The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Kendama
Welcome to Kendama Gent's Learn Hub. Here you'll find resources for mastering Kendama. Whether you're wondering "what is Kendama" or ready to nail your first tricks, we've got step-by-step tutorials, pro tips, and Belgium-inspired vibes to get you hooked. As a crew of friends building the scene in Gent, we're all about fun, not perfection. Let's play!
Kendama Basic Knowledge
Ken & Tama
The Two Main Parts of Every Kendama
The Kendama consists of just two pieces connected by a string: the Ken (the wooden handle with cups and spike) and the Tama (the ball with a hole). Mastering how these two interact is the foundation of every trick. Search “kendama ken tama” – this is what pros mean when they say “spike the tama” or “cup the tama”.
Beginner tip: Start with larger cups and a softer tama for easier catches.
Big Cup, Small Cup & Base Cup
Your Three Landing Zones
Every Ken has three cups:
• Big Cup – largest, easiest for beginners (start here!)
• Small Cup – tighter, requires more precision
• Base Cup – bottom cup, used for balances and advanced tricks
Learning “Big Cup → Small Cup → Base Cup” progression is the fastest way to level up.
Tama Bevel
The Secret to Clean Spikes
The bevel is the angled rim around the tama’s hole. A perfectly shaped bevel lets the tama slide onto the spike smoothly instead of bouncing off. All pro-level kendamas have a deep, rounded bevel – this is why cheap toys feel impossible to spike.
Pro tip: Check the bevel depth before buying.
The History of Kendama
Kendama's roots trace back to the 17th century in Japan, inspired by the French bilboquet game that washed ashore via trade ships. Originally called "ken tamago" (sword and egg), it was a dexterity tool for samurai training, think precision under pressure.
By the 1930s, it hit mass popularity with standardized shapes and post-WWII, it became a cultural staple. Fast-forward to the 2000s: Western influencers like Paul Rosenberg (founder of KendamaUSA) brought it stateside, sparking a boom. Today, it's huge in Europe and Asia, with pros like Bonz Atron dropping jaw-dropping routines on YouTube.
In Belgium? We're the underdogs building from scratch, jams in Gent parks, collabs with street artists. Join us to rep the EU wave. Fun fact: The Japan Kendama Association (JKA) certifies official tricks; aim for their 101 basics to level up.
COMMUNITY VIBES
From Gent rooftops to Berlin warehouses – every order fuels free jams, high-fives, and zero-ego crew love.
LOCK-IN FOCUS
Spike a ball while the squad roars? You’ll master zen-level focus in chaos – pencil-tip balance, full attention.
FLOW COORDINATION
Hand-eye sync on overdrive – after 50 catches, you’ll snag keys mid-air and glide through life smoother than ever.
Gear Up for Your First Tricks
We’ve tested hundreds of kendamas in warehouses, parks, and rooftop jams across Belgium. Only the softest, most forgiving gear makes the cut for beginners. No splinters. No frustration. Just pure flow from day one.
This is the exact setup we give to every new player at our free Gent throwdowns.
