We are proud to announce Alex Smith as the winner of our annual contest, and the newest addition to the Kendama USA Pro Team.

Alex’s edits clearly showed a wide variety of talent and professionalism. Amazing tricks, technical ability, creativity, lifestyle, personality, and production value. He has already made a positive mark in the Kendama community, and we couldn’t be happier to have him as part of the family here. If you haven’t seen them already, make sure to check out his edits below.

We also want to tip our hats to everybody who entered this year, and especially those who came very close in the 2nd round. The quality of the entries absolutely blew our minds, and we have immense respect toward everybody who participated. It was by far the most difficult contest we’ve ever had to judge, so hold your heads up and give yourselves the well deserved credit for what you accomplished. We hope you had a fun time making the edits, and can’t wait for next year.

much respect
-Kendama USA

Round 1

Round 2

The full Tribute Kendama Line is coming out in February 2012, but we have a limited release this holiday season. The Tributes are the new and improved upgrade from the Kendama USA Premiere Line.

These high quality Kendamas use only the best beech wood which is FSC certified, to ensure sustainable forestry practices. We have improved the handle assembly to create the strongest Ken ever made. Unlike older traditional style Kendama handles, this contemporary style does not separate during play, and simplifies the re-stringing process. The Tribute can be re-strung between right and left handed play simply and easily without taking the handle apart.

We now use a much higher quality string, which is custom woven with high quality fibers and offers more strength and flex during play. The handle has also been beveled to reduce friction, and eliminate the need for string guards.

The Ken is now thicker toward the middle of the handle, improving the balance and weight distribution for many tricks including lunars.

Every Tribute Kendama comes in professional packaging, and includes an instruction manual in English, free stickers, plus a replacement string and bead pack.

We have been experimenting with dozens of new paint techniques for the Tribute Kendamas. Please note that the paint on this limited release of Tributes does tend to chip a bit quicker than the much-improved paint that will be used on the Kendamas coming out in February.

This is going to be an amazing round!

Just got this entry in from Keith Matsumura

TJ just dropped his edit too!

This is getting crazy! Daniel’s is now up.

Daniela and Thomas from Switzerland!

Jimmy Jacobson representing!

Canton Legend Danny Mason

Julian Down getting Down

Dave Mateo showing some steez

Gerard played so hard it landed him in the ER!

Epic Edmonton – Alex Smith