How to Candle Stick kendama

Kendama is a traditional Japanese skill toy that has recently gained popularity around the world. The object of the game is to catch the ball attached to a string on the various cups and spikes of the kendama. One of the key tricks in the kendama world is the candlestick. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to do the candlestick and offer tips for success.

What is the Candlestick Trick?

The candlestick is a variation of the bottom cup trick, where the player holds the kendama by the spike and pulls up the ball, catching it in the bottom cup while holding the skinny, candlestick-shaped spike. This trick requires a combination of hand-eye coordination, balance, and body control.

How to Perform the Candlestick Trick:

1. Start by holding the kendama upside down by the spike with your left hand.
2. Use your right hand (pointer, middle, and thumb fingers) to grab the candlestick on the peg.
3. Pretend like you’re about to do a spike, but instead aim to get the ball on the bottom cup.
4. Stand with your feet wide apart, bend your knees, and come up and recoil with the ball as it lands.

Tips for Success:

1. Make sure to bend your knees to provide a stable base for the trick.
2. Recoil when you catch the ball in order to provide a soft landing.
3. Kendama is not just about hand motion, it involves the whole body. Make sure to use your body to control the kendama and ball.
4. Practice Makes Perfect:Keep practicing the trick until you can do it smoothly. Remember to bend your knees, keep the motion straight up and down, and pretend you’re spiking it. With time and practice, you’ll be getting candlesticks in no time.

Variations and Advanced Versions

There is a variation of the candlestick called the candleslide, which is a combination of a falling trick where you work against gravity and catch the ball in a candlestick. As you become more confident with the candlestick, you can strive to achieve this advanced variation.

Kendama in the Larger World of Play

The candlestick is a trick that is used in several different mini-games and is also part of many beginner ladders. If you plan on competing, the candlestick is a good trick to add to your arsenal.

Skills to Focus On

In order to successfully perform the candlestick, players should focus on building hand-eye coordination, balance, and body control. Practicing these skills through various kendama tricks will help you reach your goal of mastering the candlestick.

The candlestick is a challenging yet rewarding trick in the world of kendama. By following the steps outlined in this article and focusing on developing the necessary skills, you can master this iconic trick. As you continue to play and improve, don’t hesitate to try new tricks and push your limits. Happy kendama playing!

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Inspiration:

Here are some examples of expert kendama players performing the candlestick: