The news has spread through FKC and Instagram about Kendama USA pro Dave Mateo’s passing. The kendama community and multiple scenes all over the US and the globe have many things to thank Dave for. His eclectic style and positive attitude was a beacon in this community that can never truly be replaced. RIP Dave. Everyone in the kendama community who has had the pleasure of meeting you will always carry your vibe. (https://www.gofundme.com/f/dave-mateo-and-family-funeral-expenses)
Yes ....Thanx Keegan for posting something here .... we all need to keep Dave close today and always ... Rest easy Dave .. .. We all need to come together and help one another out, listen to each other , never let anyone feel so alone , reach out and just be there ....there is so much pain and loss in the world ......it hurts ... Take care my friend ....we’ll take it from here .......
This goes to show we should love each other..... take care of the ones you cared about and the ones who care about you..... take care of yourself especially because we got to be there for each other. Not just our community but for everyone....
RIP Dave. Such a big influence for me and my play style, as well as for so many other players around the world.
Man, one of the first pro players a followed consistently. Rest In Peace Dave, thanks for the inspiration. SHCL
RIP Dave found this gofundme by his family if anyone is interested https://www.gofundme.com/f/dave-mateo-and-family-funeral-expenses
RIP Dave My first dama was his og pro mod and my play style has been heavily influenced by his. SHCL. My prayers go out to his family! We’ll always treasure his contribution to the kendama community!
RIP Dave, watching his vids are what inspire me to #getgud and I always appreciated his emphasis on having an individual kendama style
Its hard to quantify how much of an impact Dave had on kendama, both in playstyle, and just raw outreach. He inspired so many players in his local scene, and around the world, myself included. I'm devastated by the news, Dave was a great friend, just recently I was trying to scheme up a way for him to come visit Vancouver again. As early as 2010-2011, kendama players outside Japan were starting to push the technical progression of tricks, but Dave just singlehandedly defined this whole new freestyle way of playing. His fusion of bboy dancing and kendama flow was brand new, a legitimate pioneer in the game. The progress of kendama would have been different, had Dave not been involved. His influence will live on.