I just busted out a couple lunar lines in the Stockholm airport. Nordic people are notorious for being both accepting and very reserved. The joke goes, "how can you tell if a Finn is an extrovert? He stares at your shoes when he talks" Anyway I noticed literally everyone at the gate staring at me and kind of holstered it. I mean I am sure it's just boredom but I was not a fan of all the eyeballs and not in the mood for a tutorial... it's too early.
I get a bit self-conscious. Since living in Stockholm I've noticed people tend to stare and not say anything, which can be a bit awkward...
I definitely do start off feeling a bit self conscious when I'm playing in public (on very rare occasions), but coming from a performer's background (as a musician playing and singing on stage and playing on the field as part of a college marching band) those feelings quickly subside. It's definitely similar, yet different than playing on stage at a competition. You're (one of) the center(s) of attention when competing on stage but in public, do you want to impress others when you notice them paying attention? Once you get into your flow, it's almost like they arent there.
I alwyas catch stares, and when they're staring at me Im usually lacing. But as soon as the ask me what kendama is, I can't even hit a simple around the world or airplane! I feel if I was jamming with a friend the states wouldn't bug me at all
I jam by myself on my schools campus a lot between classes, always alone. Most people will be too busy with their heads buried in their phones to notice. But some people definitely stare. I'm good with being looked at and they can say anything they want. I get a lot of oh thats cools, or they just ignore me. I do hate it when people stop and want to try because they bet they could do that. I love spreading Dama to new people, but not when I'm jamming by myself with only 1 dama. I basically get to watch them swing the tama around and bash it into a few cups before they tell me it's stupid Now if I have multiple damas idc, give them a Garbo dama to try and keep jamming.
Like the bro before me I play a lot on campus in between jobs and classes and most people just keep walking but you will get those couple that are either interested in it or want to tell you how stupid you look; you just can't think about what other people think, it really doesn't matter. I feel if you love doing something nobody should say or even look at you a certain way because your passionate about it.
I started playing kendama 1 year ago and i was playing in my school. I remember when about half year ago my friend told me "Kacper it was fun looking at first but no longer" than i told him "man, i am not doing this for you, this is my hobby and i love it". I wish there there were more kendama players in my town... But still i love playing kendama even alone! I love this sport and i hope i will get into this community when i come to Kendama Clash in Berlin. Slay hard!
I do get nervous around people but I've been working on it. My buddy on the otherhand, he plays everyday in class
It can be weird, but I think of it kinda like skateboarding: If you're trying to kickflip over a parking barrier or something, chances are you're going to get some shit for it. Anyone that skates (or does something similar) probably knows this all too well: the general public is going to REALLY not be down sometimes. Like, some people might think you're weird, others will literally go out of their way to tell you to stop, or that you're a lowlife, or whatever. That sort of thing just comes with being a skateboarder. With kendama, its different, but also sorta the same. I think there is less animosity towards it (it is less destructive, lower risk/liability, etc), but certainly not less 'wtf is that'-factor. I have friends that skate and thrive on someone trying to tell them they shouldn't, they love to flex the counter-culture side of it. Other skaters, not so much, but thats fair as well. I think the same goes for kendama, some players dont give af, and will put themselves out there, ready for any criticism or praise that comes their way. Other people will only play at home, and are too self-conscious to show off their skills in public. It really just comes down to what you're comfortable with, and what sort of culture you live in. Personally, I encourage the "don't give af" attitude, the other option is boring in my opinion. Like I'm supposed to just go home and watch Survivor Season 47, so I know exactly what to say around the water cooler the next day at work? Hell no! Humans are diverse and interesting, don't let peer-pressure stifle that. There will be times when it truly is not appropriate to play kendama, I'm not suggesting belligerence for the sake of individuality, just that it is important to have confidence in yourself and the things you enjoy. It feels so good to make connections with people, and that happens when you put yourself out there and take some risks. By doing so, someone is probably gonna shit on you one day, but so what? Are you really looking for the praise of someone that has the audacity to tell you that you look stupid, carte-blanche?
When people stop and stare I usually am so focused that I don't even notice haha! I can get a little self-conscious, but I mainly get good comments and praise (sometimes snarky, like "when's the show?") so its all good. I actually feel the most self-conscious around other dama players because they are usually so much better than me haha! Silly I know. I need to jam with other kendama people more often, for sure.
I grew up skateboarding in the mid 80s (Actually I still skate... 30+ years and not stopping anytime soon) and in the 80s us skaters were often thought of and talked about as just obnoxious vandals. But we skated anyways bcs we loved it. Very often people who had negative preconceptions of us were amazed when that actually saw us skate and the barriers broke down. With kendama I treat it the same way... I just do this thing I love and let the people think what they want. If I'm approached I often invite them to land their first big cup and spike. That's always a blast and something skateboarding couldn't really afford. With skating you have to develop balance before a simple bomb drop, boneless or Ollie can be attempted... with Kendama we can get those in the public to lace a big cup or spike within 5 minutes or less usually. I say play. Have fun. Spread the joy. And... DESTROY ALL DAMAS!!!
I play every day in my sports medicine class, my classmates love it. Usually they're the ones who tell me what trick to lace next We make bets in class with out teacher too, didn't have to take the final because I did a yank spike first try with my eyes closed haha
This is the one thing keeping me from going to camp kendama! Ibe been playing for exactly 101 days, and I know there's going to be people there who are insane at lacing and I'll be there like "hey check out my lighthouse flip"
Omg buddy if you have possibility to go to camp kendama you have to!!! It would be epic experience! Whole weekend with other kendama buddys and pro kendama players. Have you seen camp kendama video? This location looks sick! I wish I was in USA. I think on camp kendama your skill will jump to another level like after few months of playing. Dude there would be people who can teach you amazing tricks. And even spending great time with all these guys would be amazing. I think you should definitely go if you have possibility. Keep slaying!
Playing kendama is public is for sure a good way to get used to people watching you and gets you ready for whenever you're gonna be playing on stage.