I've been playing kendama for 4 years now. Over those 4 years, I've seen players come and go. In fact, the person who introduced me to the game quit a year or two ago. If you are still playing kendama, what keeps you going? I know life can get in the way sometimes, but why do you insist on making time for the grind? Curious to hear everyone's thoughts on this.
Because I still have fun playing. I don't play as often as I did in college but I still set aside time every week. None of the people I started playing with play anymore but I got a few other people hooked on it.
When I started I was more focused on chasing new tricks since I didn't know any and it was all new to me. After playing for a number of years I still like to try new tricks but that's not my main focus. I try to keep it as part of my daily routine because I enjoy the challenge but also because it helps me keep moving. It's also fun to teach new players but COVID-19 has put a crimp on that aspect. It'll be nice when we're able to get back to meet-ups IRL. Other than being fun I've always used it as my version of a "smoke break" since I don't smoke. With the lock-down situation I spend even more time in front of a computer and it is not good to be stuck there for really long sessions day after day. Getting up to play for a bit gets the blood flowing and clears my mind. It may sound strange but Moshikame can be very Zen. Also here are some related threads: Why do you play kendama? People who play kendama because of the trend. How many hours a day do you play?
Sounds like my situation right now. I don't have as much free time as I used to, so I can't chase tricks for as long. That said, I play a bit every day and keep the clips coming to stay active during the pandemic.
Ditto on the "smoke break" mentality, sir! I always tell people that kendama should be an escape from stress instead of a stressor. I think a big reason that people quit is that they're too focused on getting that one big trick and continuing to outdo themselves. That will likely cause burnout in the long run, especially if they come to a plateau in their progression.
I bought my first ken like 6/7 years ago and have actively playing for 3-4 years. While the playing itself has reduced (Work, Other Hobbies) the enjoyment has increased. I love the Community, the homies i've made through kendama, the playing itself (mostly chill seshin but sometimes the chase to lace is thrilling). I might not play lots but I'll always be a member kf the Community and enjoy it
Motivation to play comes and goes, but I still find it a good mental break. I also really enjoy the honing/meditative side of the game, but I've been satisfying that side of things playing golf lately, more than dama lol
I play to get outta my head I don't push myself too hard to progress but rather to let go of things overwhelming me. My wife says its my happy place and I find it easy to drown out the outside world.
I haven't played very much in the past few years, but my mine motivation was just to spend time with friends and connect with people from all over.