How Many Ways Can You Catch a Ball?

The Kendama is just as famous among Japanese learners for the trouble it can get you in if you slightly mispronounce it (something to do with male anatomy), as it is for the seemingly impossible task of catching the ball on the spike. The way I was taught to play, there are five progressively difficult ways to catch the ball. If you really want to master the kendama though, try the British Kendama Association website to see what you're in for.

Beginner: Catch the ball in the large scoop.
Intermediate: Catch the ball in the small scoop.
Intermediate: Catch the ball in the scoop at the bottom of the handle.
Advanced: Catch the ball on the neck. (With some kendama, like the one in the video, the neck:ball ratio is too small for this trick.)
Expert: Catch the ball on the spike.

The first four are relatively easy, since they require little more than practice and the ability to dip your hand slightly as a shock absorber as the ball hits the target. The last challenge is well nigh impossible unless you know the trick.

SPOILER ALERT: I am about to reveal the trick that will make your path to kendama mastery much easier. If you prefer to solve the problem for yourself, stop reading now. Don't watch the video. It's not too late!



And the trick is . . . First off, to those of you who figured it out for yourself and are only now returning just to make sure our answers match, congratulations. To my more impatient readers seeking the shortcut on the path to enlightenment, you will find no judgement here. Some good soul taught me the trick after watching me struggle with it for a while.

Sorry about that digression. The trick is simple. Spin the ball. Spinning the ball creates enough force to keep the hole at the bottom while you toss the ball into the air, giving you a much better chance of catching it on the spike. There’s no guarantee you’ll catch it every time, but you’ll get it soon enough to impress anyone watching.

Random Kendama Fact: The character Yatterman uses a kendama as his main weapon in the Tatsunoko vs. Capcom video game.