)
im totally hooked i am Uk Based and Love life.

Kendama is something i picked up while down at lure City (pokemon go) watching a random dude with his Kendama and was fixed on getting my own and practising to get to his level. i thanked him for everything as without him i would have never known about this wonderful Challenging world of Kendama !

Love too speak to you all and be part of this community !!
Thanks

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 16 August, 2016, 14:02:57
Hi Ollie, @Oblivion
Welcome to the forum! Which part of the UK are you based in? Have you checked out the Member Map (http://kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,823.0.html) (and added yourself)? Maybe there are some other players near you...

Hope you enjoy it here.
Cheers.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Oblivion on 16 August, 2016, 14:11:07
Quote from: BKA on 16 August, 2016, 14:02:57
Hi Ollie, @Oblivion
Welcome to the forum! Which part of the UK are you based in? Have you checked out the Member Map (http://kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,823.0.html) (and added yourself)? Maybe there are some other players near you...

Hope you enjoy it here.
Cheers.

Just updated my profile so my pin should be there now.
Thanks for the help
P.s i have got another 2 people into the Kendama community so there are 4 of us that live in that area XD
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 16 August, 2016, 14:16:37
Great stuff! :-)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kendama Norway on 29 August, 2016, 22:23:40
People!!!

In case you didn't already know, we have started making our own kendamas!! It's such a dream come true for us!
Please check out our fresh new website https://www.kendamanorway.com and get your own!

Love from Norway

@kendamanorway
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Acmuirhead on 02 September, 2016, 13:04:34
Hi
I'm Alistair had a kendama for a few years but did not really bother with it. Till going to the British juggling conversation earlier on in the year and since seeing what can be done. I'm now playing most days. I go to the Glasgow juggling club we have a few people playing it
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 02 September, 2016, 13:37:11
@Acmuirhead Hi Alistair, welcome to the forum! Good to have you here, and on the Map too. Nice little scene burgeoning in Glasgow. Keep up the good clicking!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Alex1991 on 30 October, 2016, 09:50:07
hi, my name is Alex. I from Ukraine. I live in Kiev. 

_________________________________________________
cool video about dating here >    http://romancecompass.com/video-dating/
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 01 November, 2016, 16:01:34
Hi @Alex1991 ,
Do you play kendama?
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: rhys_goes_peace on 20 November, 2016, 09:59:47
Hello, I'm Rhys and I've been playing kendama for about a month.  :)
I'm a beginner, and the hardest trick that I can do semi-consistently is kenflip. I was inspired to do kendama by learn-kendama.com. And my favourite kendama is my red Royal kendama!  ;D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 20 November, 2016, 12:29:26
Hi Rhys,
Welcome to the forum, and to kendama. Glad you like your Royal! :) Where are you based?
Edit: Oops, I should have checked the Member Map first - I see you're in London. Well, maybe I'll see you at a UK event some time.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Owen on 26 December, 2016, 18:26:40
Yo guys, my name is Owen and I love kendama. I started playing dama about a year ago and i haven't put it down since .I am 17 and based in Northern Ireland. I don't know anyone who plays kendama and so I wanted to check out this forum and make some kendama mates.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 26 December, 2016, 18:57:46
Hi Owen,
Welcome to the forum. I think there are a few occassional clickers in Belfast, but not forum members, alas. There are a few Dublinners on here. The Irish Open was in Dublin in '15 & '16, maybe it will be again.
Make sure to add yourself to the Memebr Map, to help you find others, and to help others find you! http://kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap
Hope you enjoy it here. It's been a little quiet in the run-up to xmas, hopefully things will pick up once the sprouts have worn off, and everyone gets off the sofa.
Cheers!

Edit: Looks like you just joined the map while I typed that! :-)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Owen on 26 December, 2016, 19:02:57
Thanks man ,  yea i hope i can find some players near by, thanks for being so welcoming  :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: shalafi on 26 December, 2016, 19:30:04
Quote from: Owen on 26 December, 2016, 19:02:57
Thanks man ,  yea i hope i can find some players near by, thanks for being so welcoming  :)
Oh, and yes, the Irish Kendama open is very likely to repeat in 2016, I will start moving it on January.

Welcome to the forum!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: fuverdred on 29 April, 2017, 18:57:24
Hey all, I'm Fred. Found a kendama in my office a few months ago and haven't been able to put it down. Local to Bristol, which seems like a pretty good place for kendama in the UK. Been focusing on getting all the standard moves to a reasonable level, hopefully I will see some of you around and try and go a bit further.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 29 April, 2017, 22:45:30
Hi @fuverdred ,
Welcome to the forum. Another Bristol player? Always good. :-) Hey, we're having a Bristol meetup on Monday http://kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,3003.0.html , in case you didn't know/fancy coming along. Beginners welcome! If not, hope to see you sometime soon. (BKO?)
Cheers,
Void
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: fuverdred on 03 May, 2017, 10:42:33
Sorry, already had plans on Monday, hope the weird weather didn't get in the way of you guys! I think I need a lot more practice before BKO, but I'll try and come along to the next Bristol meet up. Also, I'm keen to get my first grade (again, after more practise!).
Cheers
Fred
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 03 May, 2017, 12:09:38
@fuverdred We managed to just about dodge the rain, cheers. :-) I'm usually at http://www.jugglingedge.com/club.php?ClubID=4 on a Monday evening. Actually, next week (8th), someone's coming along there to get graded, so pop along if you fancy getting graded alongside someone else.
(As a side note, people often say "I need to wait to practice more" before they do a grading. I'm understand that - wanting to do your best - but at the same time, if you don't take the chance to take a grading, you won't get a grading. You can always improve next time!)
Anyway, see you around sooner or later, cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: fuverdred on 04 May, 2017, 19:39:48
@The Void Yeah Monday will suit, I'll head over then!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Sowdz on 13 May, 2017, 21:32:54
Hi everyone, I'm  Marc I've been using kendama for 7 days now... Me and a friend in work have both started at the same time, we both bought dragon kendamas..... We have all tricks in kyu table reasonably consistent now and can both land a few combos, there's just one trick that eludes us at the minute the lighthouse, dam it's frustrating our balance is good but I can't get it to stay on the Tama... The paint seems really shiny and slippery and flaked off in places. Do you have a suggestions on a better quality kendama as I'm hooked???? Thanks gentleman looking forward to sharing our journey
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 13 May, 2017, 22:20:07
@Sowdz Hi Marc,
Welcome to the forum.
I know how you feel about Lighthouses. I originally learnt on a stained kendama, no grip there. My advice is... don't rush in to thinking that a new kendama is the answer. If you guys have got as far as you have in just a week, honestly you're doing really well! Sure, you can get a kendama with a grippier surface, which might help you get a trick or two, but that won't make you a better player....
Relax your grip! A lot of people are trying so hard for their first lighthouse, that they're gripping too hard, which tenses their muscles. Try some softness, and breathe! If you can get a Lighthouse on a slippy kendama, then that *will* make you a better player. :-)
Stick with it for a while more, and if you still think you want to try a new model, then have a read of the What To Buy (http://kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/board,13.0.html) subforum, to get some ideas.
Cheers
Void
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Sowdz on 14 May, 2017, 08:14:11
@The Void Hi, thanks for your reply advice taken. Have a look at my instagram (Sowdz86) I've put a couple of videos on see how you think we are progressing?!! This is the sort of thing we are doing after a week....!!! I think we are doing well but don't really know got nothing or no one to compare to.. My best move sofar which I've landed properly 4 times now is.... I do a Aeroplane then make the ken do one flip and catch back in the hole. Thanks void 
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 15 May, 2017, 09:06:11
@Sowdz I checked them out. Nice smooth handroll! That's quite impressive for someone so new.
Quite hard to make any definitive judgements from a couple of clips, but you seem to be doing okay. Classic thing I always say to all newbies though....

MORE KNEES!

I can see you *are* using your knees, but if you can try to get into the habit at this early stage of really exagerating all sinking movements, that will really serve you well down the road.

If you can, a really great plan would be to try to find and meet up with some other players near you. It's by far the best way of progressing, and there are so many subtleties and tiny tips that you can pick up in person, that just don't come across, or even get noticed in text.
Whereabouts are you? And, you know about the Member Map, right? http://kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=googlemap See if there's anyone near you, but also, add yourself! More pins = more friends for everyone. :-)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Sowdz on 15 May, 2017, 10:11:59
@The Void Thanks for the pointers, will work on exaggerating the knee movements this week... I know what you mean, sometimes when doing swing-in the hole rotates over quite slowly forcing you to catch the ball closer to the floor...  (bending knees alot).

I'm near Plymouth I seen on the pins map there are a few members pins.

Also I've noticed the dama is becoming more grippy the more dents that are appearing on it.

Hopefully me and my mate will be looking for our first grading in a couple months....   

Once again many thanks
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: jacksohigh on 21 June, 2017, 16:19:58
hi my names Jack Roberts and i have been playing kendama around 1 year, BKO 2017 was my first event and i was happy to get first KYU in my grading with 'the void'.
originally from Ramsgate in Kent, now travelling with my rollerblades and kendama's.
love how contagious and addictive playing dama is and i enjoy getting new people into it.
instagram- @jacksohigh
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 21 June, 2017, 18:27:06
Hey Jack, @jacksohigh
Welcome to the forum! We've added your grading to your profile, and we'll also get it onto the register soon. Stay addicted, and keep spreading the love!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Dice126 on 18 July, 2017, 16:07:49
so for those who dont know me my name is Dice im 24 and have been playing religiously since november 2016
im from swansea south wales and im a photographer by trade and i enjoy taking photographs and making videos
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 18 July, 2017, 16:39:22
Yay, you joined the forum, @Dice126 ! Good to have you aboard. :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Dice126 on 18 July, 2017, 16:49:07
thanks void im still very new to forum lay outs but anything to be more involved with kendama :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: cyshing on 28 July, 2017, 07:23:57
Hello, I am from Malaysia. Just a beginner. Got an Ozora a few years ago after joining a youth event. But after learning a few beginner tricks I just put it aside somehow. Recently I am just trying to pick up a something fun to play with and to improve my hand-eye coordination and maybe to relax my mind, somehow I find that kendama seems more interesting to me now than back then. The kendama online community in Malaysia doesn't seem to be active, so here I am. :)

Already 1 month since I picked up the Kendama again and bought cheaper kendama with rubber grip, just doing slowly but that's fine to me, just wanted to have fun and relax. ;) Nice to meet you guys and girls.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 28 July, 2017, 07:29:40
Hi @cyshing , you're very welcome here! Glad to have you on board. Hope you find lots of information and inspiration here.
Cheers!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: cyshing on 28 July, 2017, 07:36:44
@The Void Thank you very much. I believe I will learn much here.  ;D
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: spadgy on 16 August, 2017, 19:26:17
Hey all. Great to be here.

Like many Kendama players, I sense, I'm a devoted yo-yoer who long eyed kendama and thought 'can it really give me what yo-yos do?'.

Then, when spotting a reduced Royal at the Yoyovillage store at this year's UK Yo-Yo Nationals, I thought I should find out. I was instantly infatuated, and while I still love yo-yos, what I get from Kendama is so much more meditative, chill and distinct. I'm now a man obsessed.

Other than that, I work as a video games journalist here in the UK full time and now do all sorts else in the games industry (awards judging, game script editing, research, event production, speaking, blah blah). I also do a bit of writing about LEGO and board games for various places (yep, that's really part of how I make a living), still skateboard badly at 37, am wildly obsessed with arcade gaming (actually at arcades), and I guess as I just had my first book out (about Raspberry Pi) that makes me an 'author'... but I don't feel good enough at that yet to throw that word around! Oh - and I'm RNLI volunteer launch crew down where I live in Hastings.

So, basically, crap at accepting adulthood, and nearly 40!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 16 August, 2017, 19:41:55
Welcome, @spadgy , good to have you aboard. Sounds like you're defining adulthood just fine. Congrats on the book! And much respect for your RNLI work.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: spadgy on 16 August, 2017, 19:51:28
Thanks so much! To clarify on the RNLI launcher work, here at Hastings, we have dozens of meters of stony beach to get the boat over. Me being launch crew, rather than boat crew, means I'm in the team that get the boat in and out the water come an emergency. So lots of cables, mechanisms, driving semi aquatic tracked vehicles etc. Important, but not bravery at sea from me! Maybe one day!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: johndmc on 16 August, 2017, 20:14:30


Quote from: spadgy on 16 August, 2017, 19:26:17
Hey all. Great to be here.

Like many Kendama players, I sense, I'm a devoted yo-yoer who long eyed kendama and thought 'can it really give me what yo-yos do?'.

Then, when spotting a reduced Royal at the Yoyovillage store at this year's UK Yo-Yo Nationals, I thought I should find out. I was instantly infatuated, and while I still love yo-yos, what I get from Kendama is so much more meditative, chill and distinct. I'm now a man obsessed.

Other than that, I work as a video games journalist here in the UK full time and now do all sorts else in the games industry (awards judging, game script editing, research, event production, speaking, blah blah). I also do a bit of writing about LEGO and board games for various places (yep, that's really part of how I make a living), still skateboard badly at 37, am wildly obsessed with arcade gaming (actually at arcades), and I guess as I just had my first book out (about Raspberry Pi) that makes me an 'author'... but I don't feel good enough at that yet to throw that word around! Oh - and I'm RNLI volunteer launch crew down where I live in Hastings.

So, basically, crap at accepting adulthood, and nearly 40!

Hey there! [emoji5]

Welcome, and glad to see another mid thirtyer not accepting their adulthood like me [emoji23]
I'm in Maidstone and meet up with a load of dama players Ashford way regularly , so feel free to come along at some point for a jam nigh. If you are on Facebook follow the ukkc UK kendama community group and Ben posts the meet up sessions on there.

Regards

John


Sent from my F3111 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 16 August, 2017, 20:30:14
@spadgy  And http://kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,3058.0.html , if you can make it.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 16 August, 2017, 20:35:57
Quote from: spadgy on 16 August, 2017, 19:51:28
Thanks so much! To clarify on the RNLI launcher work, here at Hastings, we have dozens of meters of stony beach to get the boat over. Me being launch crew, rather than boat crew, means I'm in the team that get the boat in and out the water come an emergency. So lots of cables, mechanisms, driving semi aquatic tracked vehicles etc. Important, but not bravery at sea from me! Maybe one day!
I'm actually watching a docu on BBC2 on RNLI right now.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: shalafi on 16 August, 2017, 21:02:15
Quote from: spadgy on 16 August, 2017, 19:26:17
Hey all. Great to be here.

Like many Kendama players, I sense, I'm a devoted yo-yoer who long eyed kendama and thought 'can it really give me what yo-yos do?'.

Then, when spotting a reduced Royal at the Yoyovillage store at this year's UK Yo-Yo Nationals, I thought I should find out. I was instantly infatuated, and while I still love yo-yos, what I get from Kendama is so much more meditative, chill and distinct. I'm now a man obsessed.

Other than that, I work as a video games journalist here in the UK full time and now do all sorts else in the games industry (awards judging, game script editing, research, event production, speaking, blah blah). I also do a bit of writing about LEGO and board games for various places (yep, that's really part of how I make a living), still skateboard badly at 37, am wildly obsessed with arcade gaming (actually at arcades), and I guess as I just had my first book out (about Raspberry Pi) that makes me an 'author'... but I don't feel good enough at that yet to throw that word around! Oh - and I'm RNLI volunteer launch crew down where I live in Hastings.

So, basically, crap at accepting adulthood, and nearly 40!
I think we share too many hobbies, check out this piece I wrote a while ago, it combines game design / analysis and Kendama: http://www.plattysoft.com/2016/09/14/kendama-a-game-analysis/

Other than that, turning 40 is not that bad :)
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: spadgy on 18 August, 2017, 19:03:26
Quote from: shalafi on 16 August, 2017, 21:02:15

I think we share too many hobbies, check out this piece I wrote a while ago, it combines game design / analysis and Kendama: http://www.plattysoft.com/2016/09/14/kendama-a-game-analysis/

Other than that, turning 40 is not that bad :)

Great piece - really interesting read. I wonder if we've even met, or communicated online through the games industry. I ask because my 'specialty within a specialty' is that I do a lot of writing for publications written for game developers and the industry. I used to editor of Develop, which you might know, and now contribute as a freelancer to Develop, GamesIndustry.biz, PocketGamer.biz etc. So I'm always writing about game design, middleware, industry trends, creativity, the business side of games, studios etc... for an industry readership. I make it to conferences like various GDCs, Develop Brighton, and similar events around Europe and the US. Maybe we've met at some industry thing!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: shalafi on 18 August, 2017, 20:17:41
Quote from: spadgy on 18 August, 2017, 19:03:26
Quote from: shalafi on 16 August, 2017, 21:02:15

I think we share too many hobbies, check out this piece I wrote a while ago, it combines game design / analysis and Kendama: http://www.plattysoft.com/2016/09/14/kendama-a-game-analysis/

Other than that, turning 40 is not that bad :)

Great piece - really interesting read. I wonder if we've even met, or communicated online through the games industry. I ask because my 'specialty within a specialty' is that I do a lot of writing for publications written for game developers and the industry. I used to editor of Develop, which you might know, and now contribute as a freelancer to Develop, GamesIndustry.biz, PocketGamer.biz etc. So I'm always writing about game design, middleware, industry trends, creativity, the business side of games, studios etc... for an industry readership. I make it to conferences like various GDCs, Develop Brighton, and similar events around Europe and the US. Maybe we've met at some industry thing!
We may have indeed. I've attended several GDCs, and several pocket gamer parties :-)

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Aura Kendama on 03 September, 2017, 14:08:22
Hi Everyone

We started a while ago making Custom hand painted Kendamas. The initial batch was a nice takeup from the Kendama community
Since then we have made and designed our own Kendamas - called Aura Kendama - we created a classic shape with slightly deeper cups
and they  play very well as an all round Kendama.
Good for Stall tricks and lunar balance is ok also..
We now also offer more variety for customers bringing in Krom, Sweets Kendama and Kendama USA into the online store.

Any questions feel free to ask

www.AuraKendama.com

Follow us on Instagram: Aura_ken_dama
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Unichuck1 on 03 September, 2017, 15:22:52
Quote from: Aura Kendama on 03 September, 2017, 14:08:22
Hi Everyone

We started a while ago making Custom hand painted Kendamas. The initial batch was a nice takeup from the Kendama community
Since then we have made and designed our own Kendamas - called Aura Kendama - we created a classic shape with slightly deeper cups
and they  play very well as an all round Kendama.
Good for Stall tricks and lunar balance is ok also..
We now also offer more variety for customers bringing in Krom, Sweets Kendama and Kendama USA into the online store.

Any questions feel free to ask

www.AuraKendama.com

Follow us on Instagram: Aura_ken_dama
Well your the first company I have seen with GBP defo getting my next one off you guys

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: splintaz on 08 December, 2017, 08:31:18
Been Playing Kendama about 6-8 months - Hastings UK. if you wanna link and level up - hit me up.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 08 December, 2017, 13:40:03
Hi @splintaz , welcome to the forum! I see from your map pin that you're just off the coast of Hastings. Doesn't that make Scoop Up tricks awkward? 😅
Hope to catch up and jam with you sometime.
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: Kendama London on 31 July, 2018, 16:41:20
Hey Everyone!

It's Matt from Kendama London here :)

We are a UK based Online store selling premium Kendamas from around the world.

Established early 2018, we just love sharing the love! So check us out when you can <3

I've personally been playing Kendama for around 2-3 years now and for me it's such a refreshing form of meditation. Love the community and love the good vibes!

Hope to connect with you all soon  :)

https://www.kendamalondon.com

Instagram @kendamalondon
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: The Void on 16 August, 2018, 16:07:03
Hey Matt, welcome aboard! @Kendama London
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: twohands on 03 September, 2018, 00:37:29
Hi everybody,

I'm Anita, located in Germany at the moment, where I get to know my first kendamas - like new friends in all of this loneliness. 

In a shop for juggling toys a video was shown to me - and it was clear, what I'll work out for the rest of my life, at least: as long as I can.

I'm 41 years old now. Granny later will be able to juggle the kendama with both hands.
She will even know how to impressingly make gravity visible with two kens, one tama and no string...

But we started very slowly, of course, my little dog and me.
Whenever we go for our walk, I keep on playing, while he is doing what dogs usually do... left hand, right hand...

It is simply the best juggling game, I'd say.

It makes you elegant, and it is increasing logical intelligence.

First I ordered three used kendamas second hand, really already quite ugly but cheap ones, with bad strings and without bearings.

Then, in a martial attack of artistic inspiration, I took some holographic foils, glue, brushes and colours, to recycle these old toys a bit.

Now I have three really inspiring holographic kendamas with kind of "Klimt" (you know Gustav Klimt?) tamas, performing a rainbow by breaking the sunlight within the pieces of the holo-foil fixed onto the tama...a spirit chaser... nah,  a spirit-freeer, so to speak... they leave through a rainbow, as some of you might already know...the holo-foil lets appear one... I rather watch this glimmering bowl than these darkened witches and wizards around here... in the forthcoming desert...

Great for the mind, I can tell you.

I'm a convinced asket living entirely without drugs, coffee, alcohol or cigarrettes... and this is giving really a good working peace now...my artwork is the only drug I still have... 

I bought bearings and now enjoy the difference, while I'm slowly getting how to spike the bowl as perfectly as I already catch it with the cups or with other parts of the ken...kind of swinging...

My three "industrials" don't mind falling onto the hard floor, they look intentionally designed as if they were used anyway (painted 4 times with one colour over the other, crackled, plus gold, copper and silver)...and they do have really much grip, so they are perfect to slowly prepare for playing with an expensive one later.

I do not go for competitions or official degrees. And I'll never be the speed queen.

Twohands is a snail...

Unfortunately I cannot simply travel to meetings or events.

But I plan to teach the kendama to an SOS-childrens' village... after I have left Germany.

Nice to meet you here - for lonely people like me internet is a perfect crowdy place, and the only one near.

Let me read your discussions first, while I screw up my basical skills on both hands until I it feels most natural to be able to do all of these moves...glimmers and sounds...

:-)









Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 03 September, 2018, 11:19:35
Welcome to the forum, @twohands. Good to hear that you're enjoying kendama at your own pace and in your own way. Click on!
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: twohands on 15 September, 2018, 20:03:21
Hello again,  how very kind of you to answer!

I kept on potching and painting kens and tamas, finally covering the result with epoxy - and walking on each day, doing the dogwalks with much more patience now, since I've been able to practice the kendama. This makes at least a very intense, two-hands hour a day.

The progress is - I'd say - close to incredibly fast... :-)

If I only could show the pictures of the designer-kendamas... you'd love "lemon tree" or "strawberry fields"...as well as my favourite one to play with at the moment, the industrial-technoid "The Kid" with its facey red tama... by the way, you know what's funny?

The word "Dame" in German as well as the word "dama" in Serbian and Croatian for "lady" seems to be rooted directly within Japanese soil... the ladies ar the "tamas", indeed, the somewhat  bowlier ones...

It is quite a bit strange to get the feeling of once having been the one inventing the kendama, in an earlier life, and now having to learn it one more time with a newer construction... would be worth another novel...

Now I know the first item I'd like to be commented on this forum!

Wait a minute...
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: tomdama_93 on 18 April, 2019, 22:34:22
Hi guys, just wanted to introduce myself!
Those of you at the jam in Bristol last Saturday will have met me but, hey, I'm Tom 👋
Although I learned the basics 3 years ago, I'm still fairly new to dama. I really want this year to be the year I start going places with it.
Buzzed to see you all again for the Cardiff jam next week😃
Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by: BKA on 18 April, 2019, 22:53:14
Hi @tomdama_93 , welcome aboard the forum! Good to have you here.