Kendama USA

Posts Tagged ‘juggle’

Hong Kong Youth Wins World Juggling Championships With A Kendama

The IJA Festival, hosted by the 75-year-old International Jugglers’ Association (IJA), is a grand 7-day juggling industry event. The Festival took place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in mid-July this year. There were eight performers on stage every day, and thousands of people in attendance watching the performances.

22-year-old Hong Kong youth, Pu Ho Lam, participated in the competition with a kendama as his juggling prop; immediately standing out from the competition.

“The audience was very enthusiastic, and when the music played and before the performance officially started, they already gave me cheers. When I completed a beautiful movement, they would applaud and cheer. Everyone was very engaged, especially after the performance, when the audience stood up and clapped, I was so surprised!”

Many of the contestants were talented and some of them have set Guinness World Records. But Pu didn’t let that get to him.

“My attitude was to ‘enjoy the stage,’ if I keep thinking about whether I could win or lose, then I put too much pressure on myself.”

After the performance, Ho Lam left the stage feeling like a winner just from the crowds reactions but then there was another unexpected surprise, the judges announced his score, and he was the 2022 IJA Juggling Championships Champ!

“It was a dream come true. My head was blank, I didn’t know what to think so I just went on to accept everyone’s applause. I was humbled b/c I was already happy just to be there and be able to perform on the international stage level but winning was truly a bonus.

And although Ho Lam did not have his family and friends with him when he won the trophy in America, Niels Duinker, a juggler who holds 8 Guinness World Records, took the initiative to congratulate him on winning the award. This overwhelmed him. He said,

“I watched Niels’s video when I started learning juggling. I wouldn’t be a good juggler without him!”

Ho Lam happily took a photo with Niels and had a brief exchange with him. Niels also gave his autograph on the KendamaUSA Kendama which he used in the competition. This experience became his precious memory of that day.

Pu Ho Lam & Niels Duinker.jpg

The short trip to Cedar Rapids was an eye-opener for Ho Lam. He not only witnessed in person the performances of jugglers from all over the world but it also inspired him to continue on his journey. Now he is studying a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering at the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong and is working in the field.

Want to get into Kendama? Check out our recommended kendamas for beginners:
https://shop.kendamausa.com/collections/best-kendamas-for-beginners

Sources:

Zeng, Jenny. (2022, September 28). Hong Kong Performer Wins World Juggling Championships Despite a Bumpy Road? The Epoch Times.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/hong-kong-youth-wins-world-juggling-championships-despite-a-bumpy-road_4759764.html

 

Continue Reading...

7 Ways to Keep Active With Kendama This Summer

7 Ways to Stay Active This Summer With Kendama

Here are seven ways to keep active with Kendama this summer:

1. Learning New Kendama Tricks
We’ve got over 75 Kendama trick tutorial videos that will teach you not only the basics but also intermediate and advanced Kendama tricks. Try dedicating an hour to Kendama each day. Pick 3-5 tricks you want to get better at, prep your playlist with our tutorials, and have fun!

2. Go To A Local Kendama Jam
There are jams, events, and tournaments happening all around the globe.
Check out our events page on our Facebook profile to check out some jams near you.

https://www.facebook.com/kendamausa/events

3. Start Your Own Kendama Jam
If you can’t find a jam near you then start your own! With three simple steps, you can host a jam in no time!

  • Step 1: Find a Venue
    • The easiest thing to do is go to your local public park and find a great spot with ample space.
  • Step 2: Decide on Day and Time
    • What day will your jams be on and at what time?
  • Step 3: Get the Word Out!
    • Lastly, make a flyer and throw it up on Facebook or  Instagram.

Here are some other ideas to get the word out about your jam. You can ask your school to make mention of your jam in their summer newsletter. If you go to church, you can ask them to make mention of your jam to the everyone. Don’t forget to let us know about it too and we’ll let everyone in the community know!

4. Create a Custom Kendama

If you are into arts & crafts, painting your own custom Kendama is a great activity. You can add some flare to a painted Kendama or start on a natural, just have fun with it!

5. Make A Kendama Edit

Film yourself lacing your favorite trick or even a clip of a trick you are trying to land.
Post it on Instagram, Facebook, or your favorite social channel and tag us! #kendamausa @kendamausa



6. Create a Kendama Jam Playlist

Many players play to music and catch tricks to rhythms and beats. Check out this playlist by one of our pros!


7. Explore Your Environment

Grab a friend and go on a walk in your neighborhood, park, or even go on an adventurous hike. Don’t leave home without your Kendama!

Continue Reading...