We’ve gathered answers to the questions players ask most — from choosing your first kendama and learning basic tricks to caring for your gear, shipping, wholesale, and everything in between.

Getting Started

What is a kendama?

It’s a classic wooden skill toy from Japan made of two main parts: a handle with three
different-sized cups and a spike at the top, and a wooden ball connected by a
string.

The whole vibe is simple: you toss the ball (or tama) into the air and try to catch it in one of the cups or land it right on the spike. There is no wrong way to play – just flip it, catch it, and have fun.

Is kendama hard to learn?

Not at all.

Most people can land their first trick the first time they pick one up. The challenge isn’t getting started, it’s seeing how much farther you can go.

Take your time, celebrate the small wins, and don’t be surprised if you lose track of time along the way.

Can kids play with it?

Absolutely! Kendama is recommended for ages 8 and up, and it’s a fun challenge for kids, teens, and adults alike. 

One of the best parts is that it naturally brings people together. Before long, everyone’s taking turns to see who can land the next trick first.

Because kendamas include a string and small parts, younger children should always play with adult supervision.

How do I play with friends?

You can totally jam solo, or you can get your crew together for a game of K-E-N. It’s just like H-O-R-S-E in basketball. One person lands a catch, and the next person tries to match it.

Did you miss the cup? Hey, that counts in our book. Just run it back and try again!

How do I get better?

Don’t stress about being an expert. There are no strict rules or coaches here. Just play at your own pace. If a trick takes a few tries, who cares? The whole point is to just have a good time hanging out.

What makes kendama so fun?

Every trick feels like a small victory. You land one, and immediately think, "I bet I can do that again." Before you know it, a quick five-minute break turns into an hour of pure fun.

Why do people love kendama so much?

Because there’s always one more trick to try.

Kendama is relaxing, rewarding, portable, and social. It challenges your coordination without feeling like work, and it’s just as much fun to play with friends as it is by yourself.

Choosing a Kendama

What’s the best kendama for a beginner or a gift?

If you’re buying a gift or just starting out, grab our BK V2. It’s cheap, super durable,
and specifically shaped to make landing your very first tricks as easy as possible. It’s the perfect entry point to the obsession.

Looking for something different? The BK Egg puts a fun twist on traditional kendama with a completely different style of play.

What’s the difference between Sticky and Rubber?

Both finishes help with balance tricks, but they feel a little different.

Sticky offers more grip, making stalls and balance tricks a little easier.

Rubber has a softer feel with a smoother release that many players prefer for faster, more technical play.

No wrong choices here – just pick what feels good.

What makes the BK V2 different?

The BK V2 is our latest kendama shape, redesigned with feedback from players and years of experience building kendamas.

The new shape balances better and plays smoother. It feels just as awesome on your first try as it does on your thousandth.

What is the Bahama Kendama Egg?

The BK Egg is our playful take on the classic.

Instead of a traditional kendama, the whole kendama is shaped like a wooden egg! It completely changes how you catch, unlocks wild new tricks, and gives you a totally fresh way to play.

Playing Kendama

I’m left-handed. Can I still play kendama?

Absolutely. Lefties can do every single trick.

When watching videos, just mirror the movements.

To set up your kendama, just swap the string to the other side of the handle so it fits your grip.

How do I hold a kendama?

Start by holding the handle comfortably in your dominant hand with a relaxed grip.

There isn’t one “correct” way to hold a kendama. As you learn new tricks, you’ll naturally discover different grips and hand positions.

Why does my kendama ball keep slipping off the cups?

Don't sweat it, we’ve all been there. Try bending your knees when you catch the ball (or tama). Think of your knees like shocks on a car – they cushion the catch so the
ball stays put. Just keep practicing, it will click!

Will my wood kendama chip or dent?

Yep, it definitely will! Every scratch and dent just means you’re playing hard and
getting better. Think of it like a well-worn skateboard or a favorite pair of sneakers – the battle scars just show you’re having a good time.

Can I play with a kendama indoors?

For sure, just make sure you’re aware of your surroundings and have a little clearance around you. Watch out for TVs, computer screens and your cat.

Why does my kendama have a little bead?

That little bead does more than you might think.

It keeps your string moving smoothly without tangling up, and reduces friction so your string lasts way longer.

How do I clean my kendama?

A soft, dry cloth is your best bet.

Skip the water and soap. Kendamas are made from wood, so keeping them dry will help them stay looking and playing their best.

Can I wash my kendama?

We would skip that. Water can warp the wood and ruin the finish.

If it gets dirty, a quick wipe with a dry microfiber cloth does the trick.

Why is sticky paint sticky?

Sticky paint isn’t actually sticky like tape.

It’s a specially formulated finish that adds a little extra grip, making balance tricks easier while still allowing the tama to move naturally during play.

Benefits

Is kendama good for hand-eye coordination?

Yeah, it definitely helps.

Every trick asks your eyes, hands, and body to work together, making kendama a fun way to practice coordination, timing, patience, and focus.

Is kendama good for ADHD?

Many players say kendama helps them focus because it keeps both their mind and hands busy.

While we can’t make medical claims, it has become a favorite screen-free activity for many families, teachers, and players of all ages to help channel energy and focus.

Is kendama good for autism?

Every person is different, but many families enjoy kendama because it encourages
movement, patience, coordination, and creative play at your own pace.

Is kendama a sport?

It can be if you want it to be.

Some people love competing in contests, while others just like playing recreationally with friends and family. There’s no wrong way to enjoy kendama.

Orders & Support

How long does shipping take?

We work hard to get your order out the door as quickly as
possible.

Orders placed Monday through Friday before 1:00 PM ET typically ship the same business day. Orders placed after 1:00 PM ET usually ship the next business day.

When placing your order, you can choose the shipping option that works best for you:

  • USPS Ground Advantage: 4-6 business days (free on U.S. orders over $40)
  • USPS Priority Mail: 2-3 business days
  • FedEx Express: 1-2 business days

You’ll receive tracking information as soon as your order is on its way.

Do you ship internationally?

We do!

Bahama Kendama ships to customers around the world using USPS and FedEx. Most international orders ship the same day or the next business day.

Keep in mind that delivery times can vary once your package reaches your destination country, and international orders may be subject to customs duties, taxes, or import fees.

Those charges are determined by your country’s customs office and are the responsibility of the recipient.

Can I return my order?

Absolutely. If your item is unused, in its original packaging, and it’s been 30 days or less since it arrived, you’re welcome to return it for a refund or exchange. 

Unless the item is defective, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.

If your order arrives damaged or you believe there’s a manufacturing defect, reach out to us at Hello@BahamaKendama.com. We’ll help make it right.

My order arrived damaged. What should I do?

We’re sorry to hear that.

Send us your order number along with a few photos of the damage to Hello@BahamaKendama.com, and we’ll help make it right.

I entered the wrong shipping address.

Reach out as soon as you can to Hello@BahamaKendama.com.

If your order hasn’t shipped yet, we’ll do everything we can to update the address before it heads out.

Do you offer wholesale?

We do! If you run a toy store, skate shop, hobby spot, or gift boutique, we would love to team up. Head over to our Wholesale page to open an account.

Community

Where can I learn new tricks?

Our Good Times blog, YouTube channel, and social media are great places to discover beginner tutorials, trick ideas, and inspiration from the Bahama Kendama
community.

Do you sponsor players?

We do not have a standard sponsor team, but we always love connecting with people
spreading the love for kendama. If you are a creator or educator making cool
things happen, let us chat!

Where can I meet other kendama players?

Groups are popping up everywhere! Look for local kendama meet-ups, juggling clubs, or yo-yo groups. You can also follow our socials to see where the BK crew is
hanging out next.

Does Bahama Kendama sponsor events or community programs?

We love supporting efforts that help more people discover kendama. If you’re organizing an event, festival, school program, club, or community initiative, we’d love to hear about it. While we’re not able to support every request, we review each
submission carefully.

Please complete our sponsorship request form to get started.

→ Submit a Sponsorship Request