Join us in celebrating the newest Kendama USA Pro; Zachary Magnuson! Zach’s dedication to the sport and community can be seen in his progression as both a player, a member of the community, and a videographer. Zach began his Kendama journey in 2014, while in high school and started competing shortly after. We first met Zach at Dama in the D2 and was asked to join Kendama USA’s Tribe team in 2018. Zach’s tenacity to pursue his passions and perfect his skills lead him to exactly where he wants to be.
Zach is currently a senior in college studying photography and film. When he isn’t studying he’s either playing kendama or working on a project he continues to be an inspiration to people and players around him and shares Kendama wherever he goes. Lets all welcome Zach to the team!
Zach Magnuson, a 19-year-old Kendama phenom from Motor City; Detroit, MI, has been playing Kendama for four and a half years and is now on Kendama USA’s Tribe Team! When he isn’t playing Kendama he’s either out shooting pics or making videos about Kendama! In his 2nd year of college at MCC, Zach claims to love school more than DWesty and plans on graduating with a degree in photography and video work. Zach’s progression, passion, and community involvement have propelled him into the limelight and he’ll continue to leave a positive impact on those around him on KUSA’s Tribe team.
“I was introduced to Kendama by a high school classmate who had recently returned from a trip to Japan. My 1st Kendama was a red Duncan Kendama from Toys R Us. I describe my playstyle as very fast paced & new school but I’m still being creative with it. Wyatt asked me to be on Tribe at this year’s Dama in the D comp. Wyatt and I actually met at Dama in the D2 but it wasn’t until D4 that we got to know each other. By the time D5 rolled around, I had honed my skills like never before and I placed in the top 10, even besting Wyatt in open 3-0.”
The Monk Kendama crew out of Michigan are taking Kendama to another level! Their dedication is highlighted in this amazing 32 min movie where you will find them traveling around the country slaying some of the sickest tricks you will see this year! Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Recently, TJ Kolesnik and Haley Bishoff spend the weekend in Grand Haven, Michigan at the Great Lakes Kite Festival playing, spreading and teaching kendama. Some local players came out for the weekend to jam, making even more people at the festival get stoked on kendama. TJ and Haley stayed with Phoenix Kite Collective, who is a group of incredibly talented kite flyers who perform synchronized routines to music.
It’s really awesome to see different communities join together and share what they do. Kites and Kendama have more in common than you may think. They both require hand eye coordination, patience and are both very satisfying once you learn your first skill.
Without the help of Mac Kites and KendamaUSA, this epic weekend would not have been possible. Huge thanks to everyone who made the weekend great! We hope to come back next year!
