Monster Kendama Guide
Small cup uses the same basic pull as big cup but demands better alignment. That makes it a useful checkpoint: if you can keep the smaller target level and absorb the tama, your foundational mechanics are becoming reliable.
Find the small cup
In ken grip, rotate the handle until the small cup faces upward. Let the tama hang without swinging. Keep the spike vertical rather than leaning it toward your body.
Use a compact pull
Rise through the knees and guide the tama straight up. Keep your wrist quiet. When the ball clears the rim, descend and receive it with the cup rather than waiting rigidly.
A lower pull gives the tama less time to drift. Make the motion only as large as needed.
Correct alignment errors
Repeated near-side rim hits usually mean the cup is tilted toward you. Far-side misses often come from reaching forward. Reset the ken under the tama's path and watch the center of the ball.
If the string crosses the cup, pause and untwist before the next attempt.
Progress from big to small
Land big cup, pause, then use a tiny hop to transfer the tama to small cup. The transfer teaches cup orientation while keeping the ball under control. Work toward five clean transfers in a row.
Frequently asked questions
Why is small cup harder than big cup?
It has less landing area, so tilt and sideways drift matter more.
Should I turn my wrist during the pull?
Set the cup before pulling and keep the wrist quiet; unnecessary rotation makes the target unstable.
Can I practice transfers before small cup is consistent?
Yes, but first make several direct small-cup catches so you understand the alignment.