Kendama can be considered as a toy, a game, and a tool, depending on how it is used and perceived. 

As a toy, Kendama is used for fun and enjoyment. Many people purchase Kendamas simply because they find them entertaining and enjoy playing with them in their free time. 

As a game, Kendama is a structured activity that involves rules and objectives. Competitive Kendama players often participate in tournaments and events where they compete against one another to see who can perform the most difficult tricks or achieve the highest scores.

As a tool, Kendama can be used to develop skills such as hand-eye coordination, focus, and perseverance. Many people use Kendama as a means of improving their concentration or as a stress-relief tool. 

Overall, Kendama can be considered a toy, a game, and a tool, depending on how it is used and perceived. Regardless of how it is categorized, however, it remains a fun and engaging activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.

Kendama means SwordBall, as (Ken) means Sword and (tama) means Ball in Japanese, but when put together they form  the word Kendama.

Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima, Japan is considered to be the birthplace of the modern day kendama, with kendama themed playgrounds and statues. The Kendama World Cup is still hosted annually in Hatsukaichi, and kendama-do is taught at kendama dojos throughout Japan with teachings and competitions ran by the Japan Kendama Association

The first modern day kendama was made in the early 1900s, which added the crosspiece or sarado to the ken. Kendama entered schools in Japan in the late 1900s, with kids starting to train at the age of 7.

1. Improves hand-eye coordination: Playing Kendama requires a high degree of hand-eye coordination and dexterity. By practicing Kendama, players can improve their hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and fine motor skills.
2. Enhances focus and concentration: Kendama requires a lot of concentration and focus, which can help improve mental clarity and mindfulness. By practicing Kendama, players can learn to be more present in the moment and develop a greater sense of focus and awareness.
3. Encourages physical activity: Kendama is a physical activity that requires movement and coordination. By playing Kendama, players can improve their physical fitness and overall health.
4. Boosts creativity: Kendama is a versatile toy that can be played in many different ways, allowing for creativity and self-expression. By exploring different ways to play Kendama, players can develop their creativity and problem-solving skills.
5. Provides social opportunities: Kendama has a strong community of players and enthusiasts around the world. By connecting with others through Kendama, players can form new friendships and strengthen existing ones.
6. Promotes cultural exchange: Kendama is a traditional Japanese toy that has been enjoyed for centuries. By playing Kendama, players can learn about Japanese culture and promote cultural exchange and understanding.

1. It's challenging: Kendama requires a lot of skill and precision, and it can take a long time to master. Many people enjoy the challenge of learning new tricks and improving their technique.
2. It's fun: Kendama is a fun activity that can be enjoyed alone or with others. Many people find it to be a satisfying and rewarding way to spend their free time.
3. It's portable: Kendama is a compact and portable toy, which makes it easy to take with you wherever you go. This makes it a great way to pass the time while traveling or waiting for appointments.
4. It's social: Kendama is often played in groups, which can be a great way to make new friends and connect with others who share your interests.
5. It's meditative: Kendama requires a lot of focus and concentration, which can be a great way to clear your mind and reduce stress.
6. It's a personal challenge: Kendama is a solo activity that allows you to set your own goals and work towards them at your own pace. This can be a great way to challenge yourself and achieve personal growth.It's challenging: Kendama requires a lot of skill and precision, and it can take a long time to master. Many people enjoy the challenge of learning new tricks and improving their technique.
7. It's fun: Kendama is a fun activity that can be enjoyed alone or with others. Many people find it to be a satisfying and rewarding way to spend their free time.
8. It's portable: Kendama is a compact and portable toy, which makes it easy to take with you wherever you go. This makes it a great way to pass the time while traveling or waiting for appointments.
9. It's social: Kendama is often played in groups, which can be a great way to make new friends and connect with others who share your interests.
10. It's meditative: Kendama requires a lot of focus and concentration, which can be a great way to clear your mind and reduce stress.
11. It's a personal challenge: Kendama is a solo activity that allows you to set your own goals and work towards them at your own pace. This can be a great way to challenge yourself and achieve personal growth.

Kendama is for anyone over the age of 7 who likes strategy and skill games.  It is great for people who need to fidget with their hands, or find social situations where they aren’t performing a task boring or full of anxiety.  Kendama is for people who like games and puzzles, and who enjoy a personal challenge. We have heard that kendama has been therapeutic for things like ADHD and Alzheimers, as well as a stress relief when needing a screen break or brain break. It brings family members together by 

We like to say kendama chooses people. One of our favorite parts of kendama is meeting other people who love it like we do.

The differences between kendamas are hard to notice when you first start playing. The main thing to take into consideration is the length of the string.  We make them long enough to cut down if you are a beginner.  It takes awhile to get good enough to feel the difference between different shapes and weights, so we encourage you to pick something out that you like the design of and that fits in your budget.  All of our kendamas are meant for beginners as much as they are meant for professionals. 

Picking out your first kendama is a big step for your personal growth, so don’t make it too hard.

The paint on the ball will get dents, scratches, and chips over time, similar to the bottom of a skateboard deck.  This is a sign that you use your kendama, and should be considered marks of experience and pride. 

Over time the wood may wear down with heavy use, especially the point of the spike, but this will only result after many hours of enjoying your kendama. 

The string 

We use kendama to stand out from the crowd.  A key to open conversations, opportunities, and friendships through teaching the world about kendama. It is an every day carry, an accessory to your outfit, and a life tool to use as you see fit. 

Here are the essential things you need to know about how where to begin once you own a kendama

Grip

First Spike (with spin)

Proper hand placement for catching all three cups without moving fingers

Controlling Rotation (earth turn)

Hole control

Advancent moves

Trick lists

There are many games to play with kendama, and most start with a list of tricks. Some you are in control of making your own list of tricks.

Games we like to play: 

Open format / points. 

1. Choose a list of tricks for your skill level.  This can be 2 different lists if players are of different levels of skill.
2. Player one gets 1 opportunity to land the first or a random trick from their list. Player 2 then gets 1 opportunity to land the first or a random trick from their list. If one player is successful, and the other player misses, a point is awarded. 
3. When any player successfully lands their trick, they must move to the next trick on their list. 
4. The first player to 5 points wins.

Speed ladder

1. Players race through a series of tricks. Each trick only needs to be landed once before moving on to the next trick on the list. The player who completes all tricks first wins.  (using a timer to keep track of fastests times over multiple rounds is also fun)

Race to Lace

1. Spin a ken on the ground to determine who goes first. (the spike pointing to who goes first after the spin)
2. Player 1 names the trick that all players will race to land. 
3. Whoever lands the trick gets a point. First player to 3 points wins

K.E.N

Similar to P.I.G. or H.O.R.S.E, the game begins with the first player attempting a trick.  If they land the trick, the next player or all remaining players have 2 tries to land the trick. If you miss, you get a letter. 

On the final letter, you have one “Prove it” to use, in which you can make the other player who first landed the trick successfully land it again in order to give you the last letter.  Or you can choose to land it yourself, but getting 3 tries instead of 2. 

1. Freestyle
2. This is generally reserved for the highest level of players, in which a timer is set to 30, 45, or 60 seconds, and judges determine who had the best run based on creativity, difficulty, originality, and amount of misses that occur in the constant flow of tricks completed in that time frame.