If you could make your own pro team (max of 5 players per pro team), what qualities and traits would you look for in a player that would make you want to put them in your team? Would you want a team full of freestyle flow players or more tech-oriented players? Or a mix of both? New Gen style of play or Old Gen? Only those who have placed in the top 10 in every KWC comp? Or MKO/NAKO? Players who aren’t active in social media but are absolute slayers behind the scenes? Players who lead their own local kendama scene? Or ones who spread dama wherever they go? *Note* This is NOT a name what players you want on your team thread necessarily.
Good Question! Personally I put the biggest weight on authenticity (in Brands, Players and People in General) I'd mix some freestyle slayers with people who are tech beasts. I don't really care which Gen one plays as long as they have fun with it (but if Id design a ken shape it would be medium sized cups & no balance hole so there's that) I wouldn't really care for placement in big competitions. I want players to spread love on a more lowkey (less intimidating for beginners) way. Organise little jams - Tour through Countries (KeineReGeln Tour or Creep It real)
Number one requirement - The pro has to be a good person; no dicks allowed on my pro team. A good advocate for kendama first and foremost needs to be a good person before he can be a good kendama player. Second, they have to be able to be social media savvy as well as handy with editing their own edits. Finally, they have to be active in their own communities as well as be able to travel abroad. That aside, I want the ff. players on my pro team: 1. JKA traditionalist (e.g. Void) 2. OG Cup flow player (e.g. Jake Wiens) 3. Freestyle string god (e.g. Dave Mateo) 4. New Gen juggle tap insta madness master (e.g. Liad Kotlarker) 5. Someone pushing the possibilities of kendama (e.g. Ben Herald)