And so, I stumbled upon Jeremy's post on the Kendama Jam in Facebook. Kendamas have been quite a hit lately. In my opinion, it only got into the craze lately because of the influence of the Mings, Jeremy, Shawn, etc. The news spread like bush fire and it didn't take long for my news feed to be flooded with tricks and videos of Kendama.
So what is this Kendama? I could google it up and just paste the definition for you, but why should I, when you could check it out yourself? Let me just entertain you with my thoughts on the Kendama.
It was my first time getting so close to a Kendama. I wasn't even expecting to try one neither. When I sat down at Whisk, Outpost with my cup of Latte, I just watched as everyone did their tricks.
Newcomers were also seen picking up some tricks from the Pros who were already there. It didn't take long til the place was crowded. It worried me a little because the staff were walking in and out, fearing that they would shoo everyone away for blocking the path and also hogging on to the tables. Thank God, they were nice enough to let us jam and stand around like a mob was about to start.
At first, I thought to myself, how hard could it be? All I need to do is get that stick to go through a hole at the bottom of the ball. Just pull it upwards and with a steady hand, stuff that hole with the stick! Well, little did I know that I was so wrong!
Thanks to Ming Li, she lent me a Kendama and taught me to do the simple tricks first. I had to bounce the ball up and then catch it at the side of the Kendama, then flipping it on the other side and vice versa. It only took me less than 10 minutes to get that trick. However, getting it into the hole was a whole other universe to me.
I eventually gave up, sat down and started videoing and taking pictures of everyone around me instead. Try spotting familiar faces. :)
I was lucky enough to watch Ming Yue do tricks on a yoyo later on. I miss the days where I got to play my bumblebee and proyo. I remember how proud I was in primary school to be able to do simple tricks such as "walk the dog", "around the world", etc while my friends could not. Watching him and his friend do it in front of my eyes was just crazy. Those were stuff I have not tried or even attempted to do before. I only could watch in awe...
Time flew really quickly and I had to make a move, bidding everyone farewell with a Selfie. I only had 3 hours to get home, shower and catch the bus that never comes to KL Sentral for my trip back to Ipoh. It was a great time spent at the Kendama Jam. Would definitely get one soon and perhaps join the fun.
For those who are interested in getting one, do find them on Facebook! "Kendama Culture"