Buy Kendama Online
PRIME SPORT STRIPE - HOME TEAM
PRIME RADAR - BLUE
PRIME RADAR - GREEN
PRIME RADAR - RED
PRIME GRAIN SPLIT 2.0 - VEGGIE
PRIME GRAIN SPLIT 2.0 - CMYK
PRIME 5 STRIPE - SLUSHY
PRIME 5 STRIPE - PONCHO
PRIME 5 STRIPE - DOUGIE
BOO JOHNSON - SACRED - LEGEND SHAPE - ANTISKID 2.0
DISCO BOBBER - PINK - BROKEN SHAPE
NONOKA - PRO MODEL V2 BROKEN SHAPE ANTISKID
SWEETS CONSOLE X-BALL (BLACK) - ANTISKID
HORIZON FADE PINK YELLOW
HORIZON FADE BLACK RED
COOPER EDDY TURBO ANTISKID 2.0
TRACKER - SEAFOAM
TRACKER - YELLOW
TRACKER - ARMY
TRACKER - RED
JOHNNY RAEKES V2 ANTISKID BROKEN SHAPE
SWEETS STARTER KENDAMA (PURPLE)
SWEETS STARTER KENDAMA (WHITE)
SWEETS STARTER KENDAMA (PINK)
SWEETS STARTER KENDAMA (TEAL)
SWEETS STARTER KENDAMA (GREEN)
BROKEN BONES - ELECTRIC PINK
BROKEN BONES - ULTRA NAVY
BROKEN BONES - MINT GREEN
Sweets Kendamas: SWEETS PREMIUM STRING PACKS
Active Kendama Elite - Thunderbolt - Beech Tacky
Active Kendama Spark - Beech Green Waldo Tacky
Active Kendama Spark - Beech Black Waldo Tacky
Active Kendama Spark - Black Waldo Bamboo Tacky
Active Kendama Spark - Thunderbolt (Maple Ken/Beech Tama)
Active Kendama Spark - Vinewhip (Maple Ken/Beech Tama)
Royal Kendama - Plush Performance Model - Red/White
Royal Kendama - Plush Performance Model - Black/Silver
Kendama Europe: Play Pocket - Meadow
Kendama USA : Set of 5 Nano Kendamas - Natural, Red, Blue, Green, Pink
Kendama USA : Neon Green
Kendama USA : Neon Orange
The kendama is a Japanese skill toy made of a wooden handle (ken) and a ball attached with a string (tama). In this category we bring together models from the best-known brands in today's kendama world, from entry-level versions to models built for advanced play.
About kendamas: a classic skill game
The traditional kendama comes from Japan and became internationally popular from the 2000s onwards with American and European brands that adapted shapes and finishes to modern play. Today it is practised as a skill toy in many countries, with its own scene of competitions, local meet-ups and a fairly codified trick progression (cups, spike, lighthouses, lunars, juggles, stalls, combos).
There are two main shapes: the classic Japanese and modern versions with slightly modified profiles to make certain tricks easier. The most common wood is beech, though some brands use other woods with different properties.
Kendama brands at The Joker House
Sweets Kendamas
American brand from Minneapolis, one of the most recognised internationally. Wide catalogue with lines for every level and their own Antiskid 2.0 technology.
All levelsKROM Kendama
European brand focused on design and performance. A reference for those looking for a refined finish and models built for technical play.
Intermediate-advancedKendama USA
One of the historic American kendama brands. Classic models with solid finishes and a recognisable catalogue.
All levelsActive Kendama
Brand with proposals focused on technical performance. A good option for players who have moved past the beginner stage.
Intermediate-advancedKendama Europe
European brand with a more focused catalogue. Worth checking when looking for specific models.
VariedRoyal Kendama
Brand with curated editions. An alternative for those who want something outside the most common brands.
VariedHow to choose your first kendama
Getting started
Entry-level models
If you have never tried a kendama, look for an entry-level model from any well-known brand (Sweets Starter, equivalents from KROM or Kendama USA). Standard shape, no technical finishes, enough to learn the essential moves (cups, spike) in the first few weeks.
To progress
Intermediate lines with more refined finish
Once you handle the basics and start with lunars, juggles or short combos. This is where the intermediate lines come in (Sweets Prime, mid-range KROM models, etc.), with more refined finishes and still standard shapes.
Technical play
Advanced models with specific finishes
For balance tricks (lunars, lighthouses, stalls), long combos or competition. High-end models from each brand, usually with non-slip finishes (like Sweets Antiskid) and optimised shapes, make a real difference at this level.
Finishes and shapes worth knowing
Before choosing, there are three technical aspects worth understanding:
- Ken finish: can be standard paint/lacquer (more slippery, common on basic lines) or a matte finish with controlled friction (like Sweets Antiskid, sticky or tacky on other brands). Matte finishes help with balance tricks.
- Shape: the classic Japanese shape is the baseline, but there are modern variations with wider cup edges or slightly modified necks that make certain tricks easier.
- Wood: beech is standard. Some brands use alternative woods with different weight or impact properties.
If you want to dig deeper, here are three useful resources:
- Kendama: complete guide — what it is, history, parts, tricks.
- Which kendama to buy by level — buying guide.
- Progressive kendama tricks — from big cup to lighthouse.
Frequently asked questions about kendamas
Which kendama brand is best to start?
There is no single answer, but entry-level lines from recognised brands (Sweets Starter, basic models from KROM or Kendama USA) are reasonable options. The important thing is to pick a kendama with standard shape and simple finish, without advanced technologies you will not yet take advantage of.
How long does it take to learn kendama?
Basic tricks (cups, spike) are learned in days or weeks of regular practice. Intermediate moves (lunars, juggles) take months. Advanced tricks can take years of practice. Progression is fairly codified in the kendama world and there is always a next level.
What is the difference between classic Japanese kendama and modern ones?
The classic Japanese keeps the traditional shape with relatively small cups and a simple finish. Modern Western versions usually have slightly wider cups, controlled-friction finishes and other adaptations to make tricks like lunars or stalls more accessible. For modern competitive play, Western models are more common.
What is Sweets Antiskid finish?
It is a matte finish developed by Sweets Kendamas to add controlled friction to the cups and the base of the ken. It helps with balance tricks where the ball has to stay in place. Other brands have their own finishes with the same idea (sticky, tacky), though the Antiskid name belongs to Sweets.
Can you practise kendama indoors?
Yes. Kendama does not need much space: a couple of metres clear around you is enough for most tricks. Just keep in mind that the ball in swing can hit nearby objects until you have more control.