Monster Kendama Guide
Watch an experienced player and the most important movement may happen below the waist. Knees create lift, match the falling object and soften impact. Learning to use them well can improve nearly every trick without changing your kendama.
Build a neutral stance
Stand with feet around shoulder width apart, toes comfortable and weight balanced. Keep the chest tall, shoulders loose and the kendama in front of your body. You should be able to bend without your heels lifting.
Give yourself clear space overhead and around the string. A stable stance is athletic, not rigid.
Use knees in three phases
First, bend slightly before the pull. Second, extend smoothly to create upward motion. Third, bend again as the tama or ken reaches the catch. That last movement reduces bounce because your body travels with the object.
Think down, up, down. The hands guide alignment; the legs supply much of the vertical motion.
Why soft catches matter
A hard, stationary cup makes the tama rebound. A cup descending at nearly the same speed allows the ball to settle. The same principle helps lighthouse and lunar: matching the ken's fall gives the balance point time to stabilize.
Two drills
For cup catches, pull the tama only to waist height and exaggerate the final knee bend. Aim for ten quiet catches. For tama-grip balance, make low, controlled pulls and catch the ken on the base cup without rushing the final drop.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to squat deeply?
No. Most movements use a small, controlled bend. Depth should match the height and speed of the trick.
Why does the tama bounce out of the cup?
Common causes are a rigid catch, a tilted cup or pulling too hard.
Can knee technique help spike tricks?
Yes. It gives you more time to track the hole and keeps the final spike controlled.