Monster Kendama Guide
Many early misses begin before the tama moves. If the grip is too tight, the cup is tilted or your fingers block the string, a clean catch becomes harder. These three foundational grips give you a reliable starting position for most beginner tricks.
Ken grip for cups and spikes
Hold the handle below the big cup with the spike pointing upward. Keep the thumb and index finger relaxed near the sarado and let the remaining fingers support the handle. This position makes it easy to move between big cup, small cup and spike.
Avoid squeezing. A light grip lets the ken stay level while your knees do the lifting and catching.
Sara grip for cup control
Turn the ken so the spike points down and hold near the lower handle. The sarado sits above your hand, giving the cups room to receive the tama. Sara grip is useful for cup sequences and teaches you to keep the cup plane horizontal.
Check that the string can move freely and is not wrapped around your hand.
Tama grip for balance tricks
Hold the tama with the hole facing upward and allow the ken to hang below it. Keep fingers away from the hole and use a centered, relaxed hold. This is the starting point for airplane, lighthouse and many lunar variations.
Before throwing, let the ken stop swinging. A calm setup removes a variable and makes rotation easier to read.
A five-minute grip drill
Spend one minute entering and exiting each grip without throwing. Then make ten gentle pulls in ken grip and ten in tama grip. Finish by switching grips while keeping the string untangled. Smooth setup is a skill, not dead time.
Frequently asked questions
Which grip should I learn first?
Ken grip is the most useful starting point because it supports basic cups and spike.
Should I use my dominant hand?
Usually yes, but occasional practice with the other hand can reveal posture and control habits.
How tight should I hold the kendama?
Secure enough that it cannot slip, but loose enough that the wrist and fingers stay mobile.