Kendama: This Old Dog Learning New Tricks
Somehow, I ended up as an organizer on the Sponsors Team for WordCamp Asia 2025. During the event, a member of the Design Team, Hsu Che Wei / Tetsuya Hsu from Taipei and who is "Also kendama player" would walk around with a kendama around his neck. He often let fellow organizers try their luck and have a little fun with the traditional Japanese skill toy during brief periods of downtime in the organizers' room. I would glance over for a few seconds of amusement and didn't give it much thought at the time. I was too overstimulated zooming around the PICC. This was in February.
I thought I'd try something new in late September, after my father-in-law passed away at 88 in mid-August and my mom passed away at 75 in early September (less than two years after my dad).
I purchased my first kendama online and have four of them so far. Since then I have also gifted quite a few to family and friends.
Here are some of my beginner practice videos. Enjoy.
2025-Oct-05
Beginner Kendama hat trick.
Just Sunday evening things.
Gesundheit, Johann!
Video by Anton.
2025-Oct-18
Kendama practice.
2025-Nov-27
Just a quick speed run to almost 30 reps on my favorite "kintsugi" kendama.
2025-Dec-15
Monday. 11:30 AM.
Wat Arun, Bangkok, Thailand.
After attending WordCamp Bangkok 2025.
Count with me...
Hat tip to Carlo for taking the video and Keza for her voiceover.
Thanks for watching!
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