Kendama Is Pure Fun for all Ages

Needing a break from riding wildly, but still aiming at impressing the folks with crazy tricks? Then Kendamas are here for you: coming from Japan, these wooden toys consist of a handle (ken), a pair of cups (sarado) and a ball (tama). The latter is connected to the wood by a string, and the main objective is to balance and perform tricks with the ball on either the handle or the cups. There are no specific rules, that’s the great thing about kendama: it is suitable for everyone, and anyone can express him or herself inventing tricks that go against the laws of physics. A kendama toy is a great option for developing balance, focus and reflexes while at the same time having fun.

Kendama is also a growing side-sport in many action sports communities. With a limitless number of tricks you can do and its emphasis on creativity, focus and step-by-step progression, it recreates much of the experience of learning an action sport.

Where Does Kendama Come From?

Kendama has its origins in the French cup-and-ball game bilboquet, but the concept was further developed in Japan, which was the birthplace of the kendama as we know it today. Kendama literally translates as “sword ball” and for a long time has been a classic childhood toy for Japanese children. The size and design of kendama have evolved over the years and, in the last few decades, has become a global phenomenon.

Nowadays, kendama is no longer just a toy but also a sport and subculture and a fun way of bringing people together. For instance, if you consider yourself a kendama pro, there are international kendama competitions to test your skills, including the Kendama World Cup in Japan. 

The kendamas sold at SkatePro are already strung and ready to use right out of the box. In this category you will also find spare strings and some kendama-specific merchandise.