Once, long ago, Alex made a kendama edit. Today we’re happy to share his second edit, showcasing a few of his latest tricks and adventures! Clips from southern Europe, Canada, Taiwan and Japan, with guest appearances from the Bitter Beans crew and James Mikes! Filmed and edited by Alex Smith, additional filming by Kristin Olinyk.
Enjoy!
Song: Architecture in Helsinki – Frenchy I’m Faking
As the game has evolved, so have I had to evolve with it. There’s just too much history for me to turn back from kendama now. ‘Colin Sander – Practicing Kendama’ sees me working on some of the harder, ‘new-school’ style tricks. I can honestly say I’ve challenged myself physically and mentally to come through with this jam edit. I’m in better shape than I have been in years and have improved flexibility, and a knee that’s finally healed from surgery. These factors all helped me lay down some heavy hitting tricks that I present to you here.
There is some riding funk thrown in for fun to break up the madness. Sorry for not sessioning outside, but these were cold, calculated, introspective learning experiences. Special thanks to Matt Ballard and Kristian Aynedter who really helped me learn in the early stages. Good luck to everyone at the Kendama World Cup, It amazes me the level of play that is out there now, and I’m thankful to be involved in it.
new inventions for this edit:
cork kenflip. (3 twist 1 flip)
double-kenflipping juggles.
nollie tre flip (sara grip)
‘sh*t stained juggalo’ (credit: Andrew McIntyre)
aka double-kenflip juggling around the world
‘traveling’ (trip 2 trip [whirlie])
track: Kixxie Siete – Kixxie 7
Just so you all know, this is not my tenth edit… My tenth edit, ‘Kendama X’, is going to be an immersive kendama experience that reaches and takes place in far flung corners of the globe, harnessing the talents of many people both in front-of and behind the camera. When Kendama X finally reaches fruition, You will all have the chance to own it and experience it, and it will be the first of it’s kind in the juggling community. Patience, young grasshoppas.
-Colin
The homies over at Sac Kendama got a spot on Good Day Sacramento today. It’s fun checking out the skills of news hosts during these reports in different parts of the country. This guy got pretty dialed for on-air! Huge thanks for the shout outs to Kendama USA, Metropolis Comix, and for rocking the Tribute shirts and hoodies!
We cannot even find the words to describe this movie. Absolutely unparalleled quality. A unique glimpse into the Kendama community around the world. Matt Ballard and WKT have outdone themselves, and helped to tell an amazing story that needed to be told. No need to read anymore … Just watch and enjoy.
Published on Dec 16, 2012
Kendama is more than just a toy. It is the focal point of a community of people brought together by a common passion. From their hometown of Wenatchee, WA to the impoverished streets of Burundi, Africa, Where We Are follows Wenatchee Kendama Team as they take part in different communities around the globe.
Visit us at- Facebook.com/WenatcheeKendamaTeam
Buy your kendamas at- KendamaUSA.com
Starring WKT- Alex Loomer, Alex Winters, Chris Ringering, Chris Rodrigues, Conner Walsh, Greg Ringering, Jacob Resler, Keith Matsumura, Matthew Ballard, Nick Mayo, Scott Paine, Will Burwell, Zack Winters
Friends- Turner Thorne, Alex Smith, Jake Wiens, Dave Mateo, TJ Kolesnik, Hunter Bailey, Dana Fenster, Kristian Aynedter, Adam Kingman, Thomas Holzer, Daniela Von Rohr, Daniel Perez, Marta Queralt, Dan Robinson
Sponsors- KendamaUSA
Directed, Filmed, and Edited by- Matthew Ballard
Shot On Location- Washington, Idaho, Nevada, California, Switzerland, Spain, Burundi
Final finished 
Plenty of bangers plus some quick-shots from my trip to California and around Canton. I wanted to create a higher energy kendama edit and took inspiration from the music video for the song DIE SLOW by HEALTH. All rights to HEALTH
In this powerful, long-form showcase- one day of Japanese kendama-play is documented. Top performers from across the globe spend quality time with one another in the land o’ the dama. This was just one of many days during a blessed summer trip for WKF2012. I photographed so much, but had such little time upon my return I have only now begun to reach the footage. The longer-yet piece, ‘Peak Performance Kendama’ is in the works, including the whole of this trip, as well as the KG Roots tour, and more. One Day In Japan shows the joys of veteran-form… we didn’t set out after stunts. … this time.
Featuring:
Alex Ruisch
Jeffrey Van Reeven
Kenta Sakamoto
Tomoya Mukai
Rodnel Ansell
Tamotsu Kubota
Tajima Akira
Katsuaki Shimadera
Colin Sander
Musc by:
Beck
Phillip Glass
Rocket Juice & The Moon
www.KendamaUSA.com
www.colinsander.com
Zack Yourd has always been a stylish and innovative Kendama player. This 5 trick fix showcases some unbelievably difficult, technical, and progressive tricks.
Zack’s new Kendama USA Pro Model was just released earlier this year. Check his and others out here
This edit was filmed largely while on a month-long vacation in Europe, with a couple clips from earlier this spring making an appearance as well. Huge thanks to everyone at KendamaUSA for all their help and support- I’m proud to be a part of their family. Kendama is growing, this is only the beginning. Keep practicing.
All tricks performed on Tribute Kendamas, except for one performed on an OG green Oozora.
Filmed by Kristin Olinyk and Alex Smith, Edited by Alex Smith.
Alex’s pro model is available now in the STORE.
The Kendama USA Pro Team is made up of a distinguished, talented, and positive group of Kendama players. These seasoned veterans have been true innovators, pioneers, and inspirations to the growing number of Kendama players around the world. Each team member has chosen his own unique engraving and tama color for this very special product release.
The 2012 Pro Models use a dense, high quality dark cherry wood for the Tama. This extra weight gives your Kendama a unique feel, sound, and control while playing. Each Pro Team member has his signature laser engraved into the handle. Inside our brand new packaging, you’ll find an envelope stuffed with a handful of fresh stickers, and instruction guide, and and extra string and bead. A portion of every purchase goes directly to that player. Help support your favorite Pro!!!
The Pro Models have been our fastest selling Kendamas to date. Act fast to be sure and get your piece of history! If your local store does not carry Kendama USA products, let them know you want them before they’re gone. You can also order the Pro Models online in our web store HERE.
We have been receiving questions in our inbox daily. We will address some of those specific questions here:
When will the Pro models be out?
NOW!!! Check them out in the store.
What color is Alex Smith’s Pro Model?
This is Alex’s first Pro Model from Kendama USA. He has chose Sage Green as his color. Great pick!
Why did the rest of the team choose the same colors as last year?
We wanted to improve on the Pro Models we produced last year. There have been huge improvements to our manufacturing process, materials, and overall product design. We wanted to re-release the original colors along with Alex’s pro model for our supporters to have a higher quality version of our classic Pro Model.
Will you ever pick new colors for the Pro Models?
Yes. The next version of Pro Models (2013) will have all new colors.
What else is different about this Pro Model series?
We have been tweaking the dimensions of our Ken on each production. Compared to the most recent batch of Tributes (spring/summer 2012), the Pro Model kens have slimmed down just a bit where you grip the ken, and have also thinned down the spike for a precision spiking experience. The Tributes have always been noted for their excellent balance and weight distribution, and the Pro Models are our newest tweak to an already superior Ken.
Will you keep making this version of Pro Models?
We don’t plan to. After this production is gone, we plan to move forward with some of our new ideas for 2013.
Who is the next Pro?
We’ll find out in 2013!!!
Adam Kingman is a great human. Talented, positive, and just so happens to enjoy Kendama as he travels all over the world. This edit is inspirational on many levels. Great work, much respect!
TJ Kolesnik just dropped a new edit. Soaking up the summertime swimming, kayaking, cruising the beach, and bringing the Kendama along for the ride. Enjoy!!! Oh yeah.. and there’s UNDERWATER DAMA!!!!!! Watch out for mermaids.
