Kendama progress is built on relaxed knees, soft catches and consistent practice. Clear some space, keep the string untangled and work through these seven foundations.
1. Big Cup
Hold the ken with the big cup facing upward. Lift the tama using your knees and let it rise instead of pulling it sharply. Lower your body as the tama lands.
2. Small Cup
Use the same motion with the small cup. Keep the cup underneath the tama and absorb the catch.
3. Base Cup
Turn the ken so the base cup faces upward. Keep your elbow relaxed and guide the tama vertically.
4. Spike
Track the hole as the tama rises. Move the spike underneath it and cushion the catch—do not stab at the tama.
5. Airplane
Hold the tama, swing the ken forward and guide the spike into the hole. Practice a straight swing before adding speed.
6. Earth Turn
From spike, pop the tama just high enough for one controlled rotation. Watch the hole throughout the turn and catch softly.
7. Lighthouse
Hold the tama and lift the ken so the base cup lands on top. A grippy tama helps, but level hands and knee control matter most.
A simple practice plan
Give each trick ten deliberate attempts. End with the trick that feels most fun, and record one clean make. Explore our complete kendama collection when you are ready for your next setup.