This Week I Learned Kendama

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This week I finally attempted one of the most requested skills for this channel: Kendama. It's a traditional Japanese toy that has a huge range of possibilities for potential tricks. Both difficult and addictive, I found it to be the perfect learn quick. I chose three tricks to try and learn: Earth turn, Lighthouse and Around Europe.

[@MikeBoyd]

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[@bozokapa5898]

Hii

[@EthanJbleethan]

Do balisong next!!! Aka, butterfly knife

[@hypercane2023]

Did you learn how to time travel? 1 day ago lol

[@-Cube]

Thanks

[@theworldofwoo8320]

You used to have interesting content. This is just lame

[@collinsmith6807]

you are actually doing harder variants of the trick than you gave yourself credit for, you caught the ken in penguin grip on the bottom cup and you are doing an inward half flip during your lighthouse. Much harder to do in my opinion. Nice job!!!

[@HyzerFlip]

Was going to say the same!

[@cameronforeman]

@@HyzerFlip hahah me too

[@POWAHOUSEVOS]

Came to give him props for the same reason! Gotta love watching the learning process. Easy to take for granted how satisfying it all was in the beginning after you’ve played regularly for so long. These videos are great!

[@yotamnahir8962]

this guy knows, i was talking to my computer the whole time lmao

[@bartekmarchlinski1720]

i was looking if anyone noticed it, I'm 2 months late to the party but I hope your still jamming dama every so often

[@HalosydneICS]

A fun skill to learn might be throwing a Frisbee! It is deceptively difficult (especially for forehand flicks), and it'd be really fun to see your learning processes applied to it!

[@kosherlystoned]

Let's see Mike try some disc golf!

[@derrickdigiulio4027]

Let's see mike shoot a 900 rated round

[@HalosydneICS]

Full disclosure, I'm an Ultimate Frisbee player and love the sport to bits, and wish more people played it

[@InfinityBladeRecollection]

@@HalosydneICShey me too yeah flicks take a long time especially bladey throws and long hunks

[@HalosydneICS]

@@InfinityBladeRecollection nothing feels quite as rewarding as a good flick huck coming off

[@jackhammer9442]

1 man 2 cups

[@martijnj6797]

Bruhh💀💀

[@DanielBro42]

Top comment

[@wilson2583]

No... just no

[@new4or]

Came here for this comment

[@mariovelez578]

3 cups

[@samopurple]

Nice one!! You even did a few things the hard way! Here are a few bonus tips 1. Always start from a stationary, still, untangled position. 2. Tie a small knot in the string on the outside of the ball to prevent the bead popping out of the hole on your lighthouse. 3. Hole control! Try to land the tama on the cups in a way that you can see inside the hole, and try not to spin in so the string twists or tangles. 4. The direction things move can make tricks easier e.g. Lighthouse -> in is a bit easier with the lighthouse falling toward you so you can watch the spike. 5. KNEES!!!

[@knethen]

for 2. it also works to rest your pinky or ring finger against the string in tama grip, although, if you have a natural grip where your fingers can't reach the string easily this might be too uncomfortable

[@williametzler3743]

What about the playing with a rh strung ken left handed so the easy big cup is harder but the hard small cup is way easier? Also the doing penguin instead of normal base cup? Also swing spike over spike?

[@noavejl917]

Also, he did Pingwin Basecup instead of just a normal Basecup. I was impressed he got it anyway since doing it Pingwin is quite a bit harder

[@derkernsen]

2. Is bullshit dude. Stop knotting your string. So many tricks are hindered by this

[@sh41]

The penguin base cup and the reverse falling down were like... Why is he making it even harder on himself?

[@giapchin]

I immediately went and bought a Kendama because of Mike. Looks challenging, but so satisfying and addicting.

[@wheels808]

try to learn kenflip, it looks cool and surprisingly isnt THAT hard, a couple hours of trying

[@kenjamin_franklin_]

Welcome to the gang! Best community in the world

[@weevilinabox]

I ordered one before I even reached the end of video. It's just arrived and I'm staggered at just how smooth, shiny and _slippery_ the tama is. It has a lower coefficient with of friction with the ken than _anything_ I've encountered in my 35-year engineering career. With the ken manually placed on the tama (as it would be after the first move of lighthouse), if the top of the spike moves more than about 5 mm off vertical, it's game over. Is such low friction normal? Do people roughen their dama? Or maybe wax it? Or do I just need to massively up my game?

[@kenjamin_franklin_]

@@weevilinabox you must have ordered an older generation kendama. The newer kendamas that you can buy directly from the top brands would be significantly easier. I recommend starting with one from @sweetskendamas

[@bradwillard8009]

GET SESHING!!!!!!

[@jasonbest1]

Mike this was INCREDIBLE! I always thought the artful wizardry of the Kendama was lost to time, where I personally learnt it from one of the last few successors we have today - the great Ryan Higa. He moved mountains for the practices of Kendama, championing it across TV, demonstrating the limitless real-world applications of this mere ‘toy’ that we love. Thank you for this video Mike.

[@shapen8370]

Teehee

[@cecillewolters1995]

Man I remember his Kendama toy video, god Ryan has made so much awesome stuff

[@SimplyMTB1]

This man has learnt more things then my entire class has at school😆

[@FlexNiko]

*than .... looks like you didn't learn too much there :D jk

[@bludix_elite]

@@FlexNiko I wanted to say "Maybe he's not native" but I forgot people from Burgerland don't know how to use their own language.

[@FlexNiko]

@@bludix_elite yeah, its mainly the ppl from the US that dont know the differences between then/than and their/there/they're and your/you're

[@bludix_elite]

@@FlexNiko Especially "your/you're" which is incredibly simple to learn but it doesn't surprise me anymore.

[@cmel7841]

certainly more than 4 years at college :)

[@DanielBro42]

I will not rest until I see Mike perform the backflip

[@jcashadventurer]

Was watching Bob Reese teach a kid how to backflip, wondered if Mike had done one yet, and ended up watching this video.

[@dukeofthebedhead1963]

The exact, almost involuntary way he cleans the kendama at 9:59 shows the hours he put into this thing. Mad respect.

[@SarcasmoRex]

Hearing Mike's wife and her joy at his successes just makes me smile.

[@meneermankepoot]

If you found this addictive, i feel like youd really enjoy diabolo-ing as well. There are so many cool diabolo tricks, my favourite was yeeting it up in the air as high as our house and then catching it :D

[@SILVERF0X13]

I think my favorite diabolo trick is the hand grind. Always gets the biggest reaction when performing.

[@rylandines]

As a semi-professional kendama player, this was very exciting to see, and I’d love to see you learn how to whirlwind next!

[@EARFQ]

Really hit the nail on the head with this one Mike!

[@Grandwigg]

He really worked hard to hammer down the details of this skill.

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

Or... the head on the nail?

[@paultal]

Dude, these were sooo huge in Romania in 2016-2017. Literally EVERY KID had one. And we would go outside and play "game of KEN" for HOURSSSS. Good times! Edit: I mean, I know kendamas were huge worldwide a few years ago. I just pointed out that this brought back good memories!

[@gabif7]

Pbn

[@ashesss_9768]

it wasnt just romania my friend.. these were huge in the states then as well, pretty sure everyone at every school i went to knew what these were lol. was curious and went looking and actually managed to find mine from 2013-2014

[@c0hink176]

it was huge in denmark from around 2010 - 2013

[@nessy3098]

@@ashesss_9768must’ve been regional

[@jbinkley22]

We had those fidget spinners get huge in the USA at that time.

[@paperandpasteboard1298]

Dude, the quality on this video was insane! Your shots were beautiful, and everything was so coherent. So well done!

[@gothicchocobo]

I managed to do 'Faster then Gravity' while sitting on a chair, because I was fed up of everyone constantly saying "You've got to use your knees". Have you looking into going to a BJC (British Juggling Convention)? We have a bunch of things you've already done (Juggling, Knife throwing, Unicycling, Kendama, Slacklining) and maybe you'll find a new thing you'll want to learn.

[@steffengunther4261]

Thank you so much for making this video and helping grow the Kendama community! This is very valuable. I really hope you continue your Kendama journey!

[@fabe61]

The level of support from Kim is crazy. Total legend.

[@tropicwaves7591]

shout out sweets kendamas for being the only company to have tutorials from beginner to advanced

[@Murpler]

I think this is my favorite video by you so far. Something about the pacing of this video felt so much better.

[@robin.r]

Ive been kind of waiting for this one because i always thought this would be the perfect thing for you to learn! Would love to see a followup video too. The possibilities are really endless on the kendama, you can always add another trick, or do the trick differently. And once you learn juggles and stalls, this really becomes a ton of fun! I definitely encourage you to stick with it. Great video as always!

[@samantha7309]

LOVE to see this nice long video! Thankyou so much. I always find them so inspiring as I see the time it takes you and what frustrations you overcome to get there. Also Milanote looks perfect to help me with my dog training business to chart each clients progress so thanks for the tip!

[@roguenoodles128]

Love the video! I must say the “kickflip of kendama” has got to be either whirlwind or lunar, tricks that are pretty difficult to learn but once you get them going they never leave!

[@knethen]

Interesting how you ended up learning arguably harder versions for some of the tricks, i.e. penguin catch for bottom cup in around europe and inward in for the lighthouse finish. The penguin catch might be because the kendama was still stringed for right handed play. Normally the big cup is supposed to be facing towards you/up in ken grip, so for you, playing left handed, the cups were flipped.

[@patrickjohnson6916]

I lived in Japan as a kid while my dad was stationed on a US Air Force base. I remember me and my siblings each got one of these one Christmas - thanks for the nostalgia, and well done! Very impressive!

[@tomekmeszka8586]

Mike I love the quality of your videos.

[@adoptedegg_3392]

Love it at the start when he says "Thus uz deh wun, our zehroh"

[@user-fk2wm7iu5g]

Really hit the nail on the head with this one Mike!. Really hit the nail on the head with this one Mike!.

[@nathanfreeman7362]

The thing thats so cool about kendama is how stillness and relaxed tension makes you better. It's a really great way to learn about stillness and balance and tension.

[@archielaborde8213]

as a kendama player id love to see you go further with this.

[@Frogman5125]

I think he should do Around Tunbridge Wells. I just feel like when you can hit that trick on camera, you have a mastery of the basics.

[@burntgrass8066]

I know it’s a reach but if he could learn border balance… if anyone he’s the guy to learn it quick

[@cbd228theawsome7]

he is back!!! always a highlight to my day to watch your videos

[@dragontuberm1127]

Bro these videos really are satisfying, you feel kinda proud that mike gets it in the end it feels like you have been learning the skill as well

[@Physumit]

I've seen all of your videos sir. You're my inspiration.

[@ethangriffiths7802]

Loved this one Mike. I’m always going back through your old videos I just find them and enjoyable watch even years on. And I find these type of object manipulation skills so intriguing, well done on learning this one mate. Keep it up

[@aidanmurray8283]

Let’s go dude! This is an absolute classic Mike Boyd video. Loved this. I think I’ll have to pick up one of these now

[@willgrabham]

I’m convinced this is one of the best channels on KZbin, great job Mike!

[@ValhallaIronworks]

Yessss it's always an exciting day for me when there's a new Mike Boyd video!

[@hunterham9414]

I'd love to see him learn a few off string yoyo tricks. I was kinda into yoyos as a kid but the people who did off string yoyos always blew me away.

[@trpstrseb]

I remember playing with the Kendama all the way in 2016-2017 because it was very popular in my country (Romania) and I love how he came upon the Kendama to actually learn it.

[@alexrowaan7326]

Such a visually satisfying video!

[@PlatinumPPG1]

This is amazing!!! I played kendama hardcore for over 4 years a while ago and loved the game, community, culture, and just everything about kendama. Super sick to see a bigger youtuber make a video about it. Thank you Mike, and much love to my dama homies!

[@somefuckinkid]

This is definitely one of your best videos yet Love it!

[@jcjw9611]

Nothing better than another gd quality post by mike boyd !! 🎉 never disappoints 😊❤

[@rodeotcd]

Gd quality? :)

[@rabbitszn]

so happy to see you finally kendama :)

[@alfiecurnow7429]

well done Mike! Loved the music inn this one

[@Xenix-xb4gw]

love the channel mike. long time viewer and ive never been dissapointed.

[@sinder_78]

Finally you try! As someone who loves kendama I am really excited for this

[@dandymcgee]

i love how excited he gets about a wooden toy. it seems so innocuous, but the amount of sheer willpower and persistence to perform the tricks is truly a wonder of human nature.

[@robertoguerrero2496]

this is amazing i’ve been watching for a bit now and u doing a video on something i love and im okay at is awesome

[@Literemmett]

Yaaaaassss I’m stoked for this video!!!

[@FedericoMaggiore]

Thank you Mike for the part after the sponsor, it's sooo relaxing and intriguing... great video, as always ❤

[@izabelamisiak]

I really appreciate how you talked about the sponsor - useful and interesting. These are the ads I can watch! Also: mad learning skills/strategies, love it!

[@keithmatsumura9966]

Love it!! Kendama joy evident :)

[@VicJang]

Hey Mike, great to see you learn kendama! Kendama is actually my very first skill toy which I received in the 90s and how I got into skill toys in the first place. Glad to see you doing great!

[@vidhoard]

So fun to watch you learn! Also that whole thing about sleep just making you better is so true!

[@ofkhod3638]

This channel is so goated, never fails to entertain

[@FastorFree]

kendama is my absolute favorite thing in the world. been playing for over 10 years now. highly recommend!

[@bennyjackson5149]

Great video Mike! Well done!

[@sambond7166]

Been waiting for this one!

[@sambond7166]

At 5:47, I noticed a few interesting things in your notes. IMO Lunar is much more difficult than lighthouse because of the way you have to pop it up, and Around USA is just around Europe with extra steps, so it’s inherently more difficult. I’d love to see you try both of them!

[@Uriahdoeskendama]

Can’t wait for the next time you do it!

[@Jhawk_2k]

Can we get a video of you attempting as many of the things you've learned as possible? A test or retention?

[@harringtongeorge4441]

that's already a video!

[@AkumaEshi5782]

@@harringtongeorge4441but there’s new skills

[@samueldeter9735]

​@harringtongeorge4441 where?

[@brendonadams7217]

This is a great skill for multiple videos! You can learn airplane, Ken flip, ufo, then even chain tricks together. Keep it up! It’s so rewarding

[@neutralardei2501]

I'm impressed! I think you should try other tricks too, like Bird, Airplane, Around the world, Tama control, etc 👍

[@calebcarl8919]

Dude it’s about time I love it

[@lastnamefirstname8655]

kendama! a great fun toy and skill to learn, mike! great job mike!

[@edwinlundmark]

Naturally the next step should be yo yo! I love it and it actually has more depth than you'd think. Tip: there are multiple types of yo yos, responsive and unresponsive. Responsive yo yos are generally easier and unresponsive are used for more advanced tricks

[@kkt1986]

There is some crossover between yoyo and kendama. Check out Adrian Esteban, who created a whole new genre of kendama play, inspired by yoyo.

[@rafaelgurgel7065]

Excellent video, congrats for the evolution! 👏👏 I experienced the same feeling playing Diabolo!

[@SkaterChan]

I just 3d printed a kendma a few weeks ago, so this is perfect timing!!

[@ChangLRC]

Ok, the fact that your first off, playing a right handed strung kendama, and being left handed. Nuts. Also your doing penguin spike, witch is very much a pain in da but trick. Nuts. Wild

[@cooperirinaga9151]

I have been playing kendama for around 3 and a half years now, seriously one of the most fun hobbies I've ever picked up. It would be so great if you could make a part two! Trying to Juggle, whirlwind, lunar would be awesome to watch!

[@hobbyadventures]

Aewsome!!! Thank you for sharing the joy of kendama. :- )

[@raducimpo1779]

Great job! One thing I have to mention, you learned a harder trick, at the start of the video you presented the lighthouse and then spike it but you learned a harder trick which is inward spike, you rotated the ken in the other way. Nicely done.

[@AchanCham_]

Great video and great job!

[@dennispower4163]

The timing on this couldn't be more perfect! I just bought a Kendama earlier today!! Guess I know what tricks I've got to learn first

[@TunnelStream]

Woah cool! I love all your videos. Thank you for this one!

[@marcfclisse5399]

Great old school video!

[@KendramaCo]

Great job! We want to see you learn Whirlwind next! Worth noting that you’re actually doing more difficult versions of Around Europe, and Lighthouse! The way you’re twisting your wrist in Around Europe is called penguin grip, and you might’ve found twisting your wrist to the other way easier. Similarly, when you complete the “falling-in” piece of Lighthouse, you should flip the ken towards yourself as opposed to away; it makes it easier to track where the spike is in relation to the tama!

[@melindarivera6598]

4:02 this is the best part of the whole video! 😂😂 It's the way he turns around so quickly, looks at the camera with eye WIDE open and says, "Oh my gosh!" 😂😂

[@xremus2003]

Amazing !

[@julienleduc8997]

Excellent video

[@Taracinablue]

Congrats!

[@ConnorKrohnicles]

It’s crazy how high the skill ceiling is for this toy. I remember trying for HOURS to get airplane jumping stick or lighthouse in and now those are extremely easy to me but there’s plenty incredibly hard tricks I feel like I never will do.

[@kostina_]

This is the first TWIL in a year! I'm so hyped!

[@pablozas1907]

Lately I'm obsessed with surfing and I think it is one of the sports with the worst learning curve ever. Scotland is one of the best spots in Europe for it. Learning how to get barrel sounds like a cool video!!

[@ronanh.9261]

This is a great video!

[@rukavogne]

Man you are the best!

[@one.toke.man.]

I love the ending of the video. It’s more cool

[@poppywoo842]

im excited for this

[@CerealKendama]

Great stuff!

[@gabehill8469]

The fact youre doing penguin basecup to spike is actually amazing. (I’ve been playing for 5 years and still can’t get that consistently) a really good way to practice cup consistency is learning the trick called moshikame. Sweets Kendamas should have a tutorial on it. Thank you for making this video and growing the great community!

[@ERey55]

Great job Mike!!! Btw, that video of Kuma is INSANE!! The things they do with and without string are demential... 👀👀👀

[@mr.missthespike]

Awesome video! Hope you're still playing and progressing!

[@kenjamin_franklin_]

This is amazing and captures what all kendama players go through when first learning!

[@ledernierpoisson3889]

U actually did a bit harder version of the around europe , the base cup to spike u did was actually in penguin grip , really cool to see u tried kendama and i hope we'll see you continue grind it 😁 many love from the kendaman fam ❤

[@bradwillard8009]

i’ve been waiting for this video for like 3 years

[@notapplicable7292]

Oh god I desperately want to get my hands on one of these now

[@tatyboy1337]

The foley on the slowmo was well done

[@kelzakdub]

You're so cool bro, this video made me want one