KIN Learn

Learn kendama

Free guides from the KIN crew. Whether you just unboxed your first kendama or you are chasing harder combos, start here.

  • 3 free guides
  • From first spike to restringing

Guides

Pick your guide

Your learning path

From first catch to first combo

Most players learn the same tricks in roughly this order. Take your time, every step builds on the last one.
  1. Step 1: Big cup, small cup, base cup

    Pull the tama up with your legs and catch it in each cup. This teaches you the up-and-down rhythm behind every trick.

  2. Step 2: Spike

    Spin the tama, pop it up and land it on the spike. Your first spike is the moment most players get hooked.

  3. Step 3: Moshikame and around the world

    Link cups together: bounce between big cup and base cup (moshikame), then travel through all three cups and finish on the spike.

  4. Step 4: Your first combos

    Once the basics feel easy, chain tricks together. Join a session with other players to learn faster.

Play together

Join the KIN Discord

Learn faster with other players. In our Discord you can share clips, ask for tips, join online sessions and take part in the trick of the month challenge. You also get every KIN update first: new drops, events and giveaways.

Looking for tutorials and inspiration? Our YouTube channel is full of them.

Join our Discord

FAQ

Questions? Answers.

What is the easiest kendama trick to learn?

Big cup. Hold the ken, let the tama hang still, bend your knees and pull the tama up into the big cup. Most people land it within minutes.

How long does it take to learn kendama?

Most beginners land their first cup tricks on day one and their first spike within a few sessions. Ten minutes of practice a day is enough to see fast progress.

Which kendama should I start with?

A beginner-friendly kendama with balanced weight and grippy paint, like the KIN BASE series, makes your first tricks much easier.

Is kendama good for kids?

Yes. Kendama trains focus, patience and hand-eye coordination without a screen, which is why more and more schools use it in class.

KIN BASE kendamas in five colors lined up outdoors

Start playing

Ready for your first kendama?

The KIN BASE series is made for beginners: balanced beech wood, grippy paint and five colors.