The State Stage is Set for Kendama Players

Lock in your spot to compete at the Illinois State and Florida State Kendama Contests

showcase your creativity, style and consistency in front of a crowd that shares your passion

The State Kendama Contests are your chance to test your skills, meet new friends, and celebrate kendama in a supportive and exciting environment. Whether you’re just starting out or have been grinding advanced tricks for years, these contests are designed for everyone.

  • Push Yourself, Have Fun

    Competing in kendama is about pushing yourself, learning from others and seeing how far your practice can take you. The State Kendama Contests give you the opportunity to showcase your creativity, style and consistency in front of a supportive crowd that shares your passion.

  • Build Connections, Share Tricks

    Kendama thrives on community. Here, you’ll connect with players of all ages and backgrounds who share the same love for slinging tricks. From beginners to seasoned pros, everyone brings something unique to the table — and you’ll leave with new friends, fresh inspiration and a stronger sense of belonging in the kendama world.

  • Community First

    At the State Kendama Contests, you’ll meet new friends, share your style and learn from others. The supportive atmosphere makes it easy to connect, grow and feel at home in a community that celebrates creativity and effort.

2025 cONTESTS

Illinois State Kendama Contest Logo

Nov. 8, 2025

Chicago Toy & Game Fair

Rosemont, IL (just outside of O'Hare)

Presented by Sweets Kendamas

Florida State Kendama Contest Logo

Dezerland Park

Orlando, FL

DEC. 6, 2025

DIVISIONS & RULES

  • The Speed Ladder – Beginner Division has a set list of 12 tricks to complete:

    1. Base Cup, Big Cup, Small Cup (any sequence)

    2. Candle Stick

    3. Around Japan

    4. Moshikame x 5 (bonus point for spike)

    5. Airplane

    6. Frying Pan, Spike

    7. Any Spike (extra point for no spin,, 2 points for swing spike)

    8. Easy Lighthouse, in

    9. Easy Spike Earth Turn

    10. Easy Jumping Stick

    11. Easy Bird Balance Count to 2, Spike

    12. Spike, Flying Top Spike

    RULES

    • When the player attempts the first trick, the time starts.

    • You have two attempts at each trick and then must move on to the next trick.

    • If you land the trick on your first try, you receive 2 points, followed by 1 point if you land it on the second try and 0 points for a miss.

    • The fastest time with the least number of misses wins. Tie breakers go to the player with the most points.

  • All 10 players must submit 2 tricks by Oct. 19 for Illinois State and Nov. 15 for Florida State for possible inclusion in the Speed Ladder – Open contest. The 10 tricks for Open Ladder will be chosen from that list and will be noted here as well as announced via @IllinoisKendama and @FloridaKendama Instagram.

    RULES

    • When the player attempts the first trick, the time starts. You have two attempts at each trick and then must move on to the next trick.

    • If you land the trick on your first try, you receive 2 points, followed by 1 point if you land it on the second try and 0 points for a miss.

    • The fastest time with the least number of misses wins. Tie breakers go to the player with the most points.

    • Players competing in Speed Ladder - Open cannot play in Speed Ladder – Beginner.

  • Players have 90 seconds to perform their “Expression Session” and will be subjectively judged based on the following criteria.

    The top 3 competitors will receive awards and prizes, and the highest ranked Illinois resident will be named the Illinois State Kendama Champion for the division.

    JUDGING CRITERIA

    • Flow of Tricks

    • Variety of Tricks

    • Landed Spikes vs. Missed Spikes

    • Style

    • Charisma

    • Confidence

    • Crowd Appeal

    • Difficulty

    RULES

    • This division is standalone and open to all Speed Ladder Beginner and Open players. Non-Ladder players are also allowed to register.

    • Each player will submit a 90 second song for their performance.

    • The podium will be ranked by overall subjective scoring provided by the judges.

Lock in your spot to compete

Don’t miss out on your chance to compete at the Illinois State and Florida State Kendama Contests! All interested competitors must register online, prior to the event.