HOW TO PLAY KENDAMA

If you’re learning how to play kendama for the first time, start here. Below you’ll find the beginner steps we teach new players in-person.

Your first spike

Hold the Ken (handle) upright:
spike pointing up, big cup facing your chest.

Keep the string hole on the inside of your body to help avoid tangles while playing.

Place your thumb and index finger just beneath the big and small cups for control.

Let your remaining three fingers rest naturally along the handle. Whatever grip feels best for you is the right one.

The Spin

Use the top hole of the tama (ball) as a visual guide. The spike target is always on the opposite side

Let the tama hang naturally below the ken-hand, resting and not swinging

Grip the tama with your fingertips, give a short controlled snap to start the spin

Lightly pinch the string above the tama for a moment to remove wobble and keep the rotation smooth and stable underneath your hand

Use Your Body

(Standing makes this step much easier!)

Stand naturally with your feet shoulder-width apart, place one foot slightly forward for balance.

Bend your knees slowly and lower your body, keeping the movement smooth and controlled.

Straighten your legs and use your whole body to pop the tama gently upward, aiming for about eye or shoulder height.
As the tama rises, move the ken-hand into position, align the spike directly under the bal.

Let the tama fall onto the spike don’t jab or force it, allow it to settle naturally.

LACED!

Follow these steps with patience and you’ll land your first spike before you know it. Mistakes aren’t failures! they’re part of learning. Every miss teaches you something new, so reset, breathe and give it another try with confidence.

The Spin Spike is your first big breakthrough in kendama. Once you can hit it consistently, try the same trick without the spin and push your level even further. Mastering this beginner trick doesn’t just unlock your progress, it gives you the skills to help someone else land their very first spike too.

Keep going, stay curious and enjoy every moment of learning kendama.

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