Blog Archives
The Kendama Tribute is Here
We’re super pumped about this awesome toy and we’re looking forward to hanging out and learning new stuff in our Kendama Klub. Sign up at any Learning Express Triangle location to receive updates on Kendama events, new products, and other cool stuff too! Come see us July 12 for a beginner’s Kendama session. We’ll have staff there to help you get started. Until then keep practicing!
New Kendamas!
Ken what? Kendama!!! It’s a Japanese skill toy that is really starting to take off at Learning Express. You may have seen some of these stylish toys in our team members hands over the last few months. To sweeten the deal, we just got new Kendamas including Metallic, Neon, and Striped Kendamas. Yeah, they’re pretty awesome.
So why is Kendama so popular? Well, for starters it’s excellent for hand eye coordination. In addition, it really helps children with their focus, balance, patience, and challenges them to try new tricks to reach new skill levels. We really like Kendama and the positive attitude that it encourages among players. Kendama is all about having fun and getting kids to put down the video controller. Check out this article from the Pittsburgh Tribune.
The question we are always asked is “what age kid plays Kendama?” Generally kids 7 or 8 and up. Some kids really have great coordination and can really do some amazing tricks. We have a skill sheet that can start kids off with a few basic tricks, and after that it’s all about creativity and skill! Our staff would be happy to teach them a few tricks as well. Stay tuned for updates on this hot toy. Until then, keep playing and enjoy this video from Damafest 2011!
KENDAMA!
Have you seen Kendama? It’s an extremely addictive skill toy from Japan that strengthens hand-eye coordination, balance, and reflex.
The Kendama is made up of the “Ken” (handle) and the “Tama” (ball), which are connected by a string. Tricks are done by juggling the ball in the 3 cups, spiking the ball on the Ken spike, and balancing in new creative ways. Mastering the Kendama takes practice, focus, patience, and creativity.
These guys are amazing. My favorite part is around 2:50 – that back-hand spike is incredible!
Learning Express stores in Georgia have been selling hundreds of Kendamas a week for the past few months and once you watch some videos and see how cool this toy is, it’s easy to see why.
If you haven’t played yet, pick one up and give it a try but be warned, it’s really hard to stop once you start.
We’ve got a lot of Kendama on order and we will have them in our stores soon!
