Had local YouTube stars pick up the game, they were cool for a bit, organizing jams, getting some of their subscribers to play. Their skills weren't much, and their subs idolized them, and then learnt some neat tricks. It was awesome! Close to a year in it, they've suddenly stopped. Super bummed. Lost a good lot of the players as well. Super thankful for the ones who stayed, though.
Whatever happens, don't let the opinions of others influence you to not play. If you enjoy kendama then don't put it down! Don't just follow the pack, that's a boring, uninspired way to live.
It was definitely a trend/phase that went through the dance community in Dallas/Houston. Heck, that's how I even got into playing dama in the first place. I saw all the "cool kids" playing in my dance crew and wanted to fit in. (LOLOL '^_^) Turns out after the semester was over a few months later, basically everyone stopped playing. I was the only one left but whatever, their lost. I've found a hobby I love to do plus a pretty cool community! I'm pretty thankful that the people i've ran into that used to play are impressed that i kept up with it rather than judge. haha You do you.
@nikki_deo Seriously, there were kendama players in Dallas? I usually go back once a year and every time I play out in the public eye people look at me like I'm a space alien. I tried to find a kendama locally for a buddy who was interested and only Fry's had them and kind of weird ones at that.
Texas (in general) is a rather small (kinda growing) community! For the past few years it was shrinking unfortunately. There's a good handful that play now in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and jam monthly i think! They normally meet up at the Grapevine library with a group of yo-yoers. @triggerscold could probably give you more insight to the scene! As for shops that carry kendamas, i don't know any in Dallas except for those Samurai ones at Frys. lol BUT Kinokuniya bookstore just opened in Carrollton and they're opening one up soon in Plano. I know the one in SF carries KUSA sooooo I'm kinda hoping they would eventually carry them as well...
Kendama is starting to pick up in my school and I am starting to worry that it may turn into a "trend" rather then a growing community. I keep telling the younger kids that are getting into it to keep playing kendama. Now, I am currently trying to push them to get more kids in their grades to play kendama. Hopefully they will understand the importance of building a community. However, most that have gotten into kendama so far are really stoked on it. They will huddle around my friends and when we get a trick, they go nuts.
Agree with most of the people on the thread. Kendama isn't just some trend that most people ride on, but a way of life which takes time and commitment (which the people who stop playing either don't have, aren't willing to give it, or have lost it). Also, it's not about the size of the scene, but the people who are in it. If you're a group of 5, but all of you understand and rep the Kendama Lifestyle, I would call that a job well done.